Is Hayward or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hayward is safer than Houston (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,134 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 24% lower. Hayward has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Hayward has a 58% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 15.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Hayward — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hayward, CA
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hayward | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,133.8 | 5,441.7 | -1,307.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 477.1 | 1,148.3 | -671.1 |
| Murder Rate | 7.8 | 13.8 | -6.0 |
| Rape Rate | 46.9 | 73.0 | -26.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 174.0 | 274.0 | -100.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 248.3 | 787.4 | -539.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,656.7 | 4,293.5 | -636.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 364.4 | 644.8 | -280.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,915.7 | 2,945.7 | -1,030.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,376.6 | 703.0 | +673.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hayward or Houston safer?
Hayward is safer with a total crime rate of 4,134 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hayward has a violent crime rate of 477.1 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Hayward has lower violent crime.
About Hayward, CA
Hayward, a diverse city in Alameda County, sits on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. Home to California State University, East Bay, it was once a major agricultural producer, especially known for its cherries and tomatoes. Its population is over 160,000 residents. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 153,419, Hayward has a total crime rate of 4,133.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Houston, TX
Houston, the "Space City," is a sprawling metropolis in Southeast Texas, home to NASA's Johnson Space Center. Its diverse population makes it one of the most multicultural cities in the U.S., with significant Hispanic and Asian communities. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 2,319,160, Houston has a total crime rate of 5,441.7 per 100,000 residents.