Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mill Valley, CA
Thinking of moving to Mill Valley, CA? This charming Bay Area city of 14,240 residents offers a mild climate with 73% sunny days, stunning natural beauty, and top-rated schools with 78% of adults holding bachelor's degrees or higher. Home prices are steep—median value is $2,050,000 and average rent is $3,200—but the city boasts low crime, high incomes, and quick access to San Francisco. With a laid-back vibe, excellent healthcare nearby, and a strong sense of community, Mill Valley is a great choice for those seeking an upscale yet relaxed lifestyle.
Demographics - Mill Valley, CA
Demographics - Mill Valley, CA
Mill Valley is home to about 14,240 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 47, offering a mature, family-friendly atmosphere. The city has a moderate population density and a notable percentage of residents with advanced education, reflecting a well-educated and diverse community. Around 10% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, contributing to the area's cultural richness.
Population:
14,240
Density:
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.2%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
6.9%
Others:
7.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mill Valley, CA?
Living in Mill Valley comes with a high cost of living, as reflected by a median home value of over $2 million and average rents around $3,200 per month. Utilities and daily expenses are above national averages, making this city best suited for those with higher incomes. State taxes range significantly, and the overall cost of living index is among the highest in California.
Median House Value:
$2,050,000
Gross Rent:
$3,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$5,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,250
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
271
Grocery:
135
Housing:
410
Utilities:
110
Transportation:
140
Health Care:
125
Miscellaneous:
120
Crime
Is Mill Valley, CA a safe place to live?
Mill Valley enjoys a very low crime rate, with only 35 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 2,850 chance of being a victim. Property crime is more common but remains below the national average, giving residents a strong sense of safety. The city’s overall crime index reflects its reputation as a secure and peaceful community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
35
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,455
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,850
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Mill Valley, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate, with summer highs around 77°F and winter lows near 42°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine 73% of the year, perfect for outdoor activities. This pleasant weather adds to Mill Valley’s appeal for those who love spending time outside year-round.
Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Mill Valley is an affluent community where the median household income exceeds $224,000 and the poverty rate is only 5%. Most residents hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and unemployment is low at just over 3%. The neighborhood is known for its highly educated, prosperous population and convenient access to public transportation.
Median Income:
$100,000
Household Income:
$224,355
Family Income:
$250,000
Per Capita Income:
$108,000
Income Male:
$125,000
Income Female:
$88,000
Poverty Rate:
5.1%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$3,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
11.5%
Commute Time:
34.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.2%
Bachelors or More:
78.1%
Education
How are the schools in Mill Valley, CA?
Mill Valley offers excellent educational opportunities, with highly rated public and private schools known for low student-teacher ratios. The city is also close to quality higher education institutions such as College of Marin and UC San Francisco. With nearly 80% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, education is a strong pillar of the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Mill Valley Middle School
Street:
425 Sycamore Ave
Phone:
415-389-7711
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1
Name:
Old Mill Elementary School
Street:
352 Throckmorton Ave
Phone:
415-389-7727
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
16:1
Private Schools
Name:
Mount Tamalpais School
Street:
100 Harvard Ave
Phone:
415-383-9434
Students:
240
Colleges
Name:
College of Marin
City:
Kentfield
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
5,500
Name:
UC San Francisco
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Mill Valley residents have access to high-quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MarinHealth Medical Center and UCSF Medical Center nearby. The city enjoys a high physician-to-resident ratio and over 95% of residents have health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are easily accessible, contributing to the community’s overall well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MarinHealth Medical Center
Address:
250 Bon Air Rd, Greenbrae, CA 94904
Phone:
(415) 925-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion
Address:
1600 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone:
(415) 567-6600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.7%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mill Valley, CA?
The housing market in Mill Valley is highly competitive, with a median home price of $2,050,000 and around two-thirds of homes owner-occupied. Rental vacancies are low and rents for a two-bedroom average about $3,300 per month. Home values have seen steady appreciation, making this area popular for long-term investment.
Median Home Price:
$2,050,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,300
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Mill Valley residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles at a nearby Corte Madera location. Services include driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other standard DMV transactions. The office is accessible both in person and online, ensuring convenience for local drivers.
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.