Hayward, CA vs Plainfield, IL
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
Plainfield
74.9
#535 nationally
Plainfield leads in crime level (1.6 vs 13.1). Hayward leads in walk score (57 vs 20). Plainfield leads in cost of living index (124 vs 173).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hayward, CA | Plainfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.7 (#1891) | 74.9 (#535) |
| Population | 155,675 | 47,448 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $831,558 | $432,279 |
| Median Household Income | $105,371 | $143,064 |
| Average Commute | 34.2 min | 33.9 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 20 |
| Crime Level | 13.1 | 1.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 124 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | D+1.6 |
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 →
C
74.9 Score
Plainfield, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$432,279
Population
47,448
Crime
Low
Walk Score
20
Midwest
View Plainfield, IL →