Living in Hayward, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Hayward · Census data 2020–2024
Hayward has 158,801 residents with a median age of 38.6. The median household income is $113,318 (14% higher than the California median), the median home value is $854,400, the median rent is $2,391/month.
Hayward at a glance
- Population
- 158,801
- Median age
- 38.6State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $113,318State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $854,400State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $2,391/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 58%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 34%
- Average commute
- 32 min
Is Hayward a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 14% higher than the California median; unemployment of 6.3%; a poverty rate of 9.6%.
Cons: Home values 16% higher than the state median; an average commute of 32 minutes.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Hayward
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Hayward the median home value is $854,400, 157% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,391 per month, which is 31.9% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $3,208 a month in housing costs.
Hayward median household income
The median household income in Hayward is $113,318 and the income per person is $45,923. 9.6% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Hayward: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 52,243
- Owner-occupied
- 58%
- Renter-occupied
- 42%
- Vacant
- 5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1972
- Average household size
- 3.13
Hayward demographics
- Population
- 158,801
- Median age
- 38.6
- Under 18
- 19.6%
- 65 and older
- 14.4%
- Households
- 49,631
- Foreign-born
- 43.4%
- Veterans
- 2.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Hayward ›
Education in Hayward
34% of adults 25 and older in Hayward have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 9.9% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Hayward
- Unemployment rate
- 6.3%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 32 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 13.9%
- Drive alone
- 65.4%
- Public transit
- 4.3%
- Walk to work
- 1.2%
- Homes with broadband
- 94.8%
Hayward vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayward | 158,801 | $113,318 | $854,400 | $2,391 |
| Cherryland | 14,143 | $86,418 | $668,800 | $2,140 |
| San Lorenzo | 29,171 | $112,660 | $847,100 | $2,163 |
| Ashland | 22,210 | $81,702 | $775,800 | $2,110 |
| Fairview | 10,745 | $148,667 | $963,300 | $2,644 |
| Union City | 67,464 | $133,715 | $1,104,900 | $2,713 |
| Castro Valley | 65,001 | $142,779 | $1,104,600 | $2,554 |
| San Leandro | 87,826 | $101,420 | $844,200 | $2,186 |
| Foster City | 32,792 | $199,143 | $1,838,200 | $3,501 |
More for people moving to Hayward
Hayward ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Hayward: FAQ
What is the median household income in Hayward, CA?
The median household income in Hayward is $113,318, 14% higher than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Hayward?
The median home value in Hayward is $854,400, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Hayward?
The median gross rent in Hayward is $2,391 per month, about 31.9% of household income.
Is Hayward, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 14% higher than the California median; unemployment of 6.3%; a poverty rate of 9.6%. Minuses: home values 16% higher than the state median; an average commute of 32 minutes.
What is the median age in Hayward?
The median age in Hayward is 38.6 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Hayward?
The average commute to work in Hayward is 32 minutes; 13.9% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Hayward?
The unemployment rate in Hayward is 6.3% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Hayward?
34% of adults in Hayward have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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