Hayward, CA vs Lakewood, 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.
Hayward
61.7
#1891 nationally
Lakewood
63.1
#1796 nationally
Lakewood leads in average commute (29.8 min vs 34.2 min). Lakewood leads in median household income ($113,030 vs $105,371). Lakewood leads in crime level (12.4 vs 13.1).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hayward, CA | Lakewood, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.7 (#1891) | 63.1 (#1796) |
| Population | 155,675 | 78,135 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $831,558 | $882,830 |
| Median Household Income | $105,371 | $113,030 |
| Average Commute | 34.2 min | 29.8 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 58 |
| Crime Level | 13.1 | 12.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 168 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | D+32.9 |
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 →
D
63.1 Score
Lakewood, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$882,830
Population
78,135
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
58
Pacific
View Lakewood, CA →