What to know when moving to Hayward, WI
TL;DR: Hayward at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a 15.1% poverty rate and 24.9% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $59,333, providing some financial comfort.
- The Reality Check:
- Just 0.9% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $687 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Hayward is characterized by a population of 13,167, with nearly a quarter of residents (24.9%) renting their homes. The education level shows that 29.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a moderately educated community. With annual precipitation totaling 28.3 inches, locals should be prepared for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a strong public transit system, as only 0.9% of commuters utilize it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $687, making it relatively affordable compared to many areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $233,500, indicating a decent investment opportunity.
- Education levels are moderate, with 29.3% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
- The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, suggesting some economic challenges within the community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Wisconsin, crime rates indicate a general trend of decline in recent years. The violent crime rate is 235.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.5% lower than the national average, showing a positive direction.
- Violent crime: 235.9 per 100k vs. 325.3 national average, down 23.6% since 2022.
- Property crime: 981.4 per 100k vs. 1546.9 national average, down 29.5% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 31.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Wisconsin).
Schools & Higher Ed
Hayward has access to local education options, including:
- Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Hayward experiences an average annual precipitation of 28.3 inches, with 106 rainy days each year. The summers can be warm, averaging 77°F, while winters are cold with lows around 5°F.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- The Landing Resort - 4.4 stars (397 reviews)
- Highway OO Trailhead - 4.9 stars (108 reviews)
- Hayward City Beach - 4.2 stars (150 reviews)
- Hatchery Creek Trailhead - 4.6 stars (101 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.