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.