Altadena, CA
Population 41,921 · California
About Altadena, CA
Altadena is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 41,921 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $129,123 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Altadena features a median home value of $1,073,500, which is 338% above the national median of $244,900. This places Altadena in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,250, 93% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,744 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (11,756 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (3,262 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Altadena shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Altadena have an average one-way commute time of 27.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
52.7% of Altadena residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 18.1% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 8.0% Asian residents, with 21.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Altadena experiences an annual average temperature of 61.7°F with 46.3" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 88°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 46°F (December–January).
Cost of Living in Altadena, CA
Compared to national averages, Altadena has a median household income of $129,123 (72% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,073,500, which is 338% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,250 is 93% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Altadena's income is 32% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 64% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Altadena, CA?
Altadena offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $129,123, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 52.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,073,500. However, Altadena’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Altadena has a population of 41,921 with a median age of 46.2 years. Compare Altadena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Altadena
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Valley | 42,550 | $132,605 | $637,800 | Compare |
| Rancho Palos Verdes | 41,259 | $175,307 | $1,541,400 | Compare |
| Coachella | 42,594 | $67,558 | $341,300 | Compare |
| San Bruno | 42,612 | $135,976 | $1,199,400 | Compare |
| Vineyard | 42,645 | $108,403 | $552,400 | Compare |
| Campbell | 42,848 | $147,128 | $1,550,000 | Compare |
| Hollister | 43,003 | $101,979 | $679,300 | Compare |
| Danville | 43,426 | $223,206 | $1,583,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Altadena
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 57 | 58 | 58 | 70 | 70 | 74 | 90 | 87 | 78 | 79 | 70 | 65 |
| Low °F | 43 | 42 | 43 | 50 | 52 | 55 | 68 | 68 | 61 | 59 | 51 | 50 |
| Rain " | 13.0 | 8.5 | 9.2 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 4.3 | 2.9 | 0.2 | 1.0 | 4.4 |
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Altadena With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Altadena
What is the population of Altadena, CA?
The population of Altadena, CA is 41,921 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Altadena?
The median household income in Altadena, CA is $129,123 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Altadena?
The median home value in Altadena, CA is $1,073,500, which is 338% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Altadena?
The median monthly rent in Altadena, CA is $2,250, which is 93% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Altadena?
The unemployment rate in Altadena, CA is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Altadena, CA a good place to live?
Altadena offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 41,921 and a median age of 46.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Altadena, CA?
52.7% of residents in Altadena aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Altadena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Altadena, CA: median home value is $1,073,500 (338% above national), median rent is $2,250/month, and median household income is $129,123. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Altadena?
The poverty rate in Altadena, CA is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Altadena, CA?
Altadena's population is 18.1% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 8.0% Asian, and 17.6% two or more races. 21.0% of residents are foreign-born.