Hayward, CA vs Palm Desert, CA
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
Palm Desert
66
#1595 nationally
Hayward leads in walk score (57 vs 28). Palm Desert leads in average commute (22.4 min vs 34.2 min). Palm Desert leads in crime level (8.9 vs 13.1).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hayward, CA | Palm Desert, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.7 (#1891) | 66 (#1595) |
| Population | 155,675 | 51,951 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $831,558 | $544,379 |
| Median Household Income | $105,371 | $75,691 |
| Average Commute | 34.2 min | 22.4 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 13.1 | 8.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 136 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | R+1.3 |
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 →
D
66 Score
Palm Desert, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$544,379
Population
51,951
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
28
Pacific
View Palm Desert, CA →
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