Altadena, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Altadena, California had a total population of 41,705, the 217th largest community in California, with a median household income of $128,720, which is 30% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.9%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.7x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in California (diversity index: 72/100).
Altadena Quick Facts
How Altadena Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 41,921 | 41,705 | -0.5% |
| Median household income | $129,123 | $128,720 | -0.3% |
| Median home value | $1,073,500 | $1,120,000 | +4.3% |
How Altadena Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Altadena Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in Los Angeles County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 3,857,263 | $81,939 | 16.6% | $921,200 |
| Long Beach | 455,548 | $87,430 | 14.8% | $806,600 |
| Santa Clarita | 230,221 | $123,062 | 7.4% | $784,700 |
| Glendale | 190,748 | $88,393 | 12.9% | $1,102,300 |
| Lancaster | 169,169 | $81,511 | 15.6% | $446,600 |
| Palmdale | 164,634 | $81,770 | 15.7% | $471,000 |
| Pomona | 147,943 | $79,479 | 14.3% | $593,800 |
| Torrance | 142,130 | $116,217 | 7.8% | $1,074,700 |
| Pasadena | 136,969 | $105,192 | 13.3% | $1,093,300 |
| East Los Angeles | 111,647 | $68,741 | 17.3% | $643,100 |
Cities Similar to Altadena
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Bruno | 42,307 | $141,272 | $1,207,500 | 45.3% | 6.0% |
| Campbell | 42,781 | $145,268 | $1,617,000 | 60.2% | 5.6% |
| Culver City | 39,931 | $117,389 | $1,142,900 | 62.4% | 7.5% |
| Oakley | 45,183 | $137,677 | $660,200 | 24.3% | 6.1% |
| Hollister | 43,811 | $111,834 | $717,500 | 19.1% | 7.9% |
Population Overview
Altadena is a mid-sized community located in California, within Los Angeles County. The total population is 41,705. It ranks as the 217th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Altadena is 46.4 years. This is 22% higher than the state median of 37.9 years. 10.5% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Altadena is $128,720. This is 30% higher than the state median of $99,122. It is also 59% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 7.9%. This is 34% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 6.4%. This is 3% lower than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $1,120,000. Housing costs are 52% higher than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.7x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 76.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 38% higher than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Altadena is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 26.7%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (16.9% vs 5.2%). The Asian population (6.3%) is well below the state average of 15.3%.
Education
53.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 44% higher than the state rate of 37.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.6%. Notably, 26.3% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Altadena, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,570 Census-designated places in California. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Altadena, California?
Altadena, California has a population of 41,705 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Altadena, CA?
The median household income in Altadena is $128,720, which is 59% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Altadena, CA?
The poverty rate in Altadena is 7.9%. This means approximately 3,273 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Altadena, California?
Altadena's population is 41.3% White, 16.9% Black, 26.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 6.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Altadena, CA?
The median home value in Altadena is $1,120,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.7x.
How educated is Altadena, California?
53.3% of adults (25+) in Altadena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 26.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.