Everything You Should Know Before Moving to San Rafael, CA
Considering a move to San Rafael, CA? Home to 61,271 residents, this vibrant city features a sunny Mediterranean climate with over 70% sunny days and mild weather year-round. While the median home price stands at $1.22M and average rents approach $2,950, San Rafael offers a high median household income, highly rated public schools, and great access to healthcare. With low violent crime rates, an easy 29-minute average commute, and convenient public transit, San Rafael combines Bay Area amenities with a welcoming community feel.
Demographics - San Rafael, CA
Demographics - San Rafael, CA
San Rafael is a diverse city of about 61,000 residents, with a median age of 43 and a population density of 3,700 people per square mile. The community features a blend of backgrounds, with 58% White, 30% Hispanic, and 7% Asian residents, and nearly one in four people speaking a language other than English at home. This mix creates a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere ideal for families and newcomers.
Population:
61,271
Density:
3,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
58.1%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
7.2%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in San Rafael, CA?
Living in San Rafael comes with a high cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $1.22 million and average rents around $2,950 per month. The cost of living index is significantly above the national average, especially for housing, but residents benefit from strong local amenities and services. Expect higher than average expenses for groceries, utilities, and transportation compared to much of the country.
Median House Value:
$1,220,000
Gross Rent:
$2,950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,250
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
178.6
Grocery:
130.2
Housing:
285.5
Utilities:
115.3
Transportation:
143.4
Health Care:
114.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is San Rafael, CA a safe place to live?
San Rafael maintains relatively low crime rates for the Bay Area, with a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 and property crime risk of 1 in 42. Most residents feel safe, enjoying a community-oriented environment with proactive policing. While property crime is present, overall safety is above average for the region.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
202
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,377
Crime Index:
2,579
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 494
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in San Rafael, CA year-round?
San Rafael enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, featuring mild winters with lows in the 40s and warm, dry summers with highs reaching 80°F. The city receives about 36 inches of rain annually and experiences sunny weather 73% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. Residents benefit from comfortable conditions and minimal weather extremes.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
San Rafael's residents enjoy a high median household income of $112,600, with low unemployment and a poverty rate under 8%. The community is well-educated, with over 53% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and most people have a commute of just under 30 minutes. The area is known for its friendly neighbors, diversity, and strong civic engagement.
Median Income:
$61,000
Household Income:
$112,600
Family Income:
$147,200
Per Capita Income:
$61,900
Income Male:
$76,000
Income Female:
$54,000
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
23.8%
Rent:
$2,950
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
11.5%
Commute Time:
29.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.7%
Bachelors or More:
53.4%
Education
How are the schools in San Rafael, CA?
San Rafael boasts strong educational opportunities, offering well-regarded public schools like San Rafael High and Davidson Middle, as well as private options such as Marin Academy. The city is also home to Dominican University of California, with additional higher education choices nearby. Families appreciate the area's commitment to quality education at every level.
Public Schools
Name:
San Rafael High School
Street:
185 Mission Ave
Phone:
415-485-2330
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.3
Name:
Davidson Middle School
Street:
280 Woodland Ave
Phone:
415-485-2400
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Private Schools
Name:
Marin Academy
Street:
1600 Mission Ave
Phone:
415-453-4550
Students:
440
Colleges
Name:
Dominican University of California
City:
San Rafael
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
College of Marin
City:
Kentfield
State:
CA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
6,400
Healthcare
San Rafael offers excellent healthcare access with major hospitals like Kaiser Permanente and MarinHealth Medical Center providing comprehensive services and emergency care. The city has a high physician-to-population ratio and over 95% of residents have health insurance coverage. Quality healthcare is a hallmark of the community, supporting families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center
Address:
99 Montecillo Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone:
(415) 444-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
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:
95.2%
Health Care Index:
79.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in San Rafael, CA?
The San Rafael housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1.22 million and just over half of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are limited, reflected in a low vacancy rate and average two-bedroom rents around $2,950 per month. Home values have been appreciating steadily, making it a desirable but high-cost area for buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$1,220,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,950
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services through the nearby California Department of Motor Vehicles office in Corte Madera. The local office provides standard licensing, registration, and vehicle services, ensuring convenience for new arrivals and long-term residents. For more information or to schedule an appointment, 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.