Pasadena, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
136,969
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$105,192/yr
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
63,203
0.6% year-over-year change

Pasadena population

How many people live in Pasadena

Pasadena is home to 136,969 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Pasadena locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
136,969
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
67,558
Female
50.7%
69,411
Value Percent YoY change
Male 67,558 49.3% 0.3%
Female 69,411 50.7% 0.4%
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 Pasadena is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.8% are children under 15, then 10.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.3% of the population, while another 25.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.8%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 44
33.3%
45 to 64
25.3%
Over 65
17.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 18,837 13.8% 2.2%
15 to 24 14,024 10.2% 5.2%
25 to 44 45,672 33.3% -0.8%
45 to 64 34,638 25.3% -1.9%
Over 65 23,798 17.4% 2.1%
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 Pasadena, 70.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 17.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 39.2% of locals are Caucasian, 8.3% are African American and 17.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.8% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 17.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
70.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
17.5%
Non-citizens
12%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 96,529 70.5% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 23,962 17.5% 0.9%
Non-citizens 16,478 12% -7.3%
Racial breakdown
White
39.2%
Black or African American
8.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
17.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
16.9%
Other
17.2%
Value Percent
White 53,698 39.2%
Black or African American 11,391 8.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,125 0.8%
Asian 23,829 17.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 344 0.2%
Two or more races 23,089 16.9%
Other 23,493 17.2%

Households in Pasadena

A peek inside Pasadena households

Pasadena has 57,425 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.5% are families, while the remaining 45.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
57,425
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
26,132
Family households
31,293
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 26,132 45.5% -0.6%
Family households 31,293 54.5% 1.5%
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 Pasadena

The housing landscape of Pasadena

Pasadena's housing consists of 63,203 units, with 42.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
63,203
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 26,989 42.7%
1 unit, attached 4,014 6.4%
2 units 1,271 2%
3 or 4 units 2,985 4.7%
5 to 9 units 5,653 8.9%
10 to 19 units 5,535 8.8%
20 to 49 units 7,169 11.3%
50 or more units 9,569 15.1%
Mobile home 18 0%
Homes built since 2020
532
66.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pasadena

In Pasadena, the median construction year is 1961. About 28.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 18,066 28.6% -2.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,780 7.6% 4.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 8,341 13.2% -4.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,732 10.6% -3.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,693 12.2% 8.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 6,214 9.8% -1.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,894 4.6% -5.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,609 7.3% 7.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,342 5.3% 9.9%
Built in 2020 or later 532 0.8% 66.8%
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.

Pasadena occupancy rates

Out of the 57,425 occupied housing units in Pasadena, 42.5% are owner-occupied, while 57.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
57,425
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
33,016
Owner occupied
24,409
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 33,016 57.5% -0.2%
Owner occupied 24,409 42.5% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
9.1%
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.

Pasadena housing costs

Housing costs in Pasadena come to a median of $2,392 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,265.

Median housing costs per month
$2,392/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 Pasadena
$2,265/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 Pasadena

Pasadena education at a glance

About 18.3% of the population in Pasadena went to high school, while 16.9% pursued college studies. Another 5.6% earned an associate degree and 28.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6,922 6.1% -1.1%
High school diploma 20,827 18.3% 2.3%
College diploma 19,316 16.9% -1.2%
Associate degree 6,430 5.6% -1.4%
Bachelor's degree 32,356 28.4% -2.9%
Graduate degree 28,191 24.7% 2.6%
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 Pasadena

How much people earn in Pasadena

The average annual household income in Pasadena was $153,095 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $105,192, reflecting a +1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pasadena
$153,095/year
3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pasadena
$105,192/year
1.4% year-over-year change

Pasadena income by age

In Pasadena, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $124,739. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $110,530 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,658, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $76,047 in earnings. Overall, 86.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,658 7.2%
25 - 44 $124,739 2.4%
45 - 64 $110,530 2.0%
Over 65 $76,047 1.8%
Above poverty level
115,264
Below poverty level
17,830
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 115,264 86.6% 0.3%
Below poverty level 17,830 13.4% 1.4%

Average renter income in Pasadena

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Pasadena, their median household income was $76,437 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$76,437
Rent-to-income ratio
35.6%
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 Pasadena

Workforce and job types in Pasadena

The job market in Pasadena is powered by 74,325 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.5% run their own businesses, 58% are employed by private companies, and 12.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
74,325
0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
67,592
Blue collar
6,733
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 67,592 90.9% -0.7%
Blue collar 6,733 9.1% 8.2%
Employer type
Self employees
15.5%
Private companies
58%
Governmental workers
12.8%
Not for profit companies
13.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 11,552 15.5% -6.3%
Private companies 43,070 58% 3.7%
Governmental workers 9,511 12.8% -5.6%
Not for profit companies 10,192 13.7% -1.1%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
6.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pasadena stands at 5.6%, 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 Pasadena

How people get around in Pasadena

In Pasadena, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 60.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
27 min
-1.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 43,722 60.4% -5.1%
Taxicab 177 0.2% 1.7%
Bus or trolleybus 1,921 2.6% 14.6%
Subway or elevated 576 0.8% N/A
Railroad 111 0.2% -19.0%
Motorcycle 166 0.2% -9.8%
Bicycle 841 1.2% 1.8%
Walk 3,066 4.2% -9.5%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Pasadena by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
91101 21,165 11,507 $87,813 $112,778
91103 25,142 8,694 $93,660 $147,504
91104 35,937 13,488 $105,958 $140,557
91105 12,531 5,743 $156,791 $242,148
91106 23,910 10,730 $90,028 $154,360
91107 32,316 13,030 $126,449 $172,055

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FAQs about Pasadena demographics 

What is the total population of Pasadena?

Pasadena has a total population of 136,969 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pasadena?

The gender ratio in Pasadena is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (67,558 residents)
  • 50.7% females (69,411 residents)

What is the median age in Pasadena?

The median age in Pasadena is 40.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pasadena?

The age distribution in Pasadena is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.8% (18,837 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.2% (14,024 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.3% (45,672 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.3% (34,638 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.4% (23,798 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pasadena?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pasadena is as follows:
  • White: 39.2% (53,698 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.3% (11,391 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (1,125 residents)
  • Asian: 17.4% (23,829 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (344 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.9% (23,089 residents)
  • Other: 17.2% (23,493 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 70.5% of the population in Pasadena.

How many housing units are there in Pasadena?

There are 63,203 housing units in Pasadena, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pasadena has a total of 57,425 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pasadena?

Pasadena has a median household income of $105,192, representing a +1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.4% in Pasadena, with a workforce of 74,325 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.9% (67,592 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.1% (6,733 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.5% (11,552 residents)
  • Private companies: 58% (43,070 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.8% (9,511 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.7% (10,192 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