Pasadena city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Pasadena city, California has a total population of 136,462, the 44th largest city in California, with a median household income of $103,778, which is 8% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 13.2%.
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 10.1x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in California (diversity index: 72/100).
Pasadena city Quick Facts
How Pasadena city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
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: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Pasadena city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to Pasadena city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fullerton city | 141,278 | $104,219 | $859,600 | 43.6% | 12.2% |
| Orange city | 138,723 | $116,945 | $900,700 | 40.1% | 9.2% |
| Torrance city | 143,499 | $113,105 | $1,036,600 | 52.9% | 6.9% |
| Concord city | 124,260 | $109,195 | $755,900 | 37.8% | 8.9% |
| Clovis city | 122,719 | $100,360 | $453,300 | 36.7% | 7.4% |
Population Overview
Pasadena city is a major urban center located in California. The total population is 136,462. It ranks as the 44th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Pasadena city is 40.1 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Pasadena city is $103,778. This is 8% higher than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 32% higher. The poverty rate stands at 13.2%. This is 10% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 5.3%. This is 17% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $1,045,000. Housing costs are 50% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 10.1x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 42.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 25% lower than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Pasadena city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 34.1%.
Education
56.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 54% higher than the state rate of 36.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.1%. Notably, 26.0% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Pasadena city, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,577 Census-designated places in California. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Pasadena city, California?
Pasadena city, California has a population of 136,462 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Pasadena city, CA?
The median household income in Pasadena city is $103,778, which is 32% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Pasadena city, CA?
The poverty rate in Pasadena city is 13.2%. This means approximately 17,670 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Pasadena city, California?
Pasadena city's population is 35.2% White, 7.4% Black, 34.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 17.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Pasadena city, CA?
The median home value in Pasadena city is $1,045,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.1x.
How educated is Pasadena city, California?
56.0% of adults (25+) in Pasadena city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 26.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.