California · Metropolitan Area
San Rafael is a mid-size city in California with a population of 60,604. Residents earn $109,317 per year, which is 45% above the national average.
Based on current data, San Rafael receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. San Rafael has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in San Rafael is $109,317, which is significantly higher than the national average — 45% above $75,149. This places San Rafael among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
The median home value in San Rafael is $1,246,200, making it a premium housing market at 342% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,346 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 11.4x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Violent crime in San Rafael is below the national average at 326 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,806 per 100,000, 43% above the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 49.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 84.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
San Rafael enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 65.4% |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 34.6% |
| 158% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $109,317 |
| 45% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $67,609 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $3,778 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $232,794 |
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 5.5% |
| 56% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 31,186 |
| County GDP | $217,018M |
| Restaurants | 2,143 |
| Healthcare | 2,617 |
| Retail | 1,916 |
| Manufacturing | 487 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $17,586 |
| 402% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.41% |
| Commute Time | 26.6 min |
| Work from Home | 22.9% |
| Census Median | $1,246,200 |
| 342% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,277,731 |
| Median List Price | $949,000 |
| Median List Price | $949,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $699 |
| Homes Sold | 41 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.8% |
| Price Drops | 10.1% |
| Inventory | 79 |
| Census Median Rent | $2,346 |
| 102% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,983 |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $17,586 |
| 402% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.41% |
| Obesity | 23.3% |
| 27% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.9% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Insurance Rate | 92.1% |
| Checkup Rate | 68.0% |
| Premature Death | 4,006/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 99.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,617 |
| Total Violent | 325.5/100K |
| 14% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 33.7/100K |
| Robbery | 92.8/100K |
| Assault | 199.0/100K |
| Total Property | 2,806.5/100K |
| 43% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 484.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,909.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 413.2/100K |
| Arson | 28.7/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 43 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 59.5°F |
| 10% above US avg | |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 34.5 inches |
| 9% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 190 ft (58 m) |
| Area | 16.6 sq mi (43.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,653/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9810°N, 122.5069°W |
| County FIPS | 06081 |
Winner: Democrat by 50.3 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 49.4% |
| 47% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 84.3% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 3,653/sq mi |
| Total Area | 16.6 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 68 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 73 |
| Public Libraries | 34 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,617 |
| Restaurants | 2,143 |
| Retail Stores | 1,916 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 43 |
| Avg Commute | 26.6 min |
| Work from Home | 22.9% |