South Pasadena, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
26,068
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$127,175/yr
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,817
-2.0% year-over-year change

South Pasadena population

How many people live in South Pasadena

South Pasadena is home to 26,068 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of South Pasadena locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
26,068
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
13,025
Female
50%
13,043
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,025 50% -0.8%
Female 13,043 50% -1.0%
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 South Pasadena is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.5% are children under 15, then 8.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.8% of the population, while another 28.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.5%
15 to 24
8.9%
25 to 44
29.8%
45 to 64
28.5%
Over 65
13.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,084 19.5% 3.4%
15 to 24 2,326 8.9% 0.3%
25 to 44 7,771 29.8% -3.9%
45 to 64 7,420 28.5% -1.0%
Over 65 3,467 13.3% -0.4%
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 South Pasadena, 73.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 17.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 37.4% of locals are Caucasian, 3% are African American and 35.5% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 8.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 14.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
73.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
17.3%
Non-citizens
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,105 73.3% -2.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,514 17.3% 0.5%
Non-citizens 2,449 9.4% 15.0%
Racial breakdown
White
37.4%
Black or African American
3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
35.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
14.8%
Other
8.3%
Value Percent
White 9,742 37.4%
Black or African American 781 3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 225 0.9%
Asian 9,260 35.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 44 0.2%
Two or more races 3,849 14.8%
Other 2,167 8.3%

Households in South Pasadena

A peek inside South Pasadena households

South Pasadena has 10,220 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65.2% are families, while the remaining 34.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,220
-1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,554
Family households
6,666
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,554 34.8% -2.7%
Family households 6,666 65.2% -1.4%
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 South Pasadena

The housing landscape of South Pasadena

South Pasadena's housing consists of 10,817 units, with 44.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.4% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,817
-2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,801 44.4%
1 unit, attached 804 7.4%
2 units 365 3.4%
3 or 4 units 1,191 11%
5 to 9 units 1,235 11.4%
10 to 19 units 1,215 11.2%
20 to 49 units 980 9.1%
50 or more units 207 1.9%
Mobile home 19 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Pasadena

In South Pasadena, the median construction year is 1953. About 33% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,574 33% -4.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,162 10.7% 6.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,237 20.7% 1.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,574 14.6% -1.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 907 8.4% -0.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 634 5.9% -14.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 330 3% 5.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 251 2.3% -19.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 148 1.4% 2.8%
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.

South Pasadena occupancy rates

Out of the 10,220 occupied housing units in South Pasadena, 44% are owner-occupied, while 56% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,220
-1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,723
Owner occupied
4,497
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,723 56% -1.8%
Owner occupied 4,497 44% -1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
5.5%
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.

South Pasadena housing costs

Housing costs in South Pasadena come to a median of $2,490 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,284.

Median housing costs per month
$2,490/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 South Pasadena
$2,284/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 South Pasadena

South Pasadena education at a glance

About 9.1% of the population in South Pasadena went to high school, while 12.6% pursued college studies. Another 5.1% earned an associate degree and 38.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 32.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 440 2.2% 21.6%
High school diploma 1,801 9.1% -8.6%
College diploma 2,476 12.6% -3.0%
Associate degree 1,011 5.1% -11.3%
Bachelor's degree 7,601 38.5% -1.2%
Graduate degree 6,399 32.4% -0.7%
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 South Pasadena

How much people earn in South Pasadena

The average annual household income in South Pasadena was $192,657 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 $127,175, reflecting a -0.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Pasadena
$192,657/year
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Pasadena
$127,175/year
-0.7% year-over-year change

South Pasadena income by age

In South Pasadena, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $118,722. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $179,188 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $69,643, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $94,756 in earnings. Overall, 95.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $69,643 5.8%
25 - 44 $118,722 1.1%
45 - 64 $179,188 12.9%
Over 65 $94,756 -5.5%
Above poverty level
24,373
Below poverty level
1,260
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 24,373 95.1% -0.9%
Below poverty level 1,260 4.9% -4.8%

Average renter income in South Pasadena

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in South Pasadena, their median household income was $103,293 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$103,293
Rent-to-income ratio
26.5%
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 South Pasadena

Workforce and job types in South Pasadena

The job market in South Pasadena is powered by 14,080 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 94.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.4% run their own businesses, 55.8% are employed by private companies, and 17.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
14,080
-2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
13,256
Blue collar
824
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 13,256 94.2% -2.8%
Blue collar 824 5.8% 4.3%
Employer type
Self employees
15.4%
Private companies
55.8%
Governmental workers
17.7%
Not for profit companies
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,162 15.4% -0.3%
Private companies 7,858 55.8% -3.4%
Governmental workers 2,491 17.7% -3.0%
Not for profit companies 1,569 11.1% 0.3%
Unemployment rate
5.1%
3.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in South Pasadena stands at 5.1%, 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 South Pasadena

How people get around in South Pasadena

Commuting methods vary: 64.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% 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 8,907 64.2% -4.7%
Taxicab 10 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 58 0.4% -56.1%
Subway or elevated 388 2.8% N/A
Railroad 16 0.1% -11.1%
Motorcycle 19 0.1% -69.3%
Bicycle 70 0.5% -67.6%
Walk 121 0.9% -32.4%
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.

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

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
91030 26,068 10,220 $127,175 $192,657

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FAQs about South Pasadena demographics 

What is the total population of South Pasadena?

South Pasadena has a total population of 26,068 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 -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Pasadena?

The gender ratio in South Pasadena is as follows:
  • 50% males (13,025 residents)
  • 50% females (13,043 residents)

What is the median age in South Pasadena?

The median age in South Pasadena is 40.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in South Pasadena?

The age distribution in South Pasadena is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.5% (5,084 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.9% (2,326 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.8% (7,771 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.5% (7,420 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.3% (3,467 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Pasadena?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Pasadena is as follows:
  • White: 37.4% (9,742 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3% (781 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (225 residents)
  • Asian: 35.5% (9,260 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (44 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.8% (3,849 residents)
  • Other: 8.3% (2,167 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 73.3% of the population in South Pasadena.

How many housing units are there in South Pasadena?

There are 10,817 housing units in South Pasadena, reflecting a -2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South Pasadena has a total of 10,220 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Pasadena?

South Pasadena has a median household income of $127,175, representing a -0.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.9% in South Pasadena, with a workforce of 14,080 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.2% (13,256 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.8% (824 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.4% (2,162 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.8% (7,858 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.7% (2,491 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.1% (1,569 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