Living in Hayward, CA
Hayward is the 172nd-largest city in the US, home to about 157,000 people in 2025. It has lost 3.6% of its population since 2020. Prices across the metro area run well above the national average (115.6 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 157,113-3.6% since 2020
- Median home value
- $854,4007.5 years of median income
- Median rent
- $2,391/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $113,318median, per year
- Price level
- 115.6US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 59° / 75°lows 43° / 57°
- Average commute
- 32 min14% work from home
- State income tax
- 13.3%top rate, graduated
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County: Alameda County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 112 ft
Metro area: San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Cost of living in Hayward
The median home in Hayward is worth $854,400 and the median household earns $113,318 a year, so a typical home costs about 7.5 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $2,391 a month, about 25% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro area at 115.6, with housing at 194.7 and goods at 108.5 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $86,700 here. California taxes wages at a top rate of 13.3%. The average combined state and local sales tax in California is 9.03%.
What would my salary be worth in Hayward?
Hayward weather
Average highs run from 59°F in January to 75°F in July, and January nights average 43°F. It gets 16 inches of rain and melted snow a year, with almost no snow. The most comfortable months are March to November.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Hayward
People and work
The median resident is 38.6 years old, and 34% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 58% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 32 minutes; 14% of workers work from home and 4% take public transit.
- Median age
- 38.6403rd youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 34%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 58%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,42945.8 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 4%1% walk, 0.4% bike
- Unemployment
- 6.3%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 9.6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1972median year
Who moves to Hayward, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), San Diego (San Diego County) and Anaheim (Orange County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), San Diego (San Diego County) and Seattle (King County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Very High
FEMA rating for Alameda County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: inland flooding, earthquake, wildfire, coastal flooding.
Home prices
-4.8% in a year
Up 8% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Oakland-Fremont-Berkeley, CA (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Hayward
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Oracle Park 19 miles
- University of California-Berkeley 18 miles
- Stanford University 17 miles
- San Jose State University 25 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Hayward
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport OAK | 9 mi | 5,292,736 |
| San Francisco International Airport SFO | 17 mi | 25,078,968 |
| San Jose International Airport SJC | 22 mi | 5,822,019 |
| Stockton Metropolitan Airport SCK | 48 mi | 63,668 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Hayward
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Berkeley | 18 mi | 33,068 | $14,538 | 94% |
| San Francisco State University | 23 mi | 18,639 | $9,803 | 50% |
| Diablo Valley College | 21 mi | 15,358 | $710 | 55% |
| De Anza College | 24 mi | 15,264 | $3,801 | n/a |
| California State University-East Bay | in town | 9,809 | $6,858 | 49% |
| College of San Mateo | 17 mi | 7,977 | n/a | 53% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Hayward
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before January 2, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around December 12 and the first frost comes around December 25.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Hayward Air Terminal, CA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Hayward.
Wildfire smoke in Hayward
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Hayward on about 47 days a year, including about 10 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Hayward
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 49,631 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Hayward
Downtown Hayward is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayward Unified School District | K to 12 | 17,377 | 28 | 21.3 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Oakland Unified School District (33,838 students), Fremont Unified School District (33,134 students), San Ramon Valley Unified School District (28,615 students), Pleasanton Unified School District (13,338 students), Dublin Unified School District (12,808 students), New Haven Unified School District (10,069 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Hayward's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Hayward's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Lakewood, CA80% matchCompare
- Oceanside, CA76% matchCompare
- Ventura, CA76% matchCompare
- San Marcos, CA75% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Ski resorts near Hayward
- Dodge Ridge Ski Area 121 miles
- Bear Valley Mountain Resort 126 miles
- Kirkwood Mountain Resort 129 miles
- Badger Pass Ski Area 131 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Hayward
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data 9 months a year have comfortable weather by our rule.
Cons
- Data Homes are expensive for local pay: the median home costs 7.5 years of median household income.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 16% above the US average, mostly because of housing.
- Data California's top income tax rate is 13.3%, among the highest in the country.
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.03% on average with local taxes.
- Data Commutes are long: 32 minutes each way on average.
- Data The population has shrunk 3.6% since 2020.
Hayward report card from locals
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Cities near Hayward
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Leandro, CA | 5 mi | 85,353 | $844,200 | 115.6 | Compare |
| Fremont, CA | 9 mi | 226,442 | $1,403,800 | 115.6 | Compare |
| San Ramon, CA | 11 mi | 86,209 | $1,509,500 | 115.6 | Compare |
| Alameda, CA | 12 mi | 76,876 | $1,235,700 | 115.6 | Compare |
| Oakland, CA | 13 mi | 440,838 | $929,900 | 115.6 | Compare |
| San Mateo, CA | 16 mi | 103,337 | $1,618,700 | 115.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Hayward ranks 52nd of 66 in our best suburbs of San Francisco ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Hayward with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Hayward a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show 9 comfortable months a year; the trade-offs are high prices, expensive homes relative to local incomes, long commutes, a shrinking population. Compare Hayward side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Hayward?
The Census Bureau estimates Hayward had 157,113 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 162,900 in April 2020 (-3.6%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Hayward?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $86,700 in the Hayward area. The median household here earns $113,318.
When is the best time to visit Hayward?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, March to November are the most comfortable months. July averages 75°F and January 59°F for daytime highs.
What county is Hayward in?
Hayward is in Alameda County, California. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Hayward in?
Hayward is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Hayward?
About 112 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does California have a state income tax?
Yes. California has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 13.3% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Hayward. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Hayward Air Terminal, CA station; snowfall from Fremont, CA. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.