Is East Pasadena Safe, Pros and cons of living in East Pasadena
The crime rate in East Pasadena is 43.48 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). East Pasadena ranks in the 14th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 14% of U.S. cities (according to CrimeGrade.org). Violent crime in East Pasadena is 59% higher than the national average, with a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime at 1 in 166 per year (according to DoorProfit). Property crime in East Pasadena is 33% higher than the national average, with a chance of becoming a victim of property crime at 1 in 41 per year (according to DoorProfit). The cost of crime per resident in East Pasadena is $547 per year (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Is it Safe to Live in East Pasadena?
East Pasadena presents a complex safety profile, with crime rates significantly higher than the national average. While some neighborhoods, particularly in the southeast, are considered safer, the overall statistics indicate a need for vigilance (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org).
The community benefits from a strong sense of community and active local law enforcement, which helps to mitigate some of the risks (according to DoorProfit). However, the higher incidence of both violent and property crimes means that residents should remain aware of their surroundings and take standard safety precautions (according to DoorProfit). The cost of crime per resident is also notable, standing at $547 annually (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Demographics and Diversity
East Pasadena is home to approximately 5,479 people, with a decrease from the 6,021 recorded in the 2020 Census (according to Data USA). The population is diverse, with Hispanic or Latino individuals making up 34.1% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 32.0%, and White residents at 27.8% (according to Census Dots). A significant portion of the population, 34.5%, was born outside the United States (according to Data USA).
The community is also characterized by its age distribution, with 17.7% of the population under 18 and 19.5% aged 65 and older (according to Wikipedia). The median age in East Pasadena is 42.0 years (according to Wikipedia). This demographic makeup contributes to a varied community with a mix of families, young professionals, and long-term residents.
Housing Market and Cost of Living
The housing market in East Pasadena is notably expensive, with a median property value of $1.07 million in 2024, which is more than three times the national average (according to Data USA). The median home price has seen a significant increase, with some reports indicating a median listing home price of $1.89 million and others showing a median sale price of $2.3 million in March 2026, an increase of 87.3% year-over-year (according to Realtor.com and Redfin). The homeownership rate is 72.4%, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA).
The cost of living in East Pasadena is considerably higher than the national average, largely driven by housing expenses. Renting is also expensive, with the median rent for all property types being approximately $2,395 per month, which is 23% higher than the national average (according to Zumper). A 1-bedroom apartment averages around $1,995, while a 2-bedroom unit is about $2,495 (according to Zumper). Houses for rent are even more costly, with an average monthly cost of $5,150 (according to Zumper).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in East Pasadena is supported by a diverse range of industries. The most common sectors for employment include Health Care & Social Assistance, Accommodation & Food Services, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (according to Data USA). The median household income in East Pasadena is approximately $109,136 (according to Data USA), which is higher than the national average of $80,734 (according to Niche).
The unemployment rate in East Pasadena is reported at 2.5% (according to Niche). While specific major employers within East Pasadena are not detailed, the broader Pasadena area is home to significant institutions like the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which contribute to the region’s employment landscape (according to Wikipedia). Many emerging technology-related businesses also trace their roots to these institutions (according to Wikipedia).
Climate and Environment
East Pasadena experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by short, hot, arid summers and long, cool, wet winters (according to Weather Spark). The temperature typically ranges from 46°F to 89°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 39°F or exceeding 98°F (according to Weather Spark). The hottest month is typically August, with average highs around 89°F, while the coldest month is December, with average lows around 46°F (according to Weather Spark).
Rainfall occurs primarily between October and April, with February being the wettest month, averaging 3.1 inches of rain (according to Weather Spark). The dry season lasts from April to October, with July experiencing almost no rainfall (according to Weather Spark). The area receives an average annual rainfall of about 20 inches (according to Livability.com).
Education and Schools
Public schools in East Pasadena are part of the Pasadena Unified School District. While specific ratings for all East Pasadena schools are not detailed, some schools within the broader Pasadena Unified School District include Thurgood Marshall Secondary School, Pasadena High School, and Don Benito Fundamental School (according to Niche). Pasadena High School has a rating of 3.47 out of 5 based on 398 reviews (according to Niche).
The Pasadena Unified School District is ranked #191 among California school districts (according to Niche). The district serves a large student population, with 8,988 students across 11 schools (according to Niche). Educational attainment in East Pasadena shows that 31% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree, while 19% have some college or an associate’s degree (according to Niche).
Pros and Cons of Living in East Pasadena
Living in East Pasadena offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, though it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The area boasts a diverse population and a generally well-regarded public school system, making it attractive to families (according to Niche). Residents appreciate the numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere (according to Niche).
However, the high cost of living, particularly in housing, is a significant drawback. The median home value is substantially higher than both the state and national averages (according to Data USA and Livability.com). Additionally, while some neighborhoods are considered safe, the overall crime rates are higher than the national average, necessitating a degree of caution (according to CrimeGrade.org and DoorProfit). The job market is stable, with key sectors like healthcare and education providing employment opportunities, but the cost of living may still pose a challenge for some.