California · Metropolitan Area
South Pasadena is a small city in California with a population of 26,297. Residents earn $128,105 per year, which is 70% above the national average.
Based on current data, South Pasadena receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. South Pasadena offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in South Pasadena is $128,105, which is significantly higher than the national average — 70% above $75,149. This places South Pasadena among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
The median home value in South Pasadena is $1,545,100, making it a premium housing market at 448% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,218 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 12.1x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
South Pasadena is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 115 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,824 per 100,000, near the national average.
South Pasadena is a highly educated community — 72.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
South Pasadena enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 57°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 64.2% |
| 18% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 35.8% |
| 167% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $128,105 |
| 70% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $76,583 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,607 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $97,528 |
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 4.1% |
| 67% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 572,385 |
| County GDP | $1,002,965M |
| Restaurants | 24,882 |
| Healthcare | 37,635 |
| Retail | 29,130 |
| Manufacturing | 10,448 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,469 |
| 199% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.68% |
| Commute Time | 30.2 min |
| Work from Home | 26.2% |
| Census Median | $1,545,100 |
| 448% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,675,409 |
| Median List Price | $2,059,500 |
| Median List Price | $2,059,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $1,110 |
| Homes Sold | 9 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 105.1% |
| Price Drops | 11.8% |
| Inventory | 17 |
| Census Median Rent | $2,218 |
| 91% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,785 |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 44.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,469 |
| 199% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 0.68% |
| Obesity | 18.8% |
| 41% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 3.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 23.2% |
| Asthma | 8.1% |
| COPD | 2.6% |
| Stroke | 1.9% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.2% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 12.9% |
| Physical Distress | 8.8% |
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,746/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 98.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 37,635 |
| Total Violent | 115.2/100K |
| 70% below US avg | |
| Murder | 3.8/100K |
| 39% below US avg | |
| Rape | 15.4/100K |
| Robbery | 38.4/100K |
| Assault | 57.6/100K |
| Total Property | 1,824.1/100K |
| 7% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 441.6/100K |
| Theft | 1,259.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 122.9/100K |
| Arson | 3.8/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 817 |
| FEMA Disasters | 1,001 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 66.0°F |
| 22% above US avg | |
| January Average | 57°F (14°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 20.1 inches |
| 47% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 628 ft (191 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 7,712/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.1090°N, 118.1566°W |
| County FIPS | 06037 |
Winner: Democrat by 32.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 72.7% |
| 116% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 97.1% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 7,712/sq mi |
| Total Area | 3.4 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 13 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 17 |
| Public Libraries | 258 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 37,635 |
| Restaurants | 24,882 |
| Retail Stores | 29,130 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 817 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 1,001 |
| Avg Commute | 30.2 min |
| Work from Home | 26.2% |