Hayward, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
158,801
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$113,318/yr
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
52,243
0.1% year-over-year change

Hayward population

How many people live in Hayward

Hayward is home to 158,801 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Hayward locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
158,801
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
79,540
Female
49.9%
79,261
Value Percent YoY change
Male 79,540 50.1% -0.8%
Female 79,261 49.9% 0.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Hayward is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.8% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.7% of the population, while another 26.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.8%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
31.7%
45 to 64
26.4%
Over 65
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 25,153 15.8% -3.5%
15 to 24 18,518 11.7% -3.2%
25 to 44 50,391 31.7% 0.1%
45 to 64 41,843 26.4% -1.5%
Over 65 22,896 14.4% 8.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Hayward, 54.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 26.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 19.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 16.4% of locals are Caucasian, 8% are African American and 30.5% have Asian roots. Another 1.2% are Indigenous American, 2.9% are Pacific Islanders, while 26.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 15% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
54.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
26.2%
Non-citizens
19.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 86,786 54.6% -2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 41,575 26.2% -1.7%
Non-citizens 30,440 19.2% 7.8%
Racial breakdown
White
16.4%
Black or African American
8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
30.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
2.9%
Two or more races
15%
Other
26.1%
Value Percent
White 26,023 16.4%
Black or African American 12,619 8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,932 1.2%
Asian 48,380 30.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4,575 2.9%
Two or more races 23,890 15%
Other 41,382 26.1%

Households in Hayward

A peek inside Hayward households

Hayward has 49,631 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74% are families, while the remaining 26% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
49,631
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
12,925
Family households
36,706
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,925 26% -2.2%
Family households 36,706 74% 1.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Hayward

The housing landscape of Hayward

Hayward's housing consists of 52,243 units, with 51.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
52,243
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 26,724 51.2%
1 unit, attached 5,906 11.3%
2 units 654 1.2%
3 or 4 units 2,227 4.3%
5 to 9 units 2,465 4.7%
10 to 19 units 2,275 4.4%
20 to 49 units 3,325 6.4%
50 or more units 6,204 11.9%
Mobile home 2,357 4.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 106 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
653
40.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Hayward

In Hayward, the median construction year is 1972. About 4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,109 4% -1.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,668 5.1% 0.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 13,199 25.3% -1.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,156 11.8% 1.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,308 15.9% -9.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 7,340 14% 9.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,586 8.8% -2.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,892 7.4% 2.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,332 6.4% 9.0%
Built in 2020 or later 653 1.2% 40.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Hayward occupancy rates

Out of the 49,631 occupied housing units in Hayward, 58% are owner-occupied, while 42% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
49,631
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
20,832
Owner occupied
28,799
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 20,832 42% -2.2%
Owner occupied 28,799 58% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
5.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Hayward housing costs

Housing costs in Hayward come to a median of $2,439 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,391.

Median housing costs per month
$2,439/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Hayward
$2,391/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Hayward

Hayward education at a glance

About 31.7% of the population in Hayward went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 22.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 13,253 10.4% 8.9%
High school diploma 40,447 31.7% -1.2%
College diploma 24,638 19.3% -6.7%
Associate degree 8,910 7% -1.4%
Bachelor's degree 28,915 22.6% 4.3%
Graduate degree 11,547 9% 6.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Hayward

How much people earn in Hayward

The average annual household income in Hayward was $141,190 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $113,318, reflecting a -0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Hayward
$141,190/year
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Hayward
$113,318/year
-0.4% year-over-year change

Hayward income by age

In Hayward, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $126,540. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $125,377 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $94,375, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $73,998 in earnings. Overall, 90.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $94,375 -0.1%
25 - 44 $126,540 3.1%
45 - 64 $125,377 1.1%
Over 65 $73,998 0.3%
Above poverty level
140,013
Below poverty level
14,882
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 140,013 90.4% -0.2%
Below poverty level 14,882 9.6% 1.6%

Average renter income in Hayward

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Hayward, their median household income was $81,243 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$81,243
Rent-to-income ratio
35.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Hayward

Workforce and job types in Hayward

The job market in Hayward is powered by 81,991 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 70.9% are employed by private companies, and 13.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
81,991
-1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
60,389
Blue collar
21,602
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 60,389 73.6% -1.6%
Blue collar 21,602 26.4% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
70.9%
Governmental workers
13.3%
Not for profit companies
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,775 7% 2.8%
Private companies 58,101 70.9% -4.5%
Governmental workers 10,869 13.3% 10.2%
Not for profit companies 7,246 8.8% 8.2%
Unemployment rate
6.3%
6.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Hayward stands at 6.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Hayward

How people get around in Hayward

In Hayward, the average commute time is 32 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 78.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
32 min
-4.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 61,962 78.5% -0.3%
Taxicab 146 0.2% -27.7%
Bus or trolleybus 1,140 1.4% -10.0%
Subway or elevated 1,596 2% N/A
Railroad 504 0.6% -7.2%
Ferryboat 21 0% -8.7%
Motorcycle 149 0.2% 22.1%
Bicycle 333 0.4% 30.6%
Walk 923 1.2% 12.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Hayward by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94541 67,139 21,584 $105,729 $130,417
94542 14,871 4,936 $133,734 $180,842
94544 76,947 22,991 $107,785 $135,020
94545 32,843 10,085 $114,356 $147,820

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FAQs about Hayward demographics 

What is the total population of Hayward?

Hayward has a total population of 158,801 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Hayward?

The gender ratio in Hayward is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (79,540 residents)
  • 49.9% females (79,261 residents)

What is the median age in Hayward?

The median age in Hayward is 38.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Hayward?

The age distribution in Hayward is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.8% (25,153 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (18,518 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.7% (50,391 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.4% (41,843 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.4% (22,896 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Hayward?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Hayward is as follows:
  • White: 16.4% (26,023 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8% (12,619 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (1,932 residents)
  • Asian: 30.5% (48,380 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 2.9% (4,575 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15% (23,890 residents)
  • Other: 26.1% (41,382 residents)

What percentage of the population in Hayward are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 54.6% of the population in Hayward.

How many housing units are there in Hayward?

There are 52,243 housing units in Hayward, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Hayward and what is the average household size?

Hayward has a total of 49,631 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Hayward?

Hayward has a median household income of $113,318, representing a -0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Hayward?

The employment rate is 93.7% in Hayward, with a workforce of 81,991 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.6% (60,389 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.4% (21,602 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (5,775 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.9% (58,101 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.3% (10,869 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.8% (7,246 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025