San Rafael, CA

San Rafael, California

Introduction to San Rafael, California

The California city of San Rafael, county seat of Marin County, is located 17 miles north of San Francisco in the North Bay region of the Bay Area. The city is bordered by San Pablo and San Francisco bays and lies near the junction of Interstate I-580 and U.S. Route 101. Neighboring communities include Santa Venetia (to the north), San Anselmo (to the west), and Greenbrae (to the south).

San Rafael is one of several California towns which developed around a Spanish mission in the California mission chain. Mission San Rafael Arcangel, built in 1817 and rebuilt in 1949, was the 20th in the mission chain and was named for the Archangel Raphael, the Angel of Healing. One of California's original 27 county seats, San Rafael became Marin County's first city when it was incorporated in 1874. The oldest, largest, and most culturally diverse city in the county, San Rafael is today a lively industrial and cultural center located in an area replete with natural beauty. The city is home to Dominican University.

San Rafael Attractions

Approximately 30 percent of San Rafael's land is comprised of parklands and open space, making many recreational activities available. China Camp State Park is a quiet and beautiful venue whose 1,600 acres provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and overnight camping. The park acquired its name from a Chinese fishing village that once flourished there. The city is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, including the following:

• Rafael Film Center: A restored Art Deco Film Center which originally opened its doors in 1918 as The Orpheus is now a year-round venue showcasing independent and international films as well as film retrospectives.
• Marin County Civic Center: The last major commission of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright and also one of his most distinctive designs, the facility houses Marin Center, the county's largest performing arts and convention facility.
• Marin Historical Society Museum: Located in Boyd House, a beautiful example of high Victorian Gothic set in a park-like garden, the museum contains a detailed collection of local historical photos and artifacts.
• Falkirk Cultural Center: Housed in a 17-room mansion built in 1888, the former home of Scottish shipping magnate Robert Dollar, the facility now exhibits contemporary art and sponsors year-round events with other cultural organizations.
• Dominican University: Founded in 1890, the university is situated on 80 wooded acres in the center of San Rafael.

High Points

San Rafael strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in California):

Category	Trophy
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. Peers)	Top 5%
Public Transportation Use (vs. Peers)	Top 6%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. Peers)	Top 7%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 12%
College Educated Adults (vs. Peers)	Top 15%
Median Family Income (vs. Peers)	Top 17%

Comparative Profile of San Rafael, CA

Comparing San Rafael to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in California (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
Age of the Population
Male Share of the Population
Racial Diversity
Senior Citizens
Children Under 5 Years Old
Female Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Working at Home
Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
People Living Alone
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built
Affordability of Property Taxes
Affordability of Rents

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

San Rafael Almanac

San Rafael Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

San Rafael Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, San Rafael, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

San Rafael Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

San Rafael Hospitals

MARIN GENERAL HOSPITAL
(Government - Hospital District or Authority)
250 BON AIR ROAD, PO BOX 2129
(415) 925-7900
Emergency Service: Yes

KAISER FOUNDATION HOSPITAL
(Voluntary non-profit - Other)
99 MONTECILLO RD
(415) 444-2000
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in San Rafael

San Rafael High Schools (2004)

TERRA LINDA HIGH
320 NOVA ALBION WAY
415-492-3100
Serves 1,020 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 20.6

SAN RAFAEL HIGH
185 MISSION AVE.
415-485-2330
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 964 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 20.3

SPECIAL EDUCATION
111 LAS GALLINAS AVE.
415-491-6612
A Special Education School
Serves 282 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 5.9

JUVENILE HALL/COMMUNITY
1111 LAS GALLINAS AVE.
415-491-0581
A Non-traditional School
Serves 131 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 26.2

MADRONE HIGH (CONT.)
185 MISSION AVE.
415-485-2435
A Non-traditional School
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 52 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 17.3

PHOENIX ACADEMY
160-B NORTH SAN PEDRO ROAD
415-499-5801
A Non-traditional School
A charter school.
Serves 24 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 12

San Rafael Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

College of Marin

Dominican University of California

(List of All California Colleges)

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