Sausalito, CA
Population 7,171 · California
About Sausalito, CA
Sausalito is a small town located in California with a population of 7,171 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $173,030 per year, which is 130% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 55.8 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 Sausalito features a median home value of $1,858,900, which is 659% above the national median of $244,900. This places Sausalito in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,408, 193% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,536 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (2,380 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (1,731 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sausalito shows an unemployment rate of 7.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sausalito have an average one-way commute time of 30.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
74.5% of Sausalito 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 2.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 5.2% Asian residents, with 13.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sausalito, CA
Compared to national averages, Sausalito has a median household income of $173,030 (130% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,858,900, which is 659% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,408 is 193% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Sausalito's income is 77% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 184% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Sausalito, CA?
Sausalito offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $173,030, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 74.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,858,900. However, Sausalito’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sausalito has a population of 7,171 with a median age of 55.8 years. Compare Sausalito with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Sausalito
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood CDP (Shasta County), California | 7,170 | $96,679 | $362,800 | Compare |
| Highgrove | 7,164 | $109,657 | $594,400 | Compare |
| Piñon Hills | 7,149 | $65,160 | $395,800 | Compare |
| San Martin | 7,199 | $156,292 | $1,315,900 | Compare |
| Kentfield | 7,128 | $231,875 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Contra Costa Centre | 7,127 | $127,910 | $724,500 | Compare |
| Taft | 7,228 | $64,479 | $246,400 | Compare |
| Mammoth Lakes | 7,233 | $87,121 | $657,000 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sausalito
What is the population of Sausalito, CA?
The population of Sausalito, CA is 7,171 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 Sausalito?
The median household income in Sausalito, CA is $173,030 per year, which is 130% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sausalito?
The median home value in Sausalito, CA is $1,858,900, which is 659% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sausalito?
The median monthly rent in Sausalito, CA is $3,408, which is 193% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sausalito?
The unemployment rate in Sausalito, CA is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sausalito, CA a good place to live?
Sausalito offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,171 and a median age of 55.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Sausalito, CA?
74.5% of residents in Sausalito 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 Sausalito?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sausalito, CA: median home value is $1,858,900 (659% above national), median rent is $3,408/month, and median household income is $173,030. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Sausalito?
The poverty rate in Sausalito, CA is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sausalito, CA?
Sausalito's population is 2.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 5.2% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 13.8% of residents are foreign-born.