Pasadena, CA
Population 136,462 · California
About Pasadena, CA
Pasadena is a major city located in California with a population of 136,462 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $103,778 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pasadena features a median home value of $1,045,000, which is 327% above the national median of $244,900. This places Pasadena in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,218, 91% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 62,853 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (24,047 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (33,084 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pasadena shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pasadena have an average one-way commute time of 27.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
56.0% of Pasadena 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 23.2% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 9.6% Asian residents, with 29.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pasadena Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Pasadena, CA
Compared to national averages, Pasadena has a median household income of $103,778 (38% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,045,000, which is 327% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,218 is 91% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Pasadena's income is 6% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 60% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Pasadena, CA?
Pasadena offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $103,778, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 56.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,045,000. However, as a major city, Pasadena provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Pasadena has a population of 136,462 with a median age of 40.1 years. Compare Pasadena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Pasadena
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victorville | 135,983 | $70,663 | $342,500 | Compare |
| Orange | 138,723 | $116,945 | $900,700 | Compare |
| Fullerton | 141,278 | $104,219 | $859,600 | Compare |
| Visalia | 142,649 | $79,952 | $340,600 | Compare |
| Torrance | 143,499 | $113,105 | $1,036,600 | Compare |
| Santa Clara | 129,239 | $173,670 | $1,527,900 | Compare |
| Simi Valley | 125,769 | $117,703 | $753,500 | Compare |
| Thousand Oaks | 125,676 | $134,367 | $951,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Pasadena With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pasadena
What is the population of Pasadena, CA?
The population of Pasadena, CA is 136,462 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in Pasadena?
The median household income in Pasadena, CA is $103,778 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pasadena?
The median home value in Pasadena, CA is $1,045,000, which is 327% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Pasadena?
The median monthly rent in Pasadena, CA is $2,218, which is 91% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pasadena?
The unemployment rate in Pasadena, CA is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pasadena, CA a good place to live?
Pasadena offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 136,462 and a median age of 40.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pasadena, CA?
56.0% of residents in Pasadena 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 Pasadena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pasadena, CA: median home value is $1,045,000 (327% above national), median rent is $2,218/month, and median household income is $103,778. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Pasadena?
The poverty rate in Pasadena, CA is 13.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Pasadena, CA?
Pasadena's population is 23.2% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 9.6% Asian, and 7.4% two or more races. 29.2% of residents are foreign-born.