Hayward, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Hayward, California is 159,201 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 34th-largest city in California. The median household income is $113,775, the median home value is $820,700, and the median age is 38.2.
The population has grown 9.4% since 2010 (144,835 → 158,440).
159,201
Population
3475
People / sq mi
$113,775
Median Income
$820,700
Median Home Value
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Hayward covers 45.8 sq mi of land at 3475 people per square mile.
About Hayward, CA
Housing cost is the defining feature of Hayward: the median home is valued at $820,700. Hayward is a city in California with a population of 159,201. It ranks #34 among cities in California by population.
The typical household earns $113,775 a year, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 6.5%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $820,700, with typical rent around $2,360.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 32.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 12.3% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 34 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Hayward — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Hayward city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Hayward city had a population of 144,835 in 2010 and 158,440 in 2024, a 9.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 162,726 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.65%.
158,440
Population (2024)
144,835
Population (2010)
162,726
Peak (2020)
0.65%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 144,835 |
| 2011 | 146,935 |
| 2012 | 149,406 |
| 2013 | 151,753 |
| 2014 | 154,376 |
| 2015 | 157,999 |
| 2016 | 159,331 |
| 2017 | 160,324 |
| 2018 | 159,760 |
| 2019 | 159,203 |
| 2020 | 162,726 |
| 2021 | 158,350 |
| 2022 | 157,119 |
| 2023 | 157,375 |
| 2024 | 158,440 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 19.6% |
| Black or African American | 9.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.3% |
Economy & Income
$113,775
Median Household Income
$44,613
Per Capita Income
6.5%
Poverty Rate
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$820,700
Median Home Value
$2,360
Median Rent
56.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
82.5%
High School+
32.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
5.1%
Drive Alone
66.8%
Public Transit
12.3%
Work From Home
33.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
8.2%
Foreign Born
39.6%
Non-English at Home
3.0%
Veterans
10.2%
With Disability
94.3%
Health Insurance
97.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 21.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 14.7% |
| Manufacturing | 11.2% |
| Construction | 8.5% |
| Retail Trade | 8.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 7.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.9% |
| Information | 4.7% |
| Public Administration | 3.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
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Common questions about Hayward, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Hayward, California has a population of 159,201 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 34th-largest city in California.
The median household income in Hayward, California is $113,775, with 6.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Hayward, California is $820,700, with median monthly rent at $2,360 and a homeownership rate of 56.9%.
The median age in Hayward, California is 38.2 years. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The population has grown 9.4% since 2010 (144,835 → 158,440).
Where to stay in Hayward
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.