TexasPop. 149,433Mid-size cities
Is Pasadena a Good Place to Live? Pasadena, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pasadena ranks #1141 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #212 of 256 mid-size cities and #65 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($209,600, #38 of 256) and low rents ($1,213/mo, #57 of 256), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.5%, #213 of 241) and high unemployment (5.3%, #194 of 241).
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 98.6, 1% below the US level of 100 and #613 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,213/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $218,883, 27% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Pasadena | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 98.6#613 of 1,308 | 97 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $218,883#163 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,378/mo#237 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $209,600#256 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,213/mo#449 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.4%#718 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). Texas 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 Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Pasadena safe?
Pasadena recorded 436 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% above the US rate of 373 and 9% above Texas's 401. That ranks #765 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #151 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pasadena Police Department. Property crime runs 1,778 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Pasadena | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 436#765 of 1,083 | 401 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,778#611 of 1,083 | 2,463 | 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). Texas 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 $64,927, 15% below the US figure of $76,827 and 11% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.2%). 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Pasadena | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $64,927#927 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.3%#896 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 18.9%#1074 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.5%#952 of 1,132 | +1.7% | +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). Texas 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 33 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 16.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1244 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.5% 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 | 33 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 16.2%#1244 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 54.5% | 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?
There is no city graduation rate for Pasadena; its public schools have 13.7 students per teacher and spend $13,706 per pupil. 39.1% of adults are obese and 14.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Pasadena | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13.7#249 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,706#745 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 39.1%#1069 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 14.6%#1136 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.8%#817 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 32.1%#1304 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). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 29,968 students are enrolled in Pasadena's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pasadena?
The average commute in Pasadena is 26.6 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.3% of workers take transit and 7.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pasadena scores 8.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #912 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 84.3°F and winters 56.9°F, with 55.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pasadena | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 26.6 min#898 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 8.2%#937 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 75.2% | 75.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.3% | 1.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 7.9% | 11% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.6#912 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). Texas 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 | 63.8 | 46.1 | 4.1 |
| Feb | 67.6 | 50.1 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 73.4 | 55.9 | 3.3 |
| Apr | 79.3 | 61.8 | 4.1 |
| May | 85.9 | 69.3 | 5.4 |
| Jun | 91 | 74.9 | 6.1 |
| Jul | 92.9 | 76.6 | 4.6 |
| Aug | 93.5 | 76.7 | 5.4 |
| Sep | 89.3 | 72.9 | 5.8 |
| Oct | 82.1 | 63.9 | 5.8 |
| Nov | 72.6 | 54 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 65.7 | 48 | 4.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Houston William P Hobby Airport.
| Measure | Pasadena | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 71.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 84.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 56.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 55.6 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 Houston William P Hobby Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pasadena?
Harris County's air had a median air quality index of 62, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 38 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Harris County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 77% of US counties.
| Measure | Pasadena | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 62#1027 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 38#1039 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.21%#987 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 Harris County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Harris County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.051% | 86% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 86% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0075% | 45% 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 #212 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 149,433.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pasadena, TXPop. 149,433 | #1141 | 46.9 | $64,927 | $1,213/mo | 436 | 26.6 min |
| Bellevue, WAPop. 151,847 | #58 | 70.0 | $165,576 | $2,572/mo | 114 | 23.6 min |
| Joliet, ILPop. 150,445 | #604 | 56.6 | $92,201 | $1,276/mo | 344 | 28.8 min |
| Escondido, CAPop. 149,668 | #807 | 53.2 | $91,967 | $2,046/mo | 337 | 27.5 min |
| Bridgeport, CTPop. 149,153 | #873 | 52.1 | $58,685 | $1,450/mo | 250 | 30.5 min |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #891 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro | 20.7 min |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #1189 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 | 19.9 min |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #1012 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 | 18 min |
| Gainesville, FLPop. 145,702 | #1062 | 48.6 | $46,195 | $1,296/mo | 634 | 18.8 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 Texas?
Pasadena ranks #65 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 46.9 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 11% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 9% above the statewide rate. Homes are 27% below the typical Texas home.
| City | Rank in TX | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #1 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #2 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #3 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #4 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #5 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year |
| Round Rock, TXPop. 127,786 | #6 | 64.9 | $99,287 | $1,763/mo | 125 |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #7 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #8 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #9 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #10 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 |
| Edinburg, TXPop. 104,550 | … #61 | 49.8 | $59,466 | $996/mo | 213 |
| Mesquite, TXPop. 149,299 | #62 | 49.2 | $72,537 | $1,513/mo | 453 |
| Galveston, TXPop. 53,424 | #63 | 48.2 | $55,631 | $1,298/mo | 506 |
| Harlingen, TXPop. 72,087 | #64 | 47.6 | $53,645 | $928/mo | 231 |
| Pasadena, TXPop. 149,433 | #65 | 46.9 | $64,927 | $1,213/mo | 436 |
| Spring, TXPop. 68,580 | #66 | 46.8 | $88,997 | $1,711/mo | no data |
| Killeen, TXPop. 158,159 | #67 | 46.1 | $60,977 | $1,208/mo | 498 |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #68 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 |
| Pharr, TXPop. 80,333 | #69 | 45.1 | $52,814 | $1,037/mo | 214 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Pasadena among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Pasadena's score calculated?
Pasadena scores 46.9 out of 100, #1141 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Texas'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.
40.7 - 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.
66.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pasadena. Similar-size median 53.8.
39.7 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pasadena's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
54.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pasadena's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
75.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pasadena. Similar-size median 51.2.
33.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pasadena. Similar-size median 42.1.
31.6 - 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.
39.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pasadena's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
40.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
19.5 - 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, TX a good place to live?
Pasadena ranks #1141 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #212 of 256 mid-size cities and #65 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($209,600, #38 of 256) and low rents ($1,213/mo, #57 of 256), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.5%, #213 of 241) and high unemployment (5.3%, #194 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Pasadena?
Pasadena's cost of living index is 98.6, 1% below the US level of 100 and #613 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,213/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $218,883, 27% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Pasadena?
Pasadena recorded 436 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% above the US rate of 373 and 9% above Texas's 401. That ranks #765 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #151 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pasadena Police Department. Property crime runs 1,778 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Pasadena?
The median household in Pasadena earns $64,927, 15% below the US figure of $76,827 and 11% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.2%). 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Pasadena?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,213/mo (Census), #449 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,378/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pasadena?
Zillow's typical home value in Pasadena is $218,883, down 2.3% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $209,600.
How are the public schools in Pasadena?
There is no city graduation rate for Pasadena; its public schools have 13.7 students per teacher and spend $13,706 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pasadena?
The average commute is 26.6 minutes, #898 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 8.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Pasadena?
Pasadena averages 71.1°F over the year, 84.3°F in summer and 56.9°F in winter, with 55.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pasadena walkable?
Pasadena scores 8.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #912 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 Harris County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 77% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Pasadena?
Harris County's air had a median air quality index of 62, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 38 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Pasadena?
Pasadena has 149,433 residents. The median resident of Pasadena is 33 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 16.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1244 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pasadena compare with the rest of Texas?
Pasadena ranks #65 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 46.9 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 11% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 9% above the statewide rate. Homes are 27% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Pasadena?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pasadena's population of 149,433 are Bellevue, WA (#58 overall), Joliet, IL (#604 overall), Escondido, CA (#807 overall), Bridgeport, CT (#873 overall), and Savannah, GA (#891 overall). Pasadena is #1141.