Hayward, WI
Population 2,549 · Wisconsin
About Hayward, WI
Hayward is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 2,549 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,085 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hayward features a median home value of $184,200, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Hayward in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $691, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,318 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (681 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (494 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hayward shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hayward have an average one-way commute time of 12.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.3% of Hayward residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.9% White, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hayward, WI
Compared to national averages, Hayward has a median household income of $40,085 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $184,200, which is 25% below the national median. Monthly rent at $691 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Hayward's income is 45% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 10% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Hayward, WI?
Hayward offers affordable housing with a median home value of $184,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $691/month, and short commute times averaging just 12.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,085) that falls below the national average. However, Hayward’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hayward has a population of 2,549 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Hayward with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Hayward
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Lisbon | 2,549 | $64,000 | $105,500 | Compare |
| Mineral Point | 2,575 | $78,958 | $213,000 | Compare |
| Winneconne | 2,519 | $85,980 | $196,900 | Compare |
| Poynette | 2,583 | $78,950 | $260,900 | Compare |
| North Prairie | 2,514 | $148,780 | $396,800 | Compare |
| Juneau | 2,600 | $81,250 | $175,200 | Compare |
| Maine | 2,608 | $110,592 | $262,100 | Compare |
| Deerfield | 2,489 | $88,424 | $292,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Hayward With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hayward
What is the population of Hayward, WI?
The population of Hayward, WI is 2,549 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Hayward?
The median household income in Hayward, WI is $40,085 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hayward?
The median home value in Hayward, WI is $184,200, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hayward?
The median monthly rent in Hayward, WI is $691, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hayward?
The unemployment rate in Hayward, WI is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hayward, WI a good place to live?
Hayward offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,549 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hayward, WI?
23.3% of residents in Hayward aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Hayward?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hayward, WI: median home value is $184,200 (25% below national), median rent is $691/month, and median household income is $40,085. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Hayward?
The poverty rate in Hayward, WI is 19.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Hayward, WI?
Hayward's population is 0.9% White, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.