Is Hayward or Independence Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Independence is safer than Hayward (Safety Score 8/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 4,096 per 100,000 versus 4,134 for Hayward — 1% lower. Hayward has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Independence has a 57% lower rate.
Hayward — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Independence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hayward, CA
Independence, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hayward | Independence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,133.8 | 4,095.8 | +38.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 477.1 | 572.0 | -94.9 |
| Murder Rate | 7.8 | 9.2 | -1.3 |
| Rape Rate | 46.9 | 89.8 | -42.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 174.0 | 75.7 | +98.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 248.3 | 396.6 | -148.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,656.7 | 3,523.7 | +132.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 364.4 | 407.4 | -43.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,915.7 | 2,301.5 | -385.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,376.6 | 814.8 | +561.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hayward or Independence safer?
Independence is safer with a total crime rate of 4,096 per 100K vs 4,134 for Hayward — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hayward has a violent crime rate of 477.1 per 100K while Independence has 572.0. 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 Independence, MO
Independence, Missouri, a city of about 120,000 residents, is historically significant as the starting point of the Oregon, Santa Fe, and California Trails. Located just east of Kansas City, it's a prominent suburb with a rich past. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 120,271, Independence has a total crime rate of 4,095.8 per 100,000 residents.