Antioch CA vs Hayward CA — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026

Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)

Antioch, CA

California · Population: 115,759

  • Median HH Income$94,256
  • Median Home Price$596,401
  • Unemployment7.1%
  • Bachelor's+23.9%

Hayward, CA

California · Population: 159,201

  • Median HH Income$113,775
  • Median Home Price$847,838
  • Unemployment5.9%
  • Bachelor's+32.6%

Detailed Comparison

Demographics

Population
Antioch
115,759
Hayward
159,201
Hayward +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Antioch
N/A
Hayward
N/A
Median Age
Antioch
38.1
Antioch +
Hayward
38.2
Foreign Born
Antioch
23.8%
Hayward
42.0%
Hayward +
White
Antioch
29.5%
Antioch +
Hayward
19.6%
Black
Antioch
19.7%
Antioch +
Hayward
9.0%
Asian
Antioch
13.6%
Hayward
29.6%
Hayward +
Hispanic
Antioch
36.1%
Hayward
40.9%
Hayward +
Spanish at Home
Antioch
N/A
Hayward
N/A

Economy

Median HH Income
Antioch
$94,256
Hayward
$113,775
Hayward +
Per Capita Income
Antioch
$40,337
Hayward
$44,613
Hayward +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Antioch
$77,230
Hayward
$77,230
Tie
Unemployment Rate
Antioch
7.1%
Hayward
5.9%
Hayward +
Poverty Rate
Antioch
11.2%
Hayward
9.5%
Hayward +
Bachelor's Degree+
Antioch
23.9%
Hayward
32.6%
Hayward +

Housing

Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Antioch
$596,401
Antioch +
Hayward
$847,838
Homeownership Rate
Antioch
63.5%
Antioch +
Hayward
57.0%

Safety

Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Antioch
503
Hayward
503
Tie
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Antioch
2388
Hayward
2388
Tie

Health

Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Antioch
32.9%
Hayward
24.9%
Hayward +
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Antioch
12.5%
Hayward
11.7%
Hayward +
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Antioch
18.4%
Hayward
16.8%
Hayward +
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Antioch
11.1%
Antioch +
Hayward
11.4%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Antioch
15.2%
Antioch +
Hayward
15.8%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Antioch
12.1%
Hayward
10.8%
Hayward +

Climate

Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Antioch
61.5°F
Hayward
58.9°F
Hayward +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Antioch
13.2 in
Antioch +
Hayward
18.0 in

Air Quality

PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Antioch
7.9 µg/m³
Hayward
7.9 µg/m³
Tie
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Antioch
75.0%
Hayward
75.0%
Tie

Commute

Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Antioch
45.9 min
Hayward
36.7 min
Hayward +

Which City is Right for You?

Hayward leads in median household income at $113,775, while antioch offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $596,401. On public safety, Hayward is safer with a violent crime rate of 503 per 100,000 residents, compared to 503 in Antioch. Hayward has a lower unemployment rate at 5.9%, and Hayward has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 7.9 µg/m³). For overall health outcomes, Hayward scores better with a lower obesity rate of 24.9%.

Compare More Cities

About Antioch & Hayward