Is Hayward or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Jose is safer than Hayward (Safety Score 16/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100,000 versus 4,134 for Hayward — 23% lower. Hayward has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 65% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 6.2x 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 Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hayward, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hayward | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,133.8 | 3,194.8 | +939.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 477.1 | 606.9 | -129.8 |
| Murder Rate | 7.8 | 2.7 | +5.1 |
| Rape Rate | 46.9 | 77.3 | -30.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 174.0 | 140.8 | +33.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 248.3 | 386.0 | -137.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,656.7 | 2,587.9 | +1,068.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 364.4 | 427.0 | -62.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,915.7 | 1,523.2 | +392.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,376.6 | 637.6 | +739.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hayward or San Jose safer?
San Jose is safer with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100K vs 4,134 for Hayward — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hayward has a violent crime rate of 477.1 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. 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 San Jose, CA
San Jose, the largest city in Northern California, is a diverse Silicon Valley hub with a rich history, once serving as California's first state capital. Located at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay, its population reflects a broad range of ethnicities and income levels. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 956,840, San Jose has a total crime rate of 3,194.8 per 100,000 residents.