Altadena, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
41,705
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$128,720/yr
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,815
0.5% year-over-year change

Altadena population

How many people live in Altadena

Altadena is home to 41,705 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.3% of Altadena locals are male, and 52.7% are female.

Total population
41,705
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.3%
19,745
Female
52.7%
21,960
Value Percent YoY change
Male 19,745 47.3% 0.2%
Female 21,960 52.7% -1.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Altadena is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 8.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 29.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
8.8%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
29.8%
Over 65
22%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,661 16% -0.5%
15 to 24 3,656 8.8% 5.8%
25 to 44 9,762 23.4% -4.5%
45 to 64 12,440 29.8% -0.9%
Over 65 9,186 22% 2.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Altadena, 76% of the population are US-born citizens, while 17.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 43.1% of locals are Caucasian, 17.2% are African American and 6.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 19% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
76%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
17.7%
Non-citizens
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 31,683 76% -2.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,384 17.7% 3.4%
Non-citizens 2,638 6.3% 17.2%
Racial breakdown
White
43.1%
Black or African American
17.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
6.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
19%
Other
13.5%
Value Percent
White 17,991 43.1%
Black or African American 7,168 17.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 266 0.6%
Asian 2,722 6.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 15 0%
Two or more races 7,913 19%
Other 5,630 13.5%

Households in Altadena

A peek inside Altadena households

Altadena has 15,092 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72.3% are families, while the remaining 27.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,092
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,176
Family households
10,916
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,176 27.7% -4.0%
Family households 10,916 72.3% 2.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Altadena

The housing landscape of Altadena

Altadena's housing consists of 15,815 units, with 86.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
15,815
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 13,728 86.8%
1 unit, attached 936 5.9%
2 units 226 1.4%
3 or 4 units 381 2.4%
5 to 9 units 101 0.6%
10 to 19 units 64 0.4%
20 to 49 units 265 1.7%
50 or more units 58 0.4%
Mobile home 56 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
40
8.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Altadena

In Altadena, the median construction year is 1946. About 37% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 23.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,851 37% -3.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,711 23.5% -1.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,572 16.3% 3.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,002 6.3% -2.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 733 4.6% 2.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 546 3.4% 23.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 501 3.2% 9.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 478 3% 23.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 381 2.4% 8.9%
Built in 2020 or later 40 0.2% 8.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Altadena occupancy rates

Out of the 15,092 occupied housing units in Altadena, 76.9% are owner-occupied, while 23.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,092
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,489
Owner occupied
11,603
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,489 23.1% 7.0%
Owner occupied 11,603 76.9% -1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
4.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Altadena housing costs

Housing costs in Altadena come to a median of $2,653 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,355.

Median housing costs per month
$2,653/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Altadena
$2,355/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Altadena

Altadena education at a glance

About 19% of the population in Altadena went to high school, while 16.4% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 25.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,974 5.8% 39.8%
High school diploma 6,412 19% -2.2%
College diploma 5,527 16.4% -10.2%
Associate degree 2,823 8.4% -2.8%
Bachelor's degree 8,739 25.9% -1.5%
Graduate degree 8,256 24.5% 1.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Altadena

How much people earn in Altadena

The average annual household income in Altadena was $180,522 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $128,720, reflecting a -0.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Altadena
$180,522/year
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Altadena
$128,720/year
-0.3% year-over-year change

Altadena income by age

In Altadena, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $154,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $149,213 overall. Overall, 92.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $154,250 -5.9%
45 - 64 $149,213 1.6%
Over 65 $83,861 -4.1%
Above poverty level
37,781
Below poverty level
3,220
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 37,781 92.2% -0.9%
Below poverty level 3,220 7.8% 4.6%

Average renter income in Altadena

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Altadena, their median household income was $66,580 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$66,580
Rent-to-income ratio
42.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Altadena

Workforce and job types in Altadena

The job market in Altadena is powered by 20,700 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20.2% run their own businesses, 46.5% are employed by private companies, and 18.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
20,700
1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
18,648
Blue collar
2,052
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 18,648 90.1% 3.0%
Blue collar 2,052 9.9% -13.3%
Employer type
Self employees
20.2%
Private companies
46.5%
Governmental workers
18.2%
Not for profit companies
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,178 20.2% -3.8%
Private companies 9,634 46.5% 3.5%
Governmental workers 3,775 18.2% 4.3%
Not for profit companies 3,113 15% -2.4%
Unemployment rate
6.4%
-12.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Altadena stands at 6.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Altadena

How people get around in Altadena

Commuting methods vary: 68.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 13,922 68.7% -3.6%
Taxicab 64 0.3% 100.0%
Bus or trolleybus 132 0.6% 59.0%
Subway or elevated 27 0.1% N/A
Railroad 3 0% -91.2%
Motorcycle 47 0.2% 17.5%
Bicycle 118 0.6% 68.6%
Walk 144 0.7% -35.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Altadena demographics 

What is the total population of Altadena?

Altadena has a total population of 41,705 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Altadena?

The gender ratio in Altadena is as follows:
  • 47.3% males (19,745 residents)
  • 52.7% females (21,960 residents)

What is the median age in Altadena?

The median age in Altadena is 46.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Altadena?

The age distribution in Altadena is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (6,661 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.8% (3,656 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (9,762 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.8% (12,440 residents)
  • Over 65: 22% (9,186 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Altadena?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Altadena is as follows:
  • White: 43.1% (17,991 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.2% (7,168 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (266 residents)
  • Asian: 6.5% (2,722 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (15 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 19% (7,913 residents)
  • Other: 13.5% (5,630 residents)

What percentage of the population in Altadena are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 76% of the population in Altadena.

How many housing units are there in Altadena?

There are 15,815 housing units in Altadena, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Altadena and what is the average household size?

Altadena has a total of 15,092 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Altadena?

Altadena has a median household income of $128,720, representing a -0.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Altadena?

The employment rate is 93.6% in Altadena, with a workforce of 20,700 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.1% (18,648 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.9% (2,052 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20.2% (4,178 residents)
  • Private companies: 46.5% (9,634 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.2% (3,775 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15% (3,113 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025