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Is San Rafael a Good Place to Live? San Rafael, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
San Rafael ranks #501 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #232 of 524 smaller cities and #48 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($119,435, #89 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($1,355,600, #511 of 524) and high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524).
San Rafael by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with San Rafael's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in San Rafael?
San Rafael's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,377/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,298,041, 70% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | San Rafael | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 115.6#1284 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $1,298,041#1148 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,182/mo#1053 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,355,600#1288 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,377/mo#1223 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 11.4x#1298 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.9%#890 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
San Rafael housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. San Rafael is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is San Rafael safe?
San Rafael recorded 365 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2% below the US rate of 373 and 17% below California's 440. That ranks #669 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #298 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Rafael Police Department. Property crime runs 2,043 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | San Rafael | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 365#669 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,043#723 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in San Rafael?
The median household in San Rafael earns $119,435, 55% above the US figure of $76,827 and 30% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.2%). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | San Rafael | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $119,435#163 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.7%#631 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.7%#1029 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in San Rafael?
The median resident of San Rafael is 43.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 49.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #275 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | San Rafael | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 43.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 49.7%#275 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 53% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are San Rafael's schools and health?
San Rafael's 12 public schools graduate 74% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.6 students per teacher and $19,490 spent per pupil. 23% of adults are obese and 10.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | San Rafael | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 74%#995 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 21.6#1000 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,490#227 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 23%#62 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.3%#460 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.9%#390 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.6%#838 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,620 students are enrolled in San Rafael's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in San Rafael?
The average commute in San Rafael is 25.3 minutes (California 25.2); 5.6% of workers take transit and 26.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index San Rafael scores 12.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.3°F and winters 50.6°F, with 34.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | San Rafael | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.3 min#799 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9.2%#1005 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 48.3% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5.6% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.5% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 26.3% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.7#374 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 56.9 | 42.6 | 7.1 |
| Feb | 61.1 | 44 | 6.9 |
| Mar | 64.8 | 45.5 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 67.8 | 47.5 | 2 |
| May | 72 | 50.6 | 0.9 |
| Jun | 77.9 | 53.5 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 80.9 | 54.9 | 0 |
| Aug | 81.3 | 55.5 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 80.7 | 54.4 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 74.9 | 51.4 | 1.5 |
| Nov | 64.6 | 46 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 57.1 | 42.1 | 7.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Rafael-Civic Ctr.
| Measure | San Rafael | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 59.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 67.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 50.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 34.5 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Rafael-Civic Ctr.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in San Rafael?
Marin County's air had a median air quality index of 21, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Marin County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.37% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | San Rafael | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 21#29 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.37%#1150 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Marin County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Marin County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.12% | 98% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0011% | 96% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.028% | 95% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.16% | 92% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0049% | 77% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.009% | 76% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does San Rafael compare with similar-size cities?
San Rafael is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #232 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 60,433.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Rafael, CAPop. 60,433 | #501 | 58.0 | $119,435 | $2,377/mo | 365 | 25.3 min |
| White Plains, NYPop. 60,666 | #51 | 70.8 | $110,763 | $2,269/mo | 115 | 27.4 min |
| Meriden, CTPop. 60,545 | #599 | 56.7 | $71,253 | $1,294/mo | 153 | 23 min |
| Stonecrest, GAPop. 60,501 | #1155 | 46.5 | $64,591 | $1,601/mo | no data | 36 min |
| Taunton, MAPop. 60,433 | #611 | 56.5 | $79,283 | $1,324/mo | 386 | 29.3 min |
| Euless, TXPop. 60,421 | #653 | 55.8 | $82,167 | $1,690/mo | 159 | 24.8 min |
| North Miami, FLPop. 60,344 | #1156 | 46.5 | $57,188 | $1,702/mo | part year | 31.8 min |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #997 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 | 14.9 min |
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #908 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 | 17.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does San Rafael compare with the rest of California?
San Rafael ranks #48 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 58 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 30% above the California median. Violent crime is 17% below the statewide rate. Homes are 70% above the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Fountain Valley, CAPop. 56,258 | … #44 | 59.0 | $115,237 | $2,631/mo | 176 |
| Milpitas, CAPop. 78,578 | #45 | 58.6 | $178,798 | $3,120/mo | 237 |
| Costa Mesa, CAPop. 110,330 | #46 | 58.2 | $111,505 | $2,446/mo | 543 |
| Santa Rosa, CAPop. 177,090 | #47 | 58.0 | $99,060 | $2,152/mo | 292 |
| San Rafael, CAPop. 60,433 | #48 | 58.0 | $119,435 | $2,377/mo | 365 |
| Rancho Cordova, CAPop. 81,849 | #49 | 57.8 | $89,585 | $1,787/mo | 507 |
| Arcadia, CAPop. 55,170 | #50 | 57.8 | $113,516 | $2,191/mo | 198 |
| Davis, CAPop. 66,978 | #51 | 57.6 | $90,045 | $2,187/mo | 191 |
| Union City, CAPop. 67,464 | #52 | 57.5 | $133,715 | $2,713/mo | 453 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of San Rafael among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is San Rafael's score calculated?
San Rafael scores 58 out of 100, #501 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in San Rafael. Similar-size median 55.5.
72.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by San Rafael's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
68.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in San Rafael. Similar-size median 58.9.
73.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in San Rafael's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
41.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
San Rafael's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
21.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in San Rafael. Similar-size median 56.1.
70.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in San Rafael. Similar-size median 42.4.
34.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in San Rafael. Similar-size median 50.0.
70.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across San Rafael's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
61.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
53.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: San Rafael's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories San Rafael has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in San Rafael
Is San Rafael, CA a good place to live?
San Rafael ranks #501 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #232 of 524 smaller cities and #48 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($119,435, #89 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($1,355,600, #511 of 524) and high living costs (115.6, #510 of 524).
What is the cost of living in San Rafael?
San Rafael's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,377/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,298,041, 70% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in San Rafael?
San Rafael recorded 365 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2% below the US rate of 373 and 17% below California's 440. That ranks #669 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #298 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Rafael Police Department. Property crime runs 2,043 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in San Rafael?
The median household in San Rafael earns $119,435, 55% above the US figure of $76,827 and 30% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.2%). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in San Rafael?
Median rent in San Rafael is $2,377/mo (Census), #1223 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,182/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in San Rafael?
Zillow's typical home value in San Rafael is $1,298,041, up 2.5% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,355,600.
How are the public schools in San Rafael?
San Rafael's 12 public schools graduate 74% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.6 students per teacher and $19,490 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in San Rafael?
The average commute is 25.3 minutes, #799 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 9.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in San Rafael?
San Rafael averages 59.5°F over the year, 67.3°F in summer and 50.6°F in winter, with 34.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is San Rafael walkable?
San Rafael scores 12.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is San Rafael at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Marin County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.37% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in San Rafael?
Marin County's air had a median air quality index of 21, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in San Rafael?
San Rafael has 60,433 residents. The median resident of San Rafael is 43.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 49.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #275 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does San Rafael compare with the rest of California?
San Rafael ranks #48 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 58 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 30% above the California median. Violent crime is 17% below the statewide rate. Homes are 70% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to San Rafael?
The tracked cities in other states closest to San Rafael's population of 60,433 are White Plains, NY (#51 overall), Meriden, CT (#599 overall), Stonecrest, GA (#1155 overall), Taunton, MA (#611 overall), and Euless, TX (#653 overall). San Rafael is #501.