Marin County is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after areas in the entire country. If you are thinking about moving to the area, then you need to know which city is the perfect fit for you. There are 11 beautiful Marin County cities and towns for you to choose from, and we will be taking a look at 10 of them.
Before deciding on an area, check out this guide to the best cities in Marin County. We will provide you with all of the useful information and key demographics for each Marin County city. All of the data provided comes directly from the US Census.
Table of Contents
Marin County, CA
Where is Marin County? Marin County is located in the northwestern part of the San Francisco Bay Area, just across the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a part of the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metropolitan statistical area. Once home to the Coast Miwok people, Marin County is now known for its amazing architecture, high-income residents, and beautiful natural attractions.
Marin County is one of the highest-income counties by per capita income and median household income. The median household income in Marin County is $131,008, which is much higher than the national average of $69,021.
The county is a part of the California Floristic Province, meaning it is in a zone of high biodiversity and endemism. Some of Marin County’s top natural sites include the Muir Woods Redwood Forest, the Marin Headlands, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Stinson Beach. In 2010, all of the county’s beaches were listed as the cleanest in the state.
Marin County also has a thriving economy. Some of the top employers in the area include Kaiser Permanente, Marin General Hospital, and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company.
Marin County demographics
- Marin County population: 262,321
- Marin County median age: 47.1
- Marin County median household income: $131,008
- Marin County median price of housing: $1,450,000
- Marin County area: 828 square miles
- Marin County density: 504 people per square mile
- Marin County educational attainment: 93.4% high school degree (or higher), 60.1% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
Cities in Marin County
#1 San Rafael
When it comes to Marin County, CA cities, San Rafael is one of the most popular. San Rafael is the county seat and most populous city in Marin County. This beautiful city is known for its bustling downtown area with a vibrant arts community and top-rated restaurants. There are also many famous natural attractions in San Rafael, like the China Camp State Park and McNears Beach County Park.
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- San Rafael population: 58,775
- San Rafael population growth: 3.2% increase since 2010
- San Rafael area: 22.54 square miles
- San Rafael median age: 41.1
- San Rafael median household income: $104,521
- San Rafael median house price: $1,350,000
- San Rafael crime rate: 3,659 per 100,000 people (41.8% higher than the state average and 56.0% higher than the national average)
- San Rafael Map
#2 Novato
Novato is a city in Marin County and is located in the North Bay region of the Bay Area. This beautiful city is the largest city in the area in Marin County and is known for its gorgeous nature, friendly people, and thriving economy. Several biotech firms are headquartered in the area, such as Biosearch Technology, BioMarin Pharmaceutical, and Ultragenyx. Novato is also home to many cultural attractions, such as the Marin Museum of the American Indian, the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Oloampali State Historic Park.
- Novato population: 55,642
- Novato population growth: 10.2% increase since 2010
- Novato area: 27.99 square miles
- Novato median age: 46.9
- Novato median household income: $107,975
- Novato median house price: $985,000
- Novato crime rate: 1,947 crimes per 100,000 people (24.6% lower than the state average and 17.0% lower than the national average)
- Novato map
#3 Mill Valley
Located just 14 miles north of San Francisco, Mill Valley is one of the best Marin County cities. Mill Valley is incredibly suburban, making it a great option for those who want a laid-back style of living while still having access to the big city. If you have children, then you’ll be happy to know that there are many top-rated schools in the area. Mill Valley Middle School is a four-time winner of the California Distinguished School Award. Mill Valley also hosts several popular annual events, like the Mill Valley Film Festival and the Dipsea Race.
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- Mill Valley population: 14,330
- Mill Valley population growth: 4.6% increase since 2010
- Mill Valley area: 4.85 square miles
- Mill Valley median age: 48.7
- Mill Valley median household income: $179,529
- Mill Valley median house price: $2,912,500
- Mill Valley crime rate: 2,217 crimes per 100,000 people (14.1% lower than the state average and 5.5% lower than the national average)
- Mill Valley map
#4 San Anselmo
San Anselmo is one of the most popular Marin County towns. This cozy town in Marin County calls itself the “antique capital of Northern California.” Its downtown area is full of unique antique stores such as Antiques Legacy and Susan’s Store Room. The area is also home to popular attractions such as Imagination Park and Sorich Park. San Anselmo is the most crowded city in Marin County, with a population density of 4,660 people per square mile.
- San Anselmo population: 12,525
- San Anselmo population growth: 2.6% increase since 2010
- San Anselmo area: 2.68 square miles
- San Anselmo median age: 47.7
- San Anselmo median household income: $153,381
- San Anselmo median house price: $1,625,000
- San Anselmo crime rate: 983 crimes per 100,000 people (62% lower than the state average and 58% lower than the national average)
- San Anselmo map
#5 Larkspur
First incorporated in 1908, Larkspur is known for its beautiful real estate, low crime rate, and friendly residents. Larkspur’s Downtown Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The area includes attractions such as the Art Deco Lark Theater and the Blue Rock Hotel. Larkspur is also home to the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, which is a hub for shuttles and ferries in the Bay Area.
- Larkspur population: 12,319
- Larkspur population growth: 4.4% increase since 2010
- Larkspur area: 3.24 square miles
- Larkspur median age: 49.8
- Larkspur median household income: $135,260
- Larkspur median house price: $1,912,500
- Larkspur crime rate: 983 crimes per 100,000 people (62% lower than the state average and 58% lower than the national average)
- Larkspur map
#6 Corte Madera
Located 3.25 miles south of San Rafael, sits the beautiful town of Corte Madera. Corte Madera is one of the safest places to live in Marin County. Its crime rate is 65% lower than the state average and 61% lower than the national average. When living in Corte Madera, you have access to two of the county’s best shopping centers: The Town Center and the Village at Corte Madera. One of Corte Madera’s most popular events is the 4th of July Parade and Festival, which is held annually by Corte Madera and the city of Larkspur.
- Corte Madera population: 9,838
- Corte Madera population growth: 8.0% increase since 2010
- Corte Madera area: 4.40 square miles
- Corte Madera median age: 46.5
- Corte Madera median household income: $183,661
- Corte Madera median house price: $1,700,000
- Corte Madera crime rate: 906 crimes per 100,000 people (65% lower than the state average and 61% lower than the national average)
- Corte Madera map
#7 Tiburon
Located on the Tiburon Peninsula, Tiburon is one of the most beautiful towns in Marin County. This town is bordered by Corte Madera and Mill Valley but is mostly surrounded by the bay. Because of its location, many of the homes in Tiburon offer gorgeous waterfront views and are, therefore, some of the priciest homes in Marin County. Because of its expensive real estate, it is no surprise that Tiburon is the richest town in Marin County, with an average household income of $192,292. Some of Tiburon’s most popular attractions include Paradise Beach Park, Angel Island, and Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum.
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- Tiburon population: 9,144
- Tiburon population growth: 3.5% increase since 2010
- Tiburon area: 13.22 square miles
- Tiburon median age: 50.8
- Tiburon median household income: $192,292
- Tiburon median house price: $3,672,500
- Tiburon crime rate: 1,011 crimes per 100,000 people (60.8% lower than the state average and 56.9% lower than the national average)
- Tiburon map
#8 Fairfax
Fairfax is one of the Marin County towns with the most history. Before the town was established, it was home to the Coast Miwok Native Americans. Fairfax was also the site of the last political duel in California between Daniel Showalter and Charles W. Piercy. Later, in the 1960s, Fairfax was the site of a legendary baseball game between rock bands Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead. Today, Fairfax is known for its beautiful real estate and close proximity to San Diego. Some of Fairfax’s top attractions include the Fairfax Theater and the Marin Museum of Bicycling.
- Fairfax population: 7,578
- Fairfax population growth: 3.2% increase since 2010
- Fairfax area: 2.23 square miles
- Fairfax median age: 47.8
- Fairfax median household income: $111,290
- Fairfax median house price: $1,232,500
- Fairfax crime rate: 1,487 crimes per 100,000 people (42.4% lower than the state average and 36.6% lower than the national average)
- Fairfax map
#9 Sausalito
Just 4 miles north of San Francisco, Sausalito is a gorgeous city in Marin County. Once a shipbuilding center in World War II, Sausalito is now known as a wealthy and artistic enclave as well as a hotspot for tourists. Many of the homes in Sausalito are located on hills overlooking the water, providing stunning views for homeowners. Sausalito is also known for its many houseboats, as much of the city is located on the shoreline. A few of Sausalito’s top attractions include Marin Headlands, Fort Baker, and the Bay Area Discovery Museum.
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- Sausalito population: 7,116
- Sausalito population growth: 1.5% increase since 2010
- Sausalito area: 2.26 square miles
- Sausalito median age: 54.9
- Sausalito median household income: $140,417
- Sausalito median house price: $2,400,000
- Sausalito crime rate: 3,446 crimes per 100,000 people (33.5% higher than the state average and 46.9% higher than the national average)
- Sausalito map
#10 Ross
Situated just north of San Francisco, Ross is the least-populated town in Marin County. However, it is also the fastest-growing town, with a population increase of 14.4% over the past decade! With an area of just 1.5 square miles, Ross has a population density of 1,500 people per square mile. Some landmarks in Ross include the Ross Bear sculpture and the Marin Art and Garden Center. Ross is located in the top-rated Ross Elementary School District and Tamalpais Union High School District, making it a popular place to live for families with young children.
- Ross population: 2,290
- Ross population growth: 14.4% increase since 2010
- Ross area: 1.56 square miles
- Ross median age: 48.3
- Ross median household income: $102,593
- Ross median house price: $3,880,000
- Ross crime rate: 1,345 crimes per 100,000 people (47.9% lower than the state average and 42.7% lower than the national average)
- Ross map
Cities in Marin County Map
FAQ Section
How Many Cities Are in Marin County?
Marin County has 11 incorporated cities and towns.
What Is the Most Populous City in Marin County?
When it comes to organizing cities in Marin County by population, the most populous city in the area is San Rafael.
What Is the Wealthiest City in Marin County?
The wealthiest city in Marin County is Tiburon. Tiburon has a median household income of $192,292.
Which City Is the Largest in Land Size?
Novato is the largest city in land size, with an area of 27.99 square miles.
What Is the Most Crowded City Instate?
San Anselmo is the most crowded city instate. The population density of San Anselmo is 4,660 people per square mile.
Which One of Marin County’s Cities is Right for You?
Which one of these cities in Marin County, California will you call home? Any one of these Marin County cities would be a great choice for you and your family. No matter which city you choose, the experienced movers here at AMS Relocation are here to help! Give us a call today at 650-284-2931 to discuss your move and receive a free quote.
