Median Income
$53,750
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$109,600
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
163/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.3%
90% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
41% lower than US avg
How Hayward Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population219
Median Age48.5 yrs
Density359/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$53,750
Per Capita$38,498
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty7.3%
County GDP$1,740M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$109,600
Ownership80.4%
Zillow$210,189
Housing Units107
Rent Burden19.2%
Crime
F
Violent163/100K
Property2,232/100K
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking15.6%
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain35.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,249 ft (381 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.3%
High School+87.3%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.71
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute25 min
Broadband97.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries1
Is Hayward a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hayward receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Hayward has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hayward is $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hayward is $109,600, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hayward is below the national average at 163 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,232 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
3.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Hayward has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.8 inches, including 39.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Hayward has a population of 219 with a density of 359 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 48.5 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.4% female and 41.6% male. The city is predominantly White (73.5%), with 14.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85% of residents, while 15% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.5yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.0%
8% above US avg
Spanish
15.0%
12% above US avg
The median household income in Hayward is $53,750, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,498. The average weekly wage is $1,021, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 832 business establishments, including 73 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,750 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,498 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,021 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,740 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 832 |
| County GDP | $1,740M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 73 |
| Healthcare | 66 |
| Retail | 131 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,279 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Hayward is $109,600, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $210,189, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 107 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $4,279 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $109,600 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $210,189 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.6% |
| Housing Units | 107 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,279 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.90% |
In Hayward, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 23.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,537. The dentist ratio is 1:2,363. 61.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hayward vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,537 |
| Dentists | 1:2,363 |
| Mental Health | 1:710 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,899/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 66 |
Hayward has a violent crime rate of 163 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,232 per 100,000, 14% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hayward receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hayward vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 162.6/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,231.8/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 83 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hayward has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.8 inches. The area receives 39.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,249 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,249 ft (381 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 359/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6499°N, 93.2460°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Freeborn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.8"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
604 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 38 fatalities, 810 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
98 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
100 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
33 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
28 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
17 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
72 km |
2 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
54 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Hayward has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Hayward. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hayward
What is the population of Hayward?
Hayward has a population of 219 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 359 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.4% female and 41.6% male.
Is Hayward expensive to live in?
Hayward has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $109,600 (61% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hayward safe?
Hayward is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 163 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,232 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hayward receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hayward?
Hayward has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.8 inches, with 39.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Hayward?
The job market in Hayward is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,021. There are 832 business establishments in the area, including 73 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hayward?
The median home value in Hayward is $109,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $210,189. The homeownership rate is 80.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,279.
How are the schools in Hayward?
Schools in Hayward score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.3% of adults in Hayward hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hayward?
The obesity rate in Hayward is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 23.5% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 61.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,537.
What is transportation like in Hayward?
The average commute in Hayward is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hayward?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hayward is 73.5% White, 14.2% Hispanic or Latino. 85% of residents speak only English at home, while 15% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
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