Hayward, CA vs Salem, VA
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
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Hayward leads in walk score (57 vs 27). Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 13.1). Salem leads in average commute (18.8 min vs 34.2 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hayward, CA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.7 (#1891) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 155,675 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $831,558 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $105,371 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 34.2 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 13.1 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | R+19.3 |
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
73.2 Score
Salem, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$312,662
Population
25,600
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Northeast
View Salem, VA →