Athens, AL vs Hayward, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Athens
70
#1140 nationally
Hayward
61.7
#1891 nationally
Hayward leads in walk score (57 vs 21). Athens leads in crime level (6.7 vs 13.1). Athens leads in cost of living index (93 vs 173).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Athens, AL | Hayward, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70 (#1140) | 61.7 (#1891) |
| Population | 30,904 | 155,675 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $311,050 | $831,558 |
| Median Household Income | $57,444 | $105,371 |
| Average Commute | 24.5 min | 34.2 min |
| Walk Score | 21 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 6.7 | 13.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 173 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+43.9 | D+53.6 |
C-
70 Score
Athens, AL
Small Alabama city with local appeal
Median Home
$311,050
Population
30,904
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
21
Southeast
View Athens, AL →
D-
61.7 Score
Hayward, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$831,558
Population
155,675
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
57
Pacific
View Hayward, CA →