Pasadena, CA Demographics

A map of Pasadena's Population by Race

Pasadena, California has an estimated population of 136,969, a slight decrease from the 138,699 recorded in the 2020 Census. The population is 34.9% White, 34.0% Hispanic, 17.0% Asian, 8.0% Black, 5.4% Multiracial, and 0.8% Native American/Other. This demographic dot map shows the population of Pasadena, with one dot drawn for each person counted by the Census, color-coded by race.

Pasadena has become slightly more racially diverse since the 2020 Census. It is more diverse than California overall. Demographers use a diversity index to measure the probability that two randomly selected individuals belong to different racial or ethnic groups. In Pasadena, that probability was 71.9% in 2020 and 72.5% in the most recent ACS estimates.

Pasadena is ranked the 45th most populous place in California, out of 1,618 places. This ranking is based on the Census definition of a place, which includes incorporated places like cities, towns, and villages, as well as unincorporated census-designated places (CDPs). Pasadena was ranked the 44th most populous place in the 2020 Census.

Pasadena's White Population

47,759 residents of Pasadena, or 34.9% of the population, identify as White. The share of White residents in Pasadena is comparable to the share in California overall, where 33.8% of the population is White. Pasadena ranks 1097th statewide in terms of White residents as a share of the population, out of 1,618 places.

Since the 2020 Census, Pasadena's White population has declined by an estimated 6.1%. White residents' share of Pasadena's population has decreased from 36.7% to 34.9%.

Pasadena is more White than neighboring San Marino (21.8% White), and East Pasadena (27.8% White). Pasadena is less White than neighboring Altadena (41.3% White), San Pasqual (43.4% White), and South Pasadena (35.2% White).

Pasadena's Black Population

10,912 residents of Pasadena, or 8.0% of the population, identify as Black. The share of Black residents in Pasadena is slightly higher than in California overall, where 5.2% of the population is Black. Pasadena ranks 123rd statewide in terms of Black residents as a share of the population, out of 1,618 places.

Since the 2020 Census, Pasadena's Black population has grown by an estimated 1.1%. Black residents' share of Pasadena's population has remained roughly unchanged at 8.0%.

Pasadena is more Black than neighboring San Pasqual (1.1% Black), San Marino (0.1% Black), South Pasadena (2.8% Black), and East Pasadena (3.3% Black). Pasadena is less Black than neighboring Altadena (16.9% Black).

Pasadena's Asian Population

23,270 residents of Pasadena, or 17.0% of the population, identify as Asian. The share of Asian residents in Pasadena is comparable to the share in California overall, where 15.3% of the population is Asian. Pasadena ranks 164th statewide in terms of Asian residents as a share of the population, out of 1,618 places.

Since the 2020 Census, Pasadena's Asian population has declined by an estimated 3.6%. Asian residents' share of Pasadena's population has remained roughly unchanged at 17.0%.

Pasadena is more Asian than neighboring Altadena (6.3% Asian). Pasadena is less Asian than neighboring San Pasqual (30.4% Asian), San Marino (68.1% Asian), South Pasadena (35% Asian), and East Pasadena (32% Asian).

Pasadena's Hispanic Population

46,523 residents of Pasadena, or 34.0% of the population, identify as Hispanic. The share of Hispanic residents in Pasadena is lower than in California overall, where 40.2% of the population is Hispanic. Pasadena ranks 593rd statewide in terms of Hispanic residents as a share of the population, out of 1,618 places.

Since the 2020 Census, Pasadena's Hispanic population has grown by an estimated 1.7%. Hispanic residents' share of Pasadena's population has increased from 33.0% to 34.0%.

Pasadena is more Hispanic than neighboring Altadena (26.7% Hispanic), San Pasqual (18.2% Hispanic), San Marino (5.3% Hispanic), and South Pasadena (19.7% Hispanic). Pasadena is less Hispanic than neighboring East Pasadena (34.1% Hispanic).

Pasadena's Native American/Other Population

1,120 residents of Pasadena, or 0.8% of the population, identify as American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander/Other. The share of Native American/Other residents in Pasadena is comparable to the share in California overall, where 1.2% of the population is Native American/Other. Pasadena ranks 1176th statewide in terms of Native American/Other residents as a share of the population, out of 1,618 places.

Since the 2020 Census, Pasadena's Native American/Other population has declined by an estimated 3.9%. Native American/Other residents' share of Pasadena's population has remained roughly unchanged at 0.8%.

Pasadena is more Native American/Other than neighboring San Pasqual (0% Native American/Other), San Marino (0% Native American/Other), and East Pasadena (0.5% Native American/Other). Pasadena is less Native American/Other than neighboring South Pasadena (1.1% Native American/Other).

Pasadena's Multiracial Population

7,385 residents of Pasadena, or 5.4% of the population, identify as Multiracial. The share of Multiracial residents in Pasadena is comparable to the share in California overall, where 4.4% of the population is Multiracial. Pasadena ranks 888th statewide in terms of Multiracial residents as a share of the population, out of 1,618 places.

Since the 2020 Census, Pasadena's Multiracial population has grown by an estimated 23.3%. Multiracial residents' share of Pasadena's population has increased from 4.3% to 5.4%.

Pasadena is more Multiracial than neighboring San Marino (4.6% Multiracial), and East Pasadena (2.2% Multiracial). Pasadena is less Multiracial than neighboring Altadena (8% Multiracial), San Pasqual (6.9% Multiracial), and South Pasadena (6.3% Multiracial).

Sources: Most recent population estimates are from the 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. 2020 population counts and map data are from 2020 Census State Redistricting Data. Geographic data are from Census TIGER/Line Shapefiles.