Hayward is a city in Freeborn County, Minnesota, United States, near Albert Lea. The population was 250 at the 2010 census. Hayward wa…Hayward is a city in Freeborn County, Minnesota, United States, near Albert Lea. The population was 250 at the 2010 census. Hayward was named after George S. Hayward, a "prominent citizen of the early days". Hayward was settled around 1855 and was formally incorporated in 1925.