South Pasadena city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, South Pasadena city, California has a total population of 26,297, the 289th largest city in California, with a median household income of $128,105, which is 33% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 5.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 33% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
- 72.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in California.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 12.1x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in California (diversity index: 70/100).
South Pasadena city Quick Facts
How South 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+)
South Pasadena city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to South Pasadena city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windsor town | 26,179 | $129,004 | $763,200 | 34.3% | 4.7% |
| Hercules city | 26,245 | $130,583 | $741,200 | 46.3% | 5.4% |
| El Cerrito city | 25,781 | $127,475 | $1,107,500 | 66.3% | 7.5% |
| Benicia city | 26,861 | $125,040 | $778,600 | 45.5% | 6.9% |
| Norco city | 25,211 | $125,117 | $731,900 | 21.0% | 5.7% |
Population Overview
South Pasadena city is a mid-sized community located in California. The total population is 26,297. It ranks as the 289th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in South Pasadena city is 40.3 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in South Pasadena city is $128,105. This is 33% higher than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 63% higher. The poverty rate stands at 5.1%. This is 57% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.8%. This is 25% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $1,545,100. Housing costs are 122% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 12.1x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 44.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 21% lower than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
South Pasadena city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Asian residents account for 32.2%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (32.2% vs 15.0%).
Education
72.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places South Pasadena city in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 99% 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 97.1%. Notably, 33.7% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for South 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.
Free data download: Get all California city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of South Pasadena city, California?
South Pasadena city, California has a population of 26,297 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in South Pasadena city, CA?
The median household income in South Pasadena city is $128,105, which is 63% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in South Pasadena city, CA?
The poverty rate in South Pasadena city is 5.1%. This means approximately 1,337 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of South Pasadena city, California?
South Pasadena city's population is 37.7% White, 3.4% Black, 20.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 32.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in South Pasadena city, CA?
The median home value in South Pasadena city is $1,545,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 12.1x.
How educated is South Pasadena city, California?
72.7% of adults (25+) in South Pasadena city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 33.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.