San Rafael, CA
Population 60,604 · California
About San Rafael, CA
San Rafael is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 60,604 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $109,317 per year, which is 45% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 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 San Rafael features a median home value of $1,246,200, which is 409% above the national median of $244,900. This places San Rafael in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,346, 102% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 24,212 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (12,042 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (11,208 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in San Rafael shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in San Rafael have an average one-way commute time of 26.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
49.4% of San Rafael 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 14.4% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 19.8% Asian residents, with 28.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in San Rafael, CA
Compared to national averages, San Rafael has a median household income of $109,317 (45% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,246,200, which is 409% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,346 is 102% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, San Rafael's income is 12% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 91% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in San Rafael, CA?
San Rafael offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $109,317, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 49.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,246,200. However, as a mid-sized city, San Rafael provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
San Rafael has a population of 60,604 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare San Rafael with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near San Rafael
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pico Rivera | 60,821 | $86,956 | $621,400 | Compare |
| La Mesa | 60,835 | $84,337 | $738,800 | Compare |
| Santa Cruz | 60,953 | $111,427 | $1,180,100 | Compare |
| Woodland | 61,256 | $87,880 | $505,200 | Compare |
| Montebello | 61,376 | $74,955 | $660,700 | Compare |
| Gardena | 59,765 | $79,291 | $667,600 | Compare |
| Monterey Park | 59,639 | $77,605 | $818,300 | Compare |
| Encinitas | 61,585 | $150,471 | $1,466,000 | 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 San Rafael With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about San Rafael
What is the population of San Rafael, CA?
The population of San Rafael, CA is 60,604 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 San Rafael?
The median household income in San Rafael, CA is $109,317 per year, which is 45% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in San Rafael?
The median home value in San Rafael, CA is $1,246,200, which is 409% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in San Rafael?
The median monthly rent in San Rafael, CA is $2,346, which is 102% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in San Rafael?
The unemployment rate in San Rafael, CA is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is San Rafael, CA a good place to live?
San Rafael offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 60,604 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is San Rafael, CA?
49.4% of residents in San Rafael 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 San Rafael?
Key cost-of-living indicators for San Rafael, CA: median home value is $1,246,200 (409% above national), median rent is $2,346/month, and median household income is $109,317. The home-value-to-income ratio is 11.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in San Rafael?
The poverty rate in San Rafael, CA is 10.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is San Rafael, CA?
San Rafael's population is 14.4% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 19.8% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 28.1% of residents are foreign-born.