147 movers in San Rafael

What to know when moving to San Rafael, CA

San Rafael at a Glance

The Vibe:
A highly educated ZIP where 48.4% hold a bachelor's degree and half of residents are renters.
The Major Draw:
Median household income is $108,837, providing a solid financial foundation for residents.
The Reality Check:
Median gross rent is $2,229, which could strain budgets.
Commute:
6.1% of residents use public transit for commuting.
Top Tip:
Prepare for 53 rainy days a year, so invest in good rain gear.

The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?

San Rafael is home to around 41,095 residents, with a balanced mix of renters and owners, reflected by the 50.1% renter percentage. The community is quite educated, with nearly half of the population holding a bachelor's degree. The area experiences a moderate amount of rain, averaging 22.5 inches annually, which is something newcomers should be ready for.

Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, as median rents are relatively high compared to other areas.

Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot

  • Median gross rent is $2,229, which could impact your monthly budget significantly.
  • Median home value is $1,369,500, indicating a high real estate market.
  • Education level is high with 48.4% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree.
  • The poverty rate stands at 12.1%, reflecting some economic diversity.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.

Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say

California's crime rates show some interesting trends. Both violent and property crime rates have been decreasing over the past few years.

  • Violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national average.
  • Property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000, which is 14% higher than the national average.
  • Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped by 44.9% since 2022.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).

Schools & Higher Ed

San Rafael has access to a range of educational institutions in the region, making it a suitable area for those pursuing higher education.

  • There are 4 postsecondary institutions nearby, including Dominican University of California in San Rafael.
  • Other notable institutions include College of Marin in Kentfield and Presidio Graduate School in San Anselmo.

Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Weather & Getting Outside

San Rafael has a pleasant climate, receiving an average of 22.5 inches of rain annually, with the majority falling during winter months. Residents can enjoy the outdoors, with 53 rainy days each year.

  • Muir Woods National Monument - 4.8 stars, 20,092 reviews
  • Bay Area Discovery Museum - 4.7 stars, 3,065 reviews
  • Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park - 4.7 stars, 2,709 reviews
  • Angel Island State Park - 4.8 stars, 2,335 reviews

Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.

Jobs & the Local Economy

Marin County, where San Rafael is located, has a diverse job market.

  • Unemployment rate is 4.0% as of December 2025.
  • Approximately 120,106 people are employed in the county.
  • The labor force totals about 125,091 individuals.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.

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Who regulates San Rafael interstate movers?

San Rafael moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of California

Let's see how many people move within California versus those who moved from The Golden State to another state.

Moved Within CA
46%
Moved out of CA
54%

Out of all California household moves, approximately 46% of them have been local ones, with 54% of the people moving to another state in the country.

Despite being the home of the nation’s second- and third-largest urban economies (the Greater Los Angeles Area and the San Francisco Bay Area respectively), the majority of Californians have still chosen to move out of the state.

Who regulates California local movers

When contacting local California moving companies, make sure to check their cal-T number issued by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Household goods moving companies must obtain permits from the PUC after proving financial and safety fitness.

They must also prove that they have adequate insurance and they are subject to criminal background clearance by the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Agency: California Public Utilities Commission
Address: SSRS Unit 505, Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-3298
Phone: (800) 848-5580
Website: www.cpuc.ca.gov

The CPUC controls privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, along with passenger transportation companies.

What do people move within California?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in CA?

Studio (7%)
1 Bedroom (22%)
2 Bedroom (26%)
3 Bedroom (22%)
4 Bedroom (7%)

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Check out our detailed moving guides:

How much does it cost to hire movers

As it turns out, the cost to hire professional movers will effectively solve the ever-present dilemma of whether you should hire a mover or do it yourself. The cost depends on a number of important factors, including the type of the move itself (local move or a long distance). See the breakdown.

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