Is Hayward or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Hayward (Safety Score 35/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 4,134 for Hayward — 46% lower. Hayward has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Los Angeles has a 59% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 24.7x 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
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hayward, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hayward | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,133.8 | 2,212.5 | +1,921.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 477.1 | 728.5 | -251.4 |
| Murder Rate | 7.8 | 7.0 | +0.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.9 | 40.3 | +6.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 174.0 | 209.9 | -35.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 248.3 | 471.4 | -223.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,656.7 | 1,483.9 | +2,172.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 364.4 | 372.8 | -8.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,915.7 | 851.5 | +1,064.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,376.6 | 259.6 | +1,117.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hayward or Los Angeles safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 4,134 for Hayward — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hayward has a violent crime rate of 477.1 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. 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 Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, a sprawling Southern California metropolis, is a major Pacific Rim gateway, home to Hollywood's film industry. Its diverse population of nearly 4 million people resides across a vast urban landscape bordered by mountains and the Pacific Ocean. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 3,796,352, Los Angeles has a total crime rate of 2,212.5 per 100,000 residents.