CITY · 1990 CENSUS

San Rafael

California · 48,404 residents · 16.587 sq mi

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The short version

San Rafael is significantly wealthier than the US average, with a median household income of $41,922. Population has declined 14% since 2000. 38% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national rate of 20%. Median home value is $342,700.

At a glance

Wealthier

above the US median

US median: $30,130

Older

median age 37.4

US median: 33.0

More educated

38% hold a bachelor's degree

US average: 20%

Stable housing

home values roughly flat, inflation adjusted

US median home: $93,722

Section 01

Population & growth

Total population

48,404

−14%vs 2000

vs 56,063 in 2000

1990 – 2025

Population density

2,918 / sq mi

−14%vs 2000

vs 3,380 / sq mi in 2000

US average: 221

Median age

37.4

−3%vs 2000

vs 38.5 in 2000

US average: 33.0

Population, 1990 – 2024

202460K

Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income

$41,922

−9%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $60,994 in 2000

US average: $30,130

1990 – 2024

Per capita income

$24,230

−32%vs 2000

vs $35,762 in 2000

US average: $14,340

Poverty rate

8.1%

−2.1 ptsvs 2000

vs 10.2% in 2000

US average: 13.2%

Section 03

Housing

Median home value

$342,700

−1%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $457,000 in 2000

US average: $93,722

1990 – 2024

Median gross rent

$730

−8%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $1,040 in 2000

US average: $450

Owner-occupied

54.5%

+0.7 ptsvs 2000

vs 53.8% in 2000

45.5% rent

Afford Score

8.2

+9%vs 2000

vs 7.5 in 2000

1990 – 2024

RELATED:See current rent listings in San Rafael on RentDataNow

Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000

White, non-Hispanic65.9%(36,960)

Black2.1%(1,175)

Hispanic / Latino23.3%(13,070)

Asian5.5%(3,095)

Other0%

Diversity Score59.4%(33,291)

1990

White, non-Hispanic83.8%(40,563)

Black3.1%(1,491)

Hispanic / Latino13.5%(6,517)

Asian5.3%(2,562)

Other7.8%(3,788)

Diversity Score54.1%(26,184)

Diversity Score

−9%vs 2000

vs 59 in 2000

1990 – 2024

Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

38.4%

−5.3 ptsvs 2000

vs 43.6% in 2000

US average: 20.3%

High school or higher

89.0%

+4.2 ptsvs 2000

vs 84.7% in 2000

US average: 75.2%

Graduate degree

14.2%

−2.8 ptsvs 2000

vs 16.9% in 2000

US average: 7.1%

Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute

26.7 min

+14%vs 2000

vs 23.4 min in 2000

US average: 21.9

Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

Drill deeper

Places similar to San Rafael

Head to head

Compare San Rafael to nearby cities

SAN RAFAEL VS

Larkspur

Income$140,417+235%

Home value$1,996,600+483%

Population12,620−79%

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SAN RAFAEL VS

Corte Madera

Income$232,763+455%

Home value$1,755,200+412%

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SAN RAFAEL VS

San Anselmo

Income$173,641+314%

Home value$1,576,700+360%

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SAN RAFAEL VS

Mill Valley

Income$206,212+392%

Home value$2,000,001+484%

Population13,799−77%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

Frequently asked

How many people live in San Rafael, California?

San Rafael, California has about 48,404 residents according to the 1990 Census.

What is the median household income in San Rafael, California?

The typical household in San Rafael, California earns about $41,922 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is San Rafael, California expensive?

In San Rafael, California, the median home is worth about $342,700, and the typical rent is about $730 a month.

How educated are people in San Rafael, California?

About 38.4% of adults age 25 and over in San Rafael, California hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in San Rafael, California?

About 8.1% of people in San Rafael, California live below the federal poverty line.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

How we source and harmonize this data →