CaliforniaPop. 136,969Mid-size cities
Is Pasadena a Good Place to Live? Pasadena, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pasadena ranks #783 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #133 of 256 mid-size cities and #94 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($105,192, #49 of 256), and trails on expensive homes ($1,093,300, #245 of 256) and high rents ($2,265/mo, #228 of 256).
Pasadena by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pasadena's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Pasadena?
Pasadena's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,265/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,187,354, 55% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Pasadena | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $1,187,354#1143 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,022/mo#1038 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $1,093,300#1260 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,265/mo#1192 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 10.4x#1288 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.8%#1077 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Pasadena housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Pasadena is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Pasadena safe?
Pasadena recorded 419 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% above the US rate of 373 and 5% below California's 440. That ranks #744 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #147 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pasadena Police Department. Property crime runs 2,358 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Pasadena | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 419#744 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 2,358#816 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Pasadena?
The median household in Pasadena earns $105,192, 37% above the US figure of $76,827 and 14% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.2%). 13.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Pasadena | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $105,192#280 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.4%#915 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 13.3%#758 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.4%#906 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Pasadena?
The median resident of Pasadena is 40.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 56.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #180 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pasadena | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 40.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 56.1%#180 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 42.5% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Pasadena's schools and health?
Pasadena's 19 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.3 students per teacher and $21,413 spent per pupil. 24.2% of adults are obese and 10.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Pasadena | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 82%#809 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 23.3#1100 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $21,413#143 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 24.2%#107 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.7%#555 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 14.9%#250 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.2%#400 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,482 students are enrolled in Pasadena's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pasadena?
The average commute in Pasadena is 26.9 minutes (California 25.2); 3.8% of workers take transit and 27.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pasadena scores 14.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.5°F and winters 56.8°F, with 20.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pasadena | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 26.9 min#922 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 10.2%#1065 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 55.5% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.8% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.2% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.2% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 27.6% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.6#72 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 68.1 | 45.5 | 4.5 |
| Feb | 69.3 | 46.1 | 5.2 |
| Mar | 72.6 | 48.4 | 3 |
| Apr | 76.2 | 50.6 | 1.1 |
| May | 78.3 | 53.9 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 83.7 | 57.8 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 89.1 | 62 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 91.3 | 63.2 | 0 |
| Sep | 89.9 | 61.6 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 83 | 56.3 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 74.7 | 49.6 | 1.1 |
| Dec | 67.2 | 44.7 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pasadena.
| Measure | Pasadena | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 66°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 74.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 56.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 20.1 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pasadena.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pasadena?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Pasadena | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.39%#1172 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Los Angeles County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Los Angeles County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.17% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.16% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0098% | 84% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Pasadena compare with similar-size cities?
Pasadena is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #133 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 136,969.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pasadena, CAPop. 136,969 | #783 | 53.5 | $105,192 | $2,265/mo | 419 | 26.9 min |
| Warren, MIPop. 137,928 | #1032 | 49.4 | $64,016 | $1,225/mo | 497 | 24.9 min |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #694 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 | 22.5 min |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #858 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 | 26.7 min |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #383 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 | 18.6 min |
| Stamford, CTPop. 137,144 | #117 | 67.9 | $111,586 | $2,276/mo | 154 | 28.5 min |
| Midland, TXPop. 136,640 | #579 | 56.9 | $89,585 | $1,434/mo | 352 | 20.1 min |
| Dayton, OHPop. 136,579 | #1289 | 38.5 | $45,247 | $918/mo | 1,230 | 20.3 min |
| Coral Springs, FLPop. 136,103 | #509 | 57.9 | $93,602 | $2,084/mo | 119 | 29.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Pasadena compare with the rest of California?
Pasadena ranks #94 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 53.5 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 14% above the California median. Violent crime is 5% below the statewide rate. Homes are 55% above the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| West Covina, CAPop. 107,037 | … #90 | 54.1 | $101,065 | $2,245/mo | 214 |
| Hacienda Heights, CAPop. 54,291 | #91 | 54.1 | $109,193 | $2,300/mo | no data |
| Diamond Bar, CAPop. 53,355 | #92 | 54.1 | $108,281 | $2,521/mo | 124 |
| Fullerton, CAPop. 140,968 | #93 | 53.8 | $104,286 | $2,194/mo | 358 |
| Pasadena, CAPop. 136,969 | #94 | 53.5 | $105,192 | $2,265/mo | 419 |
| Manteca, CAPop. 89,043 | #95 | 53.5 | $97,055 | $2,065/mo | 336 |
| Napa, CAPop. 78,239 | #96 | 53.5 | $105,963 | $2,282/mo | 219 |
| Hayward, CAPop. 158,801 | #97 | 53.4 | $113,318 | $2,391/mo | 460 |
| Corona, CAPop. 159,670 | #98 | 53.3 | $109,242 | $2,228/mo | 239 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Pasadena among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Pasadena's score calculated?
Pasadena scores 53.5 out of 100, #783 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Pasadena. Similar-size median 52.9.
57.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Pasadena's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
63.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pasadena. Similar-size median 53.8.
73.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pasadena's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
49.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pasadena's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
24.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pasadena. Similar-size median 51.2.
61.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pasadena. Similar-size median 42.1.
32.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pasadena. Similar-size median 50.1.
65.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pasadena's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
71.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Pasadena's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Pasadena has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Pasadena
Is Pasadena, CA a good place to live?
Pasadena ranks #783 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #133 of 256 mid-size cities and #94 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($105,192, #49 of 256), and trails on expensive homes ($1,093,300, #245 of 256) and high rents ($2,265/mo, #228 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Pasadena?
Pasadena's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,265/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,187,354, 55% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Pasadena?
Pasadena recorded 419 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% above the US rate of 373 and 5% below California's 440. That ranks #744 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #147 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pasadena Police Department. Property crime runs 2,358 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Pasadena?
The median household in Pasadena earns $105,192, 37% above the US figure of $76,827 and 14% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.2%). 13.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Pasadena?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,265/mo (Census), #1192 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,022/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pasadena?
Zillow's typical home value in Pasadena is $1,187,354, up 0.5% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,093,300.
How are the public schools in Pasadena?
Pasadena's 19 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.3 students per teacher and $21,413 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pasadena?
The average commute is 26.9 minutes, #922 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 10.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Pasadena?
Pasadena averages 66°F over the year, 74.5°F in summer and 56.8°F in winter, with 20.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pasadena walkable?
Pasadena scores 14.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Pasadena at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Pasadena?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Pasadena?
Pasadena has 136,969 residents. The median resident of Pasadena is 40.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 56.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #180 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pasadena compare with the rest of California?
Pasadena ranks #94 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 53.5 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 14% above the California median. Violent crime is 5% below the statewide rate. Homes are 55% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Pasadena?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pasadena's population of 136,969 are Warren, MI (#1032 overall), Hampton, VA (#694 overall), Elizabeth, NJ (#858 overall), Cedar Rapids, IA (#383 overall), and Stamford, CT (#117 overall). Pasadena is #783.