Is Hayward or Norfolk Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Hayward is safer than Norfolk (Safety Score 8/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 4,134 per 100,000 versus 4,242 for Norfolk — 3% lower. Hayward has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Norfolk has a 56% lower rate.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Hayward, CA?
Hayward — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norfolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hayward, CA
Norfolk, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hayward | Norfolk | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,133.8 | 4,242.0 | -108.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 477.1 | 469.5 | +7.6 |
| Murder Rate | 7.8 | 16.1 | -8.2 |
| Rape Rate | 46.9 | 40.4 | +6.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 174.0 | 77.2 | +96.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 248.3 | 335.9 | -87.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,656.7 | 3,772.5 | -115.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 364.4 | 254.3 | +110.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,915.7 | 3,122.9 | -1,207.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,376.6 | 395.3 | +981.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hayward or Norfolk safer?
Hayward is safer with a total crime rate of 4,134 per 100K vs 4,242 for Norfolk — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hayward has a violent crime rate of 477.1 per 100K while Norfolk has 469.5. Norfolk 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 Norfolk, VA
Norfolk, a historic port city in Southeast Virginia, is home to the world's largest naval base. Its waterfront location at the mouth of the Elizabeth River shapes its identity and economy, drawing a diverse population. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 230,460, Norfolk has a total crime rate of 4,242.0 per 100,000 residents.