It is the vibrant and culturally rich heart of Marin County, serving as its county seat and largest city. Located just 18 miles north of San Francisco, San Rafael blends historic charm with modern amenities, offering a dynamic mix of neighborhoods, open space, and a thriving arts scene. The city is surrounded by rolling hills, bayfront parks, and scenic trails, making it a hub for both outdoor recreation and urban living.
San Rafael's neighborhoods are diverse and full of character. Gerstle Park is known for its early 20th-century homes and walkable streets, while Sun Valley offers a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with charming bungalows and hillside views. Dominican features grand historic homes near the Dominican University campus, and Peacock Gap is home to larger, contemporary residences near the golf course and bay.
Downtown San Rafael is a lively and eclectic district centered along Fourth Street, where historic architecture meets a vibrant mix of shops, galleries, and eateries. There are diverse culinary options from classic comfort food, to flavorful vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, and pub fare. The area also features cultural landmarks like the Rafael Theater, Art Works Downtown, and seasonal events that bring the community together year-round.
72,230 people live in San Rafael, where the median age is 45 and the average individual income is $71,375. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around San Rafael, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Mossed Juicery, Sunday Marin Farmers Market, and East & West Gourmet Afgan Food.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 0.54 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.54 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 0.57 miles | 1 review | 4/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.58 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.64 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.64 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.9 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.94 miles | 2 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 0.89 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.22 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.31 miles | 2 reviews | 3/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.36 miles | 4 reviews | 4/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.42 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.42 miles | 1 review | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.45 miles | 36 reviews | 2.8/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.52 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.73 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.89 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Nightlife | 0.41 miles | 40 reviews | 3.7/5 stars | |
| Nightlife | 0.6 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.77 miles | 1 review | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.79 miles | 90 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.88 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.92 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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San Rafael has 27,889 households, with an average household size of 4.97. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in San Rafael do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 72,230 people call San Rafael home. The population density is 2,459 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar: