Explore San Rafael local geography, civic resources and voter guides, with dated official population and registration facts for Marin County.
At a glance: San Rafael is an incorporated city in Marin County. Population: 59,890 (California Department of Finance estimate as of January 1, 2026). Registered voters: 33,296 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
San Rafael extends from a historic downtown into valleys, hillsides, and San Pablo Bay shoreline neighborhoods. The Canal area, Terra Linda, and the central business district occupy notably different landscapes within the same city. Albert Park and its community-center setting support central-city recreation. Pickleweed Park provides fields and community facilities in the Canal area, while the Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park offers a waterfront walking route. San Rafael incorporated on February 18, 1874. It is a charter city with a council-manager government and serves as Marin County's county seat.
The city lists a three-mile waterfront walkway at Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park.
Pickleweed Park includes play and picnic areas, soccer fields, and community-center facilities.
No. San Rafael and Marin County are separate governments; Marin County Elections administers voter services for city residents.
33,296 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
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