Living in San Rafael, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of San Rafael · Census data 2020–2024
San Rafael has 60,433 residents with a median age of 43.2. The median household income is $119,435 (20% higher than the California median), the median home value is $1,355,600, the median rent is $2,377/month.
San Rafael at a glance
- Population
- 60,433
- Median age
- 43.2State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $119,435State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $1,355,600State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $2,377/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 53%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 49.7%
- Average commute
- 25 min
Is San Rafael a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 20% higher than the California median; an average commute of 25 minutes; unemployment of 5.4%; a poverty rate of 11.7%.
Cons: Home values 85% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in San Rafael
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In San Rafael the median home value is $1,355,600, 307% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,377 per month, which is 36% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
San Rafael median household income
The median household income in San Rafael is $119,435 and the income per person is $70,031. 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in San Rafael: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 23,909
- Owner-occupied
- 53%
- Renter-occupied
- 47%
- Vacant
- 4.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1968
- Average household size
- 2.54
San Rafael demographics
- Population
- 60,433
- Median age
- 43.2
- Under 18
- 19.7%
- 65 and older
- 20.4%
- Households
- 22,910
- Foreign-born
- 28.3%
- Veterans
- 3.1%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of San Rafael ›
Education in San Rafael
49.7% of adults 25 and older in San Rafael have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 21.8% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in San Rafael
- Unemployment rate
- 5.4%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 25 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 26.3%
- Drive alone
- 48.3%
- Public transit
- 5.6%
- Walk to work
- 4.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 94.6%
San Rafael vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Rafael | 60,433 | $119,435 | $1,355,600 | $2,377 |
| Santa Venetia | 3,725 | $126,833 | $1,006,300 | — |
| Larkspur | 12,854 | $140,417 | $1,996,600 | $3,001 |
| Ross | 2,606 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Corte Madera | 10,077 | $232,763 | $1,755,200 | $3,501 |
| San Anselmo | 12,679 | $173,641 | $1,576,700 | $2,797 |
| Kentfield | 6,900 | $249,896 | $2,000,001 | $2,741 |
| Fairfax | 7,516 | $141,653 | $1,163,600 | $2,367 |
| Sleepy Hollow | 3,063 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | — |
More for people moving to San Rafael
San Rafael ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in San Rafael: FAQ
What is the median household income in San Rafael, CA?
The median household income in San Rafael is $119,435, 20% 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 San Rafael?
The median home value in San Rafael is $1,355,600, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in San Rafael?
The median gross rent in San Rafael is $2,377 per month, about 36% of household income.
Is San Rafael, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 20% higher than the California median; an average commute of 25 minutes; unemployment of 5.4%; a poverty rate of 11.7%. Minuses: home values 85% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in San Rafael?
The median age in San Rafael is 43.2 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in San Rafael?
The average commute to work in San Rafael is 25 minutes; 26.3% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in San Rafael?
The unemployment rate in San Rafael is 5.4% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is San Rafael?
49.7% of adults in San Rafael 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.
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