Mill Valley
cityMill Valley is a charming city in Marin County, California, located approximately 14 miles north of San Francisco, nestled at the base of Mount Tamalpais. Known for its natural beauty and vibrant downtown, Mill Valley offers a mix of redwood forests, coastal access, and a thriving arts scene. The city's population was approximately 14,012 in 2024. Mill Valley boasts a strong local economy closely tied to the broader Bay Area. Key employment sectors include management, business, science, and arts occupations. While many residents commute to San Francisco, the city itself features upscale boutiques, art galleries, and health-conscious businesses. The median household income is high, reflecting the area's affluence, but there are also pockets of need within the community. Mill Valley is distinctive for its rich history, dating back to the early 19th century with the establishment of a sawmill that gave the town its name. The city's cultural scene is vibrant, hosting the Mill Valley Film Festival and the Sweetwater Music Hall. Its proximity to outdoor recreation areas like Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais State Park enhances its quality of life.
Mill Valley, California
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- Marin County
- Region
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Total Area
- 4.8 sq mi
- Climate
- Mild Mediterranean climate with relatively wet winters and dry summers. Temperatures range from 43°F to 73°F.
- Notable Features
- Mount Tamalpais · Richardson Bay · Redwood forests
- Neighboring Areas
- Sausalito · Tiburon · Corte Madera · Tamalpais-Homestead Valley · Alto · Strawberry
- Population (2020)
- 14,203
- Est. Population (2026)
- 13,754
- Median Age
- 48.7
- Median Income
- $206,212
- Poverty Rate
- 5.91%
- Family Households
- 64.5%
- Owner-Occupied
- 66.2%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Mill Valley includes 81.23% White, 8.39% Asian, and smaller percentages for other race, Black or African American, Native American and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Mill Valley School District and Tamalpais Union High School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.1%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Upscale commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Management · Business · Science · Arts · Professional · Administrative
- Schools
- 7
- Students
- 3,200
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19:1
- School Districts
- Mill Valley Elementary School District · Tamalpais Union High School District
- Transportation
- Highway 101 · Public transit · Bike paths
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Power · Broadband
- Major Facilities
- MarinHealth Medical Center (nearby)
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Muir Woods National Monument · Mount Tamalpais State Park · Old Mill Park · Tennessee Valley
- Parks & Trails
- Numerous city parks · Dipsea Trail · Coastal trails
- Founded
- 1850s
- Incorporated
- 1900
- Named After
- Sawmill built by John Thomas Reed
- Historical Significance
- Early settlement in Marin County, known for its lumber industry and later as a haven for artists and a desirable residential community.
- Key Events
- Construction of sawmill in the 1830s · Relocation of San Franciscans after the 1906 earthquake · Establishment of Tamalpais High School in 1908 · Opening of Locust Avenue shopping center in 1929