Hayward, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Hayward, CA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 53% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 172 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 30 chance for property crime. Hayward has higher crime than 89% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Hayward has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 84% of the city's 19 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Fairway Park is one of the safest areas, while Upper B Street has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Hayward is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Hayward are Fairway Park, Tennyson-Alquire, Glen Eden, Hayward Highland, and Fairview. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Hayward include Upper B Street, Downtown Hayward, Hayward North, Mission Foothills, and Mission-Garin. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Hayward is 580.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 52% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 172 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 8.1 per 100K (62% above average); aggravated assault at 341.9 per 100K (27% above average); robbery at 155.2 per 100K (110% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Hayward is 3,344.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 83% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 30 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 397.2 per 100K (47% above average); larceny/theft at 2,340.9 per 100K (67% above average); vehicle theft at 606.7 per 100K (90% above average).

Hayward's overall crime rate is 53% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (123% above average), while assault is 27% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Hayward has higher crime than 89% of them.

Visitors to Hayward should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 83% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Fairway Park, Tennyson-Alquire, Glen Eden.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Hayward's crime rate is 53% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Hayward, with an estimated rate of 2,340.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 67% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,345 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (580 per 100K) in Hayward, which is consistent with national trends.