Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pasadena, CA
Thinking of moving to Pasadena, CA? With a population of nearly 139,000, this vibrant city offers sunny weather year-round (74% sunny days), highly ranked colleges like Caltech, and a diverse, educated community—over half of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher. While the median home price is $1,050,000 and rents average $2,650, Pasadena’s strong job market, reputable healthcare, and access to cultural attractions make it a sought-after place to live. Commute times average around 29 minutes, and crime rates are moderate for the LA metro area, making Pasadena a desirable choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Pasadena, CA
Demographics - Pasadena, CA
Pasadena is home to about 139,000 residents, with a median age of 39, and a diverse population—over a third identify as White, nearly 18% as Asian, and 8.6% as Black. The city has a dense urban feel, and with 36.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, it offers a culturally rich environment.
Population:
138,699
Density:
6,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
36.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
37.2%
Black:
8.6%
Asian:
17.8%
Others:
36.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pasadena, CA?
Living in Pasadena comes with a high cost of living, driven mainly by housing, with a median home value over $1 million and average rents around $2,650. Daily expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are above the national average, reflecting its status as a desirable Los Angeles suburb.
Median House Value:
$1,050,000
Gross Rent:
$2,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
181.7
Grocery:
119.6
Housing:
304.2
Utilities:
106.3
Transportation:
130.5
Health Care:
110.1
Miscellaneous:
109.8
Crime
Is Pasadena, CA a safe place to live?
Pasadena experiences moderate crime rates for the LA area, with about 315 violent crimes and 2,213 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents have a 1 in 318 chance of being a victim of violent crime, which is generally consistent with other urban California communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
315
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,213
Crime Index:
2,528
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 318
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Pasadena, CA year-round?
Pasadena enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers reaching highs of 88°F and gentle winters averaging 67°F. The city boasts 74% sunny days annually and receives about 22 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for year-round outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
21.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
74%
Neighbors
Pasadena's neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $91,000 and a poverty rate of 14.1%. Most residents are well-educated, with over half holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the average commute is just under 30 minutes, reflecting a balance of suburban comfort and city access.
Median Income:
$49,800
Household Income:
$91,000
Family Income:
$113,000
Per Capita Income:
$49,700
Income Male:
$60,000
Income Female:
$45,000
Poverty Rate:
14.1%
Non English Speakers:
36.5%
Rent:
$2,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
7.8%
Commute Time:
29.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.9%
Bachelors or More:
52.8%
Education
How are the schools in Pasadena, CA?
Pasadena offers strong educational options, from well-regarded public schools like Pasadena High School to prestigious institutions such as Caltech and Pasadena City College. With over half of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher, the city fosters a highly educated and academically driven community.
Public Schools
Name:
Pasadena High School
Street:
2925 E Sierra Madre Blvd
Phone:
626-396-5880
Students:
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.3
Name:
Marshall Fundamental School
Street:
990 N Allen Ave
Phone:
626-396-5810
Students:
1,950
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.0
Private Schools
Name:
Mayfield Senior School
Street:
500 Bellefontaine St
Phone:
626-799-9121
Students:
330
Colleges
Name:
Pasadena City College
City:
Pasadena
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
25,000
Name:
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
City:
Pasadena
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Pasadena is top-tier, supported by major hospitals like Huntington Hospital and a high physician density of 3.2 per 1,000 residents. With over 91% of the population insured, residents have reliable access to quality medical care and specialized services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Huntington Hospital
Address:
100 W California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Phone:
(626) 397-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Shriners Children's Southern California
Address:
909 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Phone:
(626) 389-9300
Type:
Specialty (Pediatrics)
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pasadena, CA?
The Pasadena housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1,050,000 and 2-bedroom rentals averaging $2,650 per month. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, and the area has a healthy mix of homeowners and renters, with low foreclosure and vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$1,050,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle registration and licensing services at the local California Department of Motor Vehicles office on Rosemead Blvd. The Pasadena DMV provides full state services, making it convenient for all motor vehicle needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
49 S. Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.