Marin County

Marin County offers coastal serenity, historic charm, and easy access to the Bay Area.

Overview for Marin County, CA

258,826 people live in Marin County, where the median age is 47.4 years and the per capita income is $77,753. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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258,826

Total Population 
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47.4 Years

Median Age
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Medium

Density
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$77,753

Average Individual Income

Welcome to Marin County

A coastal gem blending natural beauty, wellness-focused living, and sophisticated charm

Marin County stretches from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the scenic Point Reyes shoreline. The area is cherished for its redwood forests, rolling hills, and ocean vistas. It's a community deeply rooted in sustainability, creativity, and outdoor activity—offering an escape from city life while still remaining deeply connected to the Bay Area economy.

What to love

  • Coastal views and redwood trails for hiking, biking, and nature immersion

  • Laid-back coastal lifestyle just minutes from San Francisco

  • Eco-conscious, wellness-driven community

  • Upscale boutiques, artisan food, and organic farmers’ markets

local Lifestyle

Marin locals embrace a healthy, balanced lifestyle enriched by access to open space preserves, organic markets, and cultural centers. From yoga on the beach to sailing in the bay, life here is about connection—to nature, to neighbors, and to personal well-being. With a focus on sustainability and community-led growth, Marin offers a slower pace with high living standards. Weekends might include artisan coffee in Mill Valley, a stroll through Fairfax’s local music scene, or gallery hopping in Sausalito.

Marin County’s neighborhoods—from the artsy enclaves of Fairfax to the waterfront serenity of Tiburon—offer diverse but complementary lifestyles. Residents prioritize wellness and creativity, often seen gathering at weekend farmers’ markets, community yoga studios, or volunteering for environmental causes. The county’s walkable town centers and scenic byways encourage both social connection and peaceful retreat.

For those seeking balance between career and quality of life, Marin delivers. Many professionals work remotely or commute to San Francisco, enjoying the rare luxury of urban proximity with suburban peace. With top-rated schools, clean air, and abundant green space, Marin’s lifestyle caters equally to growing families, retirees, and young professionals looking to escape the city rush.

Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping

Marin County’s culinary scene is rooted in organic, locally-sourced excellence. From farm-to-table cafes in San Anselmo to award-winning restaurants in Larkspur, foodies find plenty to love. Marin also boasts cozy bookstores, art studios, handmade fashion shops, and open-air farmers' markets. The area’s small towns each offer unique flair—whether it's Bolinas' bohemian vibe or Tiburon’s upscale charm. Cultural events, live music, and outdoor art fairs dot the calendar, offering something for every lifestyle.

In addition to its vibrant culinary and shopping culture, Marin also thrives on community-driven events and local traditions. Seasonal festivals like the Mill Valley Film Festival and Marin County Fair celebrate creativity, diversity, and regional talent. Local vineyards and tasting rooms host intimate concerts, while town plazas transform into art walks or open-air movie nights—offering enrichment for every age and interest.

Things to Do

  • Hike Mount Tamalpais or stroll Muir Woods’ redwood paths

  • Take the ferry to San Francisco or paddleboard at Sausalito Marina

  • Explore Point Reyes National Seashore and spot elephant seals

  • Bike along the scenic Mill Valley–Sausalito Path

  • Visit Marin Country Mart for boutique shopping and weekend events

Schools

Marin County is consistently ranked as one of the best counties in California for education, with top-performing public schools, specialized academies, and strong support for the arts and STEM. The county’s wealth of resources enables schools to maintain small class sizes, competitive teacher salaries, and innovative learning environments.

Education in Marin County is shaped by:

  • Consistently top-ranked districts, including Tamalpais Union and Ross Valley

  • Highly rated public and private schools with strong academic records

  • Innovative STEAM and arts-based learning models

  • College prep-focused high schools with high graduation and college admission rates

  • Emphasis on wellness, emotional intelligence, and inclusive education

Families benefit from the county’s commitment to excellence, making Marin a sought-after place for raising children in a safe, enriching, and academically rigorous environment.

Demographics and Employment Data for Marin County, CA

Population Overview - Marin County

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Marin County is home to approximately 262,231 people. The population density is about 500 people per square mile. The largest age group is between 45 and 64 years old, and the median age is 47.4.

  • Total Population: 262,231
  • Population Density: 500/sq mi
  • Median Age: 47.4
  • Largest Age Group: 45–64 years
Population by Age Group
0–9 Years
10–17 Years
18–24 Years
25–44 Years
45–64 Years
65+ Years
Education Level
Less than 9th Grade High School or Some HS Some College or Higher

Household Data - Marin County

Marin County has approximately 104,000 households, with an average household size of 2.33. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

  • Total Households: 104,000
  • Average Household Size: 2.33
  • Average Household Income: $131,000
Households with Children
With Children: ~26% Without Children: ~74%
Marital Status
Married – 52%
Single – 28%
Divorced – 12%
Widowed – 8%

Employment & Economy - Marin County

Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Marin County do for work — and how long it takes them to get there.

  • Employment Rate: 60.5%
  • Unemployment Rate: ~3.2%
  • Median Household Income: $131,000
  • Top Industries: Healthcare, Education, Tech, Finance
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar: 23% White Collar: 77%
Commute Time
0–14 Minutes – 22%
15–29 Minutes – 30%
30–59 Minutes – 34%
60+ Minutes – 14%

Schools in Marin County, CA

Ross Valley Charter School

102 Marina Dr, Fairfax, CA 94930

Type: Public Charter | Grades: K–5

★★★★☆ 4.2/5

Bel Aire Elementary School

25 Tierra Linda St, Tiburon, CA 94920

Type: Public | Grades: 3–5

★★★★☆ 4.3/5

Bolinas‑Stinson Elementary School

125 Olema‑Bolinas Rd, Bolinas, CA 94924

Type: Public | Grades: K–8

★★★★☆ 4.0/5

Ross Elementary School

50 White Hill Rd, Ross, CA 94957

Type: Public | Grades: K–8

★★★★☆ 4.1/5

Mary E. Silveira Elementary School

375 Blackstone Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903

Type: Public | Grades: K–5

★★★★☆ 4.1/5

Miller Creek Middle School

2255 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael, CA 94903

Type: Public | Grades: 6–8

★★★★☆ 4.3/5

Sinaloa Middle School

Novato, CA

Type: Public | Grades: 6–8

★★★☆☆ 3.8/5

James B. Davidson Middle School

San Rafael, CA

Type: Public | Grades: 6–8

★★★★☆ 4.0/5

Adeline E. Kent Middle School

Kentfield, CA

Type: Public | Grades: 6–8

★★★★☆ 4.1/5

Tamalpais High School

700 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Type: Public | Grades: 9–12

★★★★☆ 4.1/5

Novato High School

Novato, CA

Type: Public | Grades: 9–12

★★★★☆ 4.0/5

San Rafael High School

San Rafael, CA

Type: Public | Grades: 9–12

★★★★☆ 4.1/5

Marin Catholic High School

675 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Kentfield, CA 94904

Type: Private | Grades: 9–12

★★★★☆ 4.4/5

College of Marin

Kentfield & Novato Campuses

Type: Community College | Degrees: A.A., A.S., Transfer

★★★★☆ 4.2/5

Ali Akbar College of Music

San Rafael, CA

Type: Music Conservatory

★★★★☆ 4.4/5

Arques School of Traditional Boatbuilding

Sausalito, CA

Type: Specialty Trade School

★★★★☆ 4.5/5

Dominican University of California

50 Acacia Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901

Type: Private University | Degrees: B.A., B.S., M.A., M.S.

★★★★★ 4.3/5

Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary

Strawberry Point, Marin

Type: Theological Seminary

★★★★☆ 4.2/5

Small cream-colored house with a gabled roof, surrounded by lush green trees and colorful plants, with a concrete walkway leading to the front door.

2880 Vaca Valley Road, Vacaville, CA 95688