In 1969, all or part of 16 barrios of Barotac Viejo were separated from that town and consolidated into the new municipality. However, in 1971 Republic Act No. 6267 decreed that 5 barrios be restored to Barotac Viejo, with the barrio of Omio becoming part of Lemery.
Fire
In February 2012, a fire damaged 18 stalls in the public market. Because San Rafael has no fire station, fire trucks had to be called in from nearby towns.
Typhoon Haiyan
passed over Panay Island on November 8, 2013, affecting San Rafael along with several other coastal cities. The provincial board declared the state of Iloilo to be in a state of emergency, after acting governor Raul C. Tupas toured the fifth district. Local convenience stores were heavily damaged during the storm, although at least one reopened soon after. Several houses were damaged during the typhoon. They were destroyed by strong wind and falling trees. After a few days, relief soon arrived. Several new houses were built by a religious organization.
Climate
Barangays
San Rafael is politically subdivided into 9 barangays.
In the, the population of San Rafael, Iloilo, was people, with a density of.
Government
In 2013, Beboy Belleza was re-elected as mayor by an almost 2-1 margin.
Education
San Rafael has elementary schools in almost all barangays. There is a primary school in Bagacay. San Rafael Central School is located in Poblacion. Children spend 2 years in kindergarten and 6 years in elementary. San Rafael has two high schools: San Rafael National High School was established in 1983, while Ilongbukid National High School was created in 2000. Students spend 4 years in high school. There are 4 grading periods each school year. The 4th grading period is the most important because it determines if the student will advance a grade the next school year. Secondary school starts with 1st Year and ends with 4th Year. The subjects for Grade 1 students are English, Mathematics, Pilipino, and Sibika at Cultura. English language is used as the language of instruction for English, Mathematics, and Science. Grade 2 students take English, Mathematics, Science, Sibika at Kutura, Agriculture. Grade 3-6 students take additional courses, such as Music, Art, P.E., and Hekasi.
