California / County

Moving to San Rafael, CA

Thinking of making a move to San Rafael, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to San Rafael, CA

Considering a move to San Rafael, CA? This welcoming community of 61,271 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $1,150,000 and average rents near $2,650. Commute times average 29 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (67% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore San Rafael's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - San Rafael, CA

San Rafael has a population of 61,271 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 43 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 63% White, 2% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 29% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
61,271
Density
4,900 per sq mi
Median Age
43.1
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
29.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
63.0%
Black
2.0%
Asian
7.5%
Others
27.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in San Rafael, CA?

The cost of living in San Rafael is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 178.5. Median home values are around $1,150,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,650. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$1,150,000
Gross Rent
$2,650
Monthly Electricity Charges
$170
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$5,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,050
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
178.5
Grocery
126.0
Housing
255.0
Utilities
124.0
Transportation
146.0
Health Care
118.5
Miscellaneous
122.0

Crime

Is San Rafael, CA a safe place to live?

San Rafael is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 290 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 48. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
290
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,080
Crime Index
2,370
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 345
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 48

Weather

What is the weather like in San Rafael, CA year-round?

San Rafael experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 78°F and cold winters dipping to 41°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 67% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
41°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
56°F
Max
78°F

Spring

Min
49°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
67%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $113,500 and a low poverty rate of 8.5%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 48% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 29 minutes, and almost 16% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$64,500
Household Income
$113,500
Family Income
$132,000
Per Capita Income
$54,800
Income Male
$71,000
Income Female
$61,000
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Non English Speakers
31.0%
Rent
$2,650
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
Public Transport Usage
15.8%
Commute Time
29.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.5%
Bachelors or More
48.0%

Education

How are the schools in San Rafael, CA?

San Rafael offers quality education options, with public schools like Madrone High School and San Rafael High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Dominican University of California and College of Marin. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Madrone High School
Street
1220 Third St
Phone
415-492-3200
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
17.1
Name
San Rafael High School
Street
1120 Mission Ave
Phone
415-485-2330
Students
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio
22.0

Private Schools

Name
St. Raphael School
Street
1104 Fifth Ave
Phone
415-454-8130
Students
260
Name
Marlowe School
Street
1120 Magnolia Ave
Phone
415-457-1981
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Dominican University of California
City
San Rafael
State
CA
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,400
Name
College of Marin
City
Kentfield
State
CA
Distance
5 miles
Students
7,000

Healthcare

San Rafael residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MarinHealth Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 94.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center
Address
99 Montecillo Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone
(415) 444-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
94.0%
Health Care Index
79.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in San Rafael, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $1,150,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 5.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.1%. San Rafael offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$1,150,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate
52.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
5.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of San Rafael handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to San Rafael, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to San Rafael, review the core fields on this page: population 61,271, median home value $1,150,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,650, commute time 29.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 67%.

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