Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bolinas, CA
Considering a move to Bolinas, CA? This small coastal town of just over 1,200 residents offers a laid-back lifestyle, stunning ocean views, and plenty of sunshine (70% sunny days yearly). Home prices are high, with a median of $1.6M, and typical rents around $2,800, reflecting Bolinas’s unique charm and exclusivity. Crime rates are low, and residents enjoy a well-educated community and mild climate year-round. Commutes average 39 minutes, and public education is provided by a local K-8 school. If you’re seeking a quiet, artsy enclave with easy access to nature, Bolinas could be your perfect fit.
Demographics - Bolinas, CA
Demographics - Bolinas, CA
Bolinas is a small, close-knit community of just over 1,200 people with a median age nearing 50, reflecting a mature population. The town is predominantly White (89%), with a balanced gender ratio and nearly 9% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its low population density offers a peaceful, spacious environment ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Population:
1,204
Density:
143 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.6
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.1%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
8.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bolinas, CA?
Living in Bolinas comes with a high cost of living, as reflected by a median home value of $1.6 million and average rents at $2,800 per month. The area’s cost of living index is nearly double the national average, mainly due to expensive housing, but groceries, utilities, and transportation also run higher than typical U.S. cities. Residents should be prepared for significant housing and everyday expenses in exchange for the town’s unique coastal charm.
Median House Value:
$1,600,000
Gross Rent:
$2,800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
195.2
Grocery:
124.1
Housing:
350.5
Utilities:
116.3
Transportation:
134.4
Health Care:
120.2
Miscellaneous:
118.6
Crime
Is Bolinas, CA a safe place to live?
Bolinas enjoys a low crime rate, with only 89 violent crimes and 1,102 property crimes per 100,000 residents, resulting in a high sense of safety for locals. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is just 1 in 1,124, making it a reassuring environment for families and individuals alike. Overall, the town maintains a peaceful and secure atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
89
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,102
Crime Index:
1,191
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,124
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 91
Weather
What is the weather like in Bolinas, CA year-round?
Bolinas offers a mild, coastal climate with temperatures rarely dropping below 41°F in winter or rising above 69°F in fall. Residents enjoy about 70% sunny days each year, with moderate rainfall averaging just under 28 inches. This pleasant weather encourages an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
68°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
The community in Bolinas has a median household income of $92,200 and a per capita income of $62,100, with about 11% living below the poverty line. A well-educated population—over half holding at least a bachelor’s degree—contributes to a vibrant, engaged atmosphere. Average commute times are relatively long at nearly 39 minutes, reflecting the town’s secluded, rural nature.
Median Income:
$51,000
Household Income:
$92,200
Family Income:
$120,900
Per Capita Income:
$62,100
Income Male:
$69,400
Income Female:
$53,700
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
8.9%
Rent:
$2,800
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.2%
Commute Time:
38.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
52.8%
Education
How are the schools in Bolinas, CA?
Public education in Bolinas is provided by a local K-8 school with small class sizes, fostering personal attention for its roughly 90 students. For higher education, the College of Marin is located just 20 miles away, offering additional opportunities for academic advancement. The community values education, as reflected in its high rate of college-educated residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Bolinas-Stinson Union School
Street:
125 Olema-Bolinas Rd
Phone:
415-868-1603
Students:
90
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Colleges
Name:
College of Marin
City:
Kentfield
State:
CA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
5,900
Healthcare
Residents benefit from strong healthcare access, with 3.1 physicians per 1,000 people and over 95% insured. The nearest major hospital, MarinHealth Medical Center, provides comprehensive emergency and general services within easy reach. Bolinas offers reliable healthcare resources for families and retirees alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MarinHealth Medical Center
Address:
250 Bon Air Rd, Greenbrae, CA 94904
Phone:
(415) 925-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.6%
Health Care Index:
80.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bolinas, CA?
The Bolinas housing market is marked by high home values, with a median price of $1.6 million and typical rents around $2,800 for a two-bedroom. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates are low, reflecting demand for this exclusive coastal area. Home appreciation has been steady, signaling a stable investment for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$1,600,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,800
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Bolinas residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with a conveniently located branch in nearby Corte Madera. Essential services such as licensing, registration, and vehicle renewals are easily accessible. For up-to-date information and online services, residents can visit the California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
75 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera, CA 94925
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.