Living in Novato, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Novato · Census data 2020–2024
Novato has 52,546 residents with a median age of 47.5. The median household income is $115,736 (17% higher than the California median), the median home value is $1,032,500, the median rent is $2,506/month.
Novato at a glance
- Population
- 52,546
- Median age
- 47.5State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $115,736State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $1,032,500State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $2,506/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 66.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 48.9%
- Average commute
- 28 min
Is Novato a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 17% higher than the California median; an average commute of 28 minutes; unemployment of 5.9%; a poverty rate of 9.6%.
Cons: Home values 41% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Novato
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Novato the median home value is $1,032,500, 210% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,506 per month, which is 35.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $3,846 a month in housing costs.
Novato median household income
The median household income in Novato is $115,736 and the income per person is $65,423. 9.6% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Novato: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 20,982
- Owner-occupied
- 66.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 33.9%
- Vacant
- 4.4%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1975
- Average household size
- 2.58
Novato demographics
- Population
- 52,546
- Median age
- 47.5
- Under 18
- 20.5%
- 65 and older
- 24%
- Households
- 20,056
- Foreign-born
- 23.7%
- Veterans
- 5.5%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Novato ›
Education in Novato
48.9% of adults 25 and older in Novato have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 18.3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Novato
- Unemployment rate
- 5.9%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 28 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 19.5%
- Drive alone
- 64%
- Public transit
- 3.8%
- Walk to work
- 2.2%
- Homes with broadband
- 94.7%
Novato vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novato | 52,546 | $115,736 | $1,032,500 | $2,506 |
| Black Point-Green Point | 1,655 | $168,438 | $1,701,200 | $3,131 |
| Lucas Valley-Marinwood | 6,473 | $200,761 | $1,445,600 | $3,501 |
| Sleepy Hollow | 3,063 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | — |
| Santa Venetia | 3,725 | $126,833 | $1,006,300 | — |
| Fairfax | 7,516 | $141,653 | $1,163,600 | $2,367 |
| San Anselmo | 12,679 | $173,641 | $1,576,700 | $2,797 |
| Woodacre | 1,627 | $231,953 | $1,071,800 | — |
| San Rafael | 60,433 | $119,435 | $1,355,600 | $2,377 |
More for people moving to Novato
Novato ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Novato: FAQ
What is the median household income in Novato, CA?
The median household income in Novato is $115,736, 17% higher than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Novato?
The median home value in Novato is $1,032,500, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Novato?
The median gross rent in Novato is $2,506 per month, about 35.8% of household income.
Is Novato, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 17% higher than the California median; an average commute of 28 minutes; unemployment of 5.9%; a poverty rate of 9.6%. Minuses: home values 41% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Novato?
The median age in Novato is 47.5 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Novato?
The average commute to work in Novato is 28 minutes; 19.5% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Novato?
The unemployment rate in Novato is 5.9% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Novato?
48.9% of adults in Novato have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
Last updated: