Bolinas, CA
Population 1,176 · California
About Bolinas, CA
Bolinas is a small town located in California with a population of 1,176 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $95,192 per year, which is 27% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 62.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bolinas features a median home value of $1,909,100, which is 680% above the national median of $244,900. This places Bolinas in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,750, 50% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,016 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (404 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (134 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bolinas shows an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bolinas have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
57.9% of Bolinas residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.3% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 9.7% Asian residents, with 10.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bolinas Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Bolinas, CA
Compared to national averages, Bolinas has a median household income of $95,192 (27% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,909,100, which is 680% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,750 is 50% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Bolinas's income is 3% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 192% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Bolinas, CA?
Bolinas offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $95,192, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%, and a well-educated community where 57.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,909,100. However, Bolinas’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bolinas has a population of 1,176 with a median age of 62.7 years. Compare Bolinas with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Bolinas
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beale AFB | 1,174 | $68,676 | $0 | Compare |
| Maxwell | 1,174 | $64,286 | $234,400 | Compare |
| Grayson | 1,164 | $87,961 | $439,300 | Compare |
| Biola | 1,163 | $40,094 | $237,100 | Compare |
| Occidental | 1,162 | $104,044 | $1,204,000 | Compare |
| Ladera | 1,160 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Lake Don Pedro | 1,157 | $84,659 | $329,200 | Compare |
| Penn Valley | 1,197 | $62,966 | $530,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bolinas With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bolinas
What is the population of Bolinas, CA?
The population of Bolinas, CA is 1,176 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Bolinas?
The median household income in Bolinas, CA is $95,192 per year, which is 27% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bolinas?
The median home value in Bolinas, CA is $1,909,100, which is 680% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bolinas?
The median monthly rent in Bolinas, CA is $1,750, which is 50% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bolinas?
The unemployment rate in Bolinas, CA is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bolinas, CA a good place to live?
Bolinas offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,176 and a median age of 62.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bolinas, CA?
57.9% of residents in Bolinas aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bolinas?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bolinas, CA: median home value is $1,909,100 (680% above national), median rent is $1,750/month, and median household income is $95,192. The home-value-to-income ratio is 20.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Bolinas?
The poverty rate in Bolinas, CA is 12.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bolinas, CA?
Bolinas's population is 3.3% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 9.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 10.9% of residents are foreign-born.