Hayward, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Hayward, California had a total population of 158,801, the 35th largest city in California, with a median household income of $113,318, which is 14% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.5x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in California (diversity index: 71/100).
Hayward Quick Facts
How Hayward Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 159,201 | 158,801 | -0.3% |
| Median household income | $113,775 | $113,318 | -0.4% |
| Median home value | $820,700 | $854,400 | +4.1% |
How Hayward Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Hayward Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in Alameda County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland | 439,418 | $101,600 | 13.4% | $929,900 |
| Fremont | 228,295 | $181,506 | 5.2% | $1,403,800 |
| Berkeley | 120,257 | $108,092 | 17.3% | $1,413,900 |
| San Leandro | 87,826 | $101,420 | 8.3% | $844,200 |
| Livermore | 85,522 | $160,775 | 4.9% | $1,105,600 |
| Alameda | 77,238 | $137,697 | 7.2% | $1,235,700 |
| Pleasanton | 76,960 | $190,124 | 5.3% | $1,537,100 |
| Dublin | 70,803 | $214,385 | 4.5% | $1,317,100 |
| Union City | 67,464 | $133,715 | 7.2% | $1,104,900 |
| Castro Valley | 65,001 | $142,779 | 6.7% | $1,104,600 |
Cities Similar to Hayward
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corona | 159,670 | $109,242 | $700,700 | 32.4% | 8.7% |
| Roseville | 155,955 | $119,288 | $661,400 | 44.3% | 5.9% |
| Rancho Cucamonga | 175,411 | $111,895 | $740,200 | 37.5% | 8.0% |
| Salinas | 161,761 | $91,908 | $654,100 | 16.5% | 13.6% |
| Torrance | 142,130 | $116,217 | $1,074,700 | 54.0% | 7.8% |
Population Overview
Hayward is a major urban center located in California, within Alameda County. The total population is 158,801. It ranks as the 35th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Hayward is 38.6 years. This is 2% higher than the state median of 37.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Hayward is $113,318. This is 14% higher than the state median of $99,122. It is also 40% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 9.6%. This is 20% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 6.3%. This is 5% lower than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $854,400. Housing costs are 16% higher than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 58.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% higher than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Hayward is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Asian residents account for 30.0%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (12.7%) is well below the state average of 33.8%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (30.0% vs 15.3%).
Education
34.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 8% lower than the state rate of 37.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 82.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Hayward, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,570 Census-designated places in California. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Hayward, California?
Hayward, California has a population of 158,801 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Hayward, CA?
The median household income in Hayward is $113,318, which is 40% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Hayward, CA?
The poverty rate in Hayward is 9.6%. This means approximately 15,040 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Hayward, California?
Hayward's population is 12.7% White, 7.6% Black, 41.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 30.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Hayward, CA?
The median home value in Hayward is $854,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.5x.
How educated is Hayward, California?
34.0% of adults (25+) in Hayward hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.