Is Hayward or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Hayward (Safety Score 17/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,134 for Hayward — 24% lower. Hayward has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Hayward has a 40% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 10.8x 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
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hayward, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hayward | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,133.8 | 3,125.4 | +1,008.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 477.1 | 800.0 | -322.9 |
| Murder Rate | 7.8 | 8.4 | -0.5 |
| Rape Rate | 46.9 | 64.3 | -17.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 174.0 | 181.6 | -7.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 248.3 | 545.3 | -297.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,656.7 | 2,325.3 | +1,331.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 364.4 | 317.2 | +47.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,915.7 | 1,582.1 | +333.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,376.6 | 426.0 | +950.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hayward or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,134 for Hayward — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hayward has a violent crime rate of 477.1 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. 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 Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.