Pinole is a city in Contra Costa County, California, United States. The population was 19,039 at the 2000 census. It is one of many small “bedroom communities” along the I-80 corridor in Western Contra Costa County. It is located about 20 miles northeast of San Francisco, and approximately a half-hour drive from either Oakland or San Francisco. Neighboring towns are Richmond and San Pablo to the southwest, and Hercules to the northeast. The unincorporated area of El Sobrante lies to the south. Pinole apartments for rent comparison page shows most up to date rent information on Pinole apartments and houses. Rent information is obtained from multiple rental sources but we cannot guarantee their accuracy.