Hayward, CA vs Petaluma, 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
Petaluma
63.2
#1792 nationally
Petaluma leads in crime level (7.4 vs 13.1). Hayward leads in walk score (57 vs 47). Petaluma leads in average commute (30.5 min vs 34.2 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hayward, CA | Petaluma, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.7 (#1891) | 63.2 (#1792) |
| Population | 155,675 | 58,800 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $831,558 | $903,171 |
| Median Household Income | $105,371 | $108,527 |
| Average Commute | 34.2 min | 30.5 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 47 |
| Crime Level | 13.1 | 7.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 178 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | D+46.2 |
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
63.2 Score
Petaluma, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$903,171
Population
58,800
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
47
Pacific
View Petaluma, CA →