San Rafael, CA Census Data
The 155th largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
San Rafael is the 155th largest city in California by population and ranks 64th of 188 for median household income. With 60,604 residents, its poverty rate of 10.9% ranks among the higher rates in California. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
60,604
48.8% male · 51.2% female
Median Age
43.5
4.8 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$109,317
$30,779 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
49.4%
14.4% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 84.3%
Poverty Rate
10.9%
1.5% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 7.8%
Broadband Access
96.8%
7.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$1,246,200
Median rent: $2,346 · 52% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Labor force participation: 61.1%
Per Capita Income
$49,701
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
3.1%
Disability rate: 10.3%
How San Rafael Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 155th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 64th of 188 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 102nd of 188 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 41st of 188 | Top 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 18th of 188 | Top 10% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
San Rafael, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of San Rafael, CA?
The population of San Rafael, CA is 60,604 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 43.5 years.
What is the median household income in San Rafael?
The median household income in San Rafael, CA is $109,317, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $49,701.
What is the poverty rate in San Rafael?
The poverty rate in San Rafael, CA is 10.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 7.8% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of San Rafael residents have a college degree?
49.4% of adults (25+) in San Rafael hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 84.3% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in San Rafael?
The median home value in San Rafael, CA is $1,246,200. Median rent is $2,346 per month, with 52% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of San Rafael?
San Rafael's population is 57.1% White, 2.3% Black, 34.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 6.1% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does San Rafael rank among California cities?
San Rafael is the 155th largest city in California by population, the 64th highest for median household income, the 102nd lowest for poverty rate, the 41st highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in San Rafael?
The unemployment rate in San Rafael, CA is 5.8%, with a labor force participation rate of 61.1%. Per capita income is $49,701.
Cities Similar to San Rafael
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.