Mill Valley, CA
Population 14,064 · California
About Mill Valley, CA
Mill Valley is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 14,064 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $208,466 per year, which is 177% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.2 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 Mill Valley features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Mill Valley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,313, 185% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,353 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (3,649 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (1,869 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mill Valley shows an unemployment rate of 8.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 5.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mill Valley have an average one-way commute time of 25.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
77.1% of Mill Valley 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 2.3% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 18.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mill Valley, CA
Compared to national averages, Mill Valley has a median household income of $208,466 (177% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,313 is 185% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Mill Valley's income is 113% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Mill Valley, CA?
Mill Valley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $208,466, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 77.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Mill Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mill Valley has a population of 14,064 with a median age of 47.2 years. Compare Mill Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Mill Valley
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Valley | 14,126 | $48,850 | $458,400 | Compare |
| McFarland | 14,138 | $51,801 | $245,500 | Compare |
| East Rancho Dominguez | 14,219 | $67,645 | $548,400 | Compare |
| North Auburn | 13,833 | $72,125 | $503,400 | Compare |
| Hawaiian Gardens | 13,816 | $76,025 | $509,600 | Compare |
| Auburn | 13,758 | $77,760 | $642,400 | Compare |
| Isla Vista | 13,717 | $24,428 | $1,241,700 | Compare |
| Alamo | 14,441 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | 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 Mill Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mill Valley
What is the population of Mill Valley, CA?
The population of Mill Valley, CA is 14,064 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Mill Valley?
The median household income in Mill Valley, CA is $208,466 per year, which is 177% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mill Valley?
The median home value in Mill Valley, CA is $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mill Valley?
The median monthly rent in Mill Valley, CA is $3,313, which is 185% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mill Valley?
The unemployment rate in Mill Valley, CA is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mill Valley, CA a good place to live?
Mill Valley offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,064 and a median age of 47.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Mill Valley, CA?
77.1% of residents in Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mill Valley, CA: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $3,313/month, and median household income is $208,466. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Mill Valley?
The poverty rate in Mill Valley, CA is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mill Valley, CA?
Mill Valley's population is 2.3% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 18.9% of residents are foreign-born.