| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Hayward/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 6,342 | n/a (estimate) | 4,134 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 12 | n/a | 7.8 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 72 | n/a | 46.9 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 267 | n/a | 174.0 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 381 | n/a | 248.3 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 732 | n/a (estimate) | 477 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 559 | n/a | 364.4 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,939 | n/a | 1,915.7 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2,112 | n/a | 1,376.6 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 5,610 | n/a (estimate) | 3,657 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Hayward crime rate is higher than the national average by 95.1%. Specifically, there were 732 violent crimes in Hayward, equivalent to 477 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 32.9%. Furthermore, Hayward recorded 5610 property crimes, amounting to 3657 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 107.8%.
Having a crime rate of 4134 per 100,000 residents, Hayward experiences a crime rate that is 95.06% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Hayward contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Every year, one in 28 people fall victim to a property crime in Hayward - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3657 per 100,000 people, Hayward has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Hayward has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Hayward reported 2112 vehicle thefts, which equates to 1377 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Hayward is 1 in 73.
What do the local residents think about crime in Hayward? Well, based on a recent survey of 60 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 28% of Hayward residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 72% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Hayward, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Hayward presents a total crime rate that is 95% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Hayward experiences an average of 17.38 daily crimes, comprising 2.01 violent incidents and 15.37 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Hayward has increased by 7.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Hayward is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 38.6%, while property crime has increased by 4.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Hayward.
The Hayward area comprises a diverse array of over 16 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Southgate, Upper B Street and Hayward Highland which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Santa Clara, Mission-Garin and Mission-Foothill exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Hayward neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
Hayward reports an unemployment rate of 3.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Hayward crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Hayward, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.91 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Hayward stands at $1,093,869, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Hayward | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 282 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Castle Hill, CA | 1,189 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Moraga, CA | 17,346 | 91 | 487 | 578 |
| Danville, CA | 46,118 | 63 | 584 | 647 |
| Emerald Lake Hills, CA | 5,043 | 126 | 540 | 666 |
| Highlands-Baywood Park, CA | 4,411 | 126 | 540 | 666 |
| Foster City, CA | 34,247 | 69 | 669 | 739 |
| Camino Tassajara, CA | 6,002 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Hayward, CA | 163,491 | 477 | 3,657 | 4,134 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Alexandria, VA | 164,023 | 219 | 2,640 | 2,859 |
| Salinas, CA | 161,640 | 525 | 1,675 | 2,200 |
| Lancaster, CA | 161,201 | 835 | 1,921 | 2,755 |
| Clarksville, TN | 160,664 | 410 | 1,632 | 2,042 |
| Lakewood, CO | 159,208 | 787 | 5,093 | 5,881 |
| Hayward, CA | 163,491 | 477 | 3,657 | 4,134 |
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