South Pasadena, CA
Population 26,297 · California
About South Pasadena, CA
South Pasadena is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 26,297 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $128,105 per year, which is 70% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Pasadena features a median home value of $1,545,100, which is 531% above the national median of $244,900. This places South 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 11,040 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (4,586 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (5,827 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 South Pasadena shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in South Pasadena have an average one-way commute time of 30.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
72.7% of South 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 15.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 5.0% Asian residents, with 24.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South Pasadena, CA
Compared to national averages, South Pasadena has a median household income of $128,105 (70% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,545,100, which is 531% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,218 is 91% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, South Pasadena's income is 31% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 136% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in South Pasadena, CA?
South Pasadena offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $128,105, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 72.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,545,100. However, South Pasadena’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Pasadena has a population of 26,297 with a median age of 40.3 years. Compare South Pasadena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near South Pasadena
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eureka | 26,302 | $60,253 | $375,800 | Compare |
| Hercules | 26,245 | $130,583 | $741,200 | Compare |
| Wasco | 26,222 | $55,521 | $251,900 | Compare |
| Windsor | 26,179 | $129,004 | $763,200 | Compare |
| Sanger | 26,515 | $74,428 | $346,000 | Compare |
| North Tustin | 26,038 | $186,250 | $1,212,400 | Compare |
| Imperial Beach | 25,897 | $79,071 | $811,000 | Compare |
| Benicia | 26,861 | $125,040 | $778,600 | 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 South Pasadena With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Pasadena
What is the population of South Pasadena, CA?
The population of South Pasadena, CA is 26,297 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 South Pasadena?
The median household income in South Pasadena, CA is $128,105 per year, which is 70% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Pasadena?
The median home value in South Pasadena, CA is $1,545,100, which is 531% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in South Pasadena?
The median monthly rent in South Pasadena, CA is $2,218, which is 91% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Pasadena?
The unemployment rate in South Pasadena, CA is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Pasadena, CA a good place to live?
South Pasadena offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,297 and a median age of 40.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Pasadena, CA?
72.7% of residents in South 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 South Pasadena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Pasadena, CA: median home value is $1,545,100 (531% above national), median rent is $2,218/month, and median household income is $128,105. The home-value-to-income ratio is 12.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in South Pasadena?
The poverty rate in South Pasadena, CA is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is South Pasadena, CA?
South Pasadena's population is 15.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 5.0% Asian, and 3.4% two or more races. 24.0% of residents are foreign-born.