San Rafael, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
60,433
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$119,435/yr
9.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
23,909
-1.2% year-over-year change

San Rafael population

How many people live in San Rafael

San Rafael is home to 60,433 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of San Rafael locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
60,433
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
29,729
Female
50.8%
30,704
Value Percent YoY change
Male 29,729 49.2% 0.5%
Female 30,704 50.8% -1.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in San Rafael is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.7% are children under 15, then 13% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.7% of the population, while another 27.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.7%
15 to 24
13%
25 to 44
23.7%
45 to 64
27.2%
Over 65
20.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,506 15.7% -2.1%
15 to 24 7,834 13% 4.8%
25 to 44 14,347 23.7% 0.2%
45 to 64 16,447 27.2% -0.8%
Over 65 12,299 20.4% -1.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In San Rafael, 69.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 17.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 53.7% of locals are Caucasian, 2.2% are African American and 5.1% have Asian roots. Another 1.5% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 23.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
69.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.4%
Non-citizens
17.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 42,244 69.9% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,506 12.4% 2.1%
Non-citizens 10,683 17.7% -2.0%
Racial breakdown
White
53.7%
Black or African American
2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.5%
Asian
5.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
13.4%
Other
23.8%
Value Percent
White 32,444 53.7%
Black or African American 1,313 2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 925 1.5%
Asian 3,060 5.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 210 0.4%
Two or more races 8,105 13.4%
Other 14,376 23.8%

Households in San Rafael

A peek inside San Rafael households

San Rafael has 22,910 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 59.1% are families, while the remaining 40.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
22,910
-1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
9,378
Family households
13,532
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,378 40.9% -1.5%
Family households 13,532 59.1% -1.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in San Rafael

The housing landscape of San Rafael

San Rafael's housing consists of 23,909 units, with 47.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
23,909
-1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,380 47.6%
1 unit, attached 1,940 8.1%
2 units 929 3.9%
3 or 4 units 1,745 7.3%
5 to 9 units 1,852 7.8%
10 to 19 units 1,721 7.2%
20 to 49 units 1,876 7.8%
50 or more units 2,106 8.8%
Mobile home 335 1.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 25 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
60
22.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in San Rafael

In San Rafael, the median construction year is 1968. About 9.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,345 9.8% -1.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,335 5.6% -9.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,965 16.6% -9.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,294 22.1% 4.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,073 17% -8.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,671 11.2% 0.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,321 9.7% 6.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,364 5.7% 8.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 481 2% 43.6%
Built in 2020 or later 60 0.2% 22.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

San Rafael occupancy rates

Out of the 22,910 occupied housing units in San Rafael, 53% are owner-occupied, while 47% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
22,910
-1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,770
Owner occupied
12,140
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,770 47% -3.9%
Owner occupied 12,140 53% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
4.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

San Rafael housing costs

Housing costs in San Rafael come to a median of $2,706 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,377.

Median housing costs per month
$2,706/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in San Rafael
$2,377/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in San Rafael

San Rafael education at a glance

About 21.9% of the population in San Rafael went to high school, while 17.8% pursued college studies. Another 5.6% earned an associate degree and 25.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,715 9.7% -3.4%
High school diploma 10,636 21.9% 0.7%
College diploma 8,644 17.8% -3.1%
Associate degree 2,715 5.6% 5.3%
Bachelor's degree 12,411 25.6% -0.3%
Graduate degree 9,407 19.4% 0.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in San Rafael

How much people earn in San Rafael

The average annual household income in San Rafael was $183,386 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $119,435, reflecting a +9.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in San Rafael
$183,386/year
5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in San Rafael
$119,435/year
9.3% year-over-year change

San Rafael income by age

In San Rafael, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $107,422. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $152,011 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $90,714, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $104,265 in earnings. Overall, 88.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $90,714 52.7%
25 - 44 $107,422 0.8%
45 - 64 $152,011 21.3%
Over 65 $104,265 5.0%
Above poverty level
51,729
Below poverty level
6,877
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 51,729 88.3% -1.1%
Below poverty level 6,877 11.7% 7.8%

Average renter income in San Rafael

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in San Rafael, their median household income was $77,011 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$77,011
Rent-to-income ratio
37%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in San Rafael

Workforce and job types in San Rafael

The job market in San Rafael is powered by 30,497 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17% run their own businesses, 64.2% are employed by private companies, and 10.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
30,497
-0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
25,249
Blue collar
5,248
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 25,249 82.8% -1.8%
Blue collar 5,248 17.2% 5.0%
Employer type
Self employees
17%
Private companies
64.2%
Governmental workers
10.1%
Not for profit companies
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,174 17% -6.7%
Private companies 19,574 64.2% -1.5%
Governmental workers 3,084 10.1% 5.9%
Not for profit companies 2,665 8.7% 12.0%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
-7.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in San Rafael stands at 5.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in San Rafael

How people get around in San Rafael

Commuting methods vary: 61.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 18,250 61.1% -4.3%
Taxicab 94 0.3% 2,250.0%
Bus or trolleybus 1,421 4.8% -15.4%
Subway or elevated 36 0.1% N/A
Ferryboat 216 0.7% -31.6%
Motorcycle 43 0.1% 13.2%
Bicycle 247 0.8% -12.4%
Walk 1,337 4.5% -0.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in San Rafael by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94901 41,307 15,631 $115,330 $190,629
94903 30,615 12,013 $142,083 $191,055

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about San Rafael demographics 

What is the total population of San Rafael?

San Rafael has a total population of 60,433 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in San Rafael?

The gender ratio in San Rafael is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (29,729 residents)
  • 50.8% females (30,704 residents)

What is the median age in San Rafael?

The median age in San Rafael is 43.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in San Rafael?

The age distribution in San Rafael is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.7% (9,506 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13% (7,834 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.7% (14,347 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.2% (16,447 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.4% (12,299 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of San Rafael?

The racial and ethnic makeup of San Rafael is as follows:
  • White: 53.7% (32,444 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.2% (1,313 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.5% (925 residents)
  • Asian: 5.1% (3,060 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (210 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.4% (8,105 residents)
  • Other: 23.8% (14,376 residents)

What percentage of the population in San Rafael are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 69.9% of the population in San Rafael.

How many housing units are there in San Rafael?

There are 23,909 housing units in San Rafael, reflecting a -1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in San Rafael and what is the average household size?

San Rafael has a total of 22,910 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in San Rafael?

San Rafael has a median household income of $119,435, representing a +9.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for San Rafael?

The employment rate is 94.6% in San Rafael, with a workforce of 30,497 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.8% (25,249 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.2% (5,248 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17% (5,174 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.2% (19,574 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.1% (3,084 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.7% (2,665 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025