What to know when moving to San Anselmo, CA
San Anselmo at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 72.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and nearly 30% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $172,332, suggesting a well-off community.
- The Reality Check:
- Median rent is $2,838, which might stretch your budget.
- Commute:
- Only 4.8% of residents commute via public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,838/mo rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
San Anselmo features a population of about 15,891, with a median household income of $172,332, which indicates a community with strong financial resources. The area has a low poverty rate of 4.7%, and 72.7% of residents have a higher education degree. With 29.6% of the population renting, this area also has a relatively stable housing market.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a lower cost of living, as the median rent may be out of reach for many.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $2,838, which could be a challenge for budget-conscious renters.
- Median home value is $1,589,200, reflecting a high property market.
- 72.7% of residents hold at least a bachelor's degree, contributing to the area's educated character.
- The poverty rate sits at 4.7%, indicating financial stability within the community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California has a property crime rate of 1,764 per 100k, which is 14% higher than the national average. However, property crime has decreased by 26.1% since 2022. Violent crime in the state is reported at 415.5 per 100k, which is 27.7% higher than the national average, but has also seen a decline of 17.4% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3, showing a downward trend.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, but down 26.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has dropped by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
San Anselmo has access to several educational institutions in the vicinity.
- 3 total postsecondary institutions nearby.
- All 3 institutions have College Scorecard data available.
- Notable institutions include Presidio Graduate School and College of Marin.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
San Anselmo receives approximately 22.5 inches of rain annually, with 53 rainy days. Most precipitation occurs in winter, accounting for nearly 19.9 inches over 27 days. The area does not experience snowfall.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Muir Woods National Monument (4.8 stars, 20,092 reviews)
- Samuel P. Taylor State Park (4.7 stars, 1,383 reviews)
- Lagoon Park (4.6 stars, 727 reviews)
- Gerstle Park (4.5 stars, 288 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Marin County, the unemployment rate stands at 4.0% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 125,091. A total of 120,106 people are employed in the area, indicating a stable job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.0% (December 2025)
- Employed: 120,106
- Labor force: 125,091
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.