Is Hayward or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Hayward (Safety Score 38/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 4,134 for Hayward — 50% lower. Hayward has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 68% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 9.1x 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
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hayward, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hayward | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,133.8 | 2,082.4 | +2,051.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 477.1 | 412.4 | +64.7 |
| Murder Rate | 7.8 | 2.5 | +5.3 |
| Rape Rate | 46.9 | 21.4 | +25.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 174.0 | 77.4 | +96.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 248.3 | 310.9 | -62.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,656.7 | 1,670.0 | +1,986.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 364.4 | 187.4 | +177.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,915.7 | 1,087.1 | +828.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,376.6 | 395.5 | +981.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hayward or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 4,134 for Hayward — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hayward has a violent crime rate of 477.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego 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 San Diego, CA
San Diego, California, a major port city with a significant Hispanic population, sits on the Pacific Ocean just north of the Mexican border. Known for its mild climate and Balboa Park, it's also home to a large naval presence. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 1,389,024, San Diego has a total crime rate of 2,082.4 per 100,000 residents.