South Pasadena, CA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in South Pasadena, CA

What is South Pasadena's overall crime grade?

South Pasadena earns an overall crime grade of B-, which places it meaningfully above average for safety compared to many cities across Los Angeles County and the broader United States. This grade reflects a community where violent crime remains relatively rare and property crime, while present, occurs at rates lower than most comparable suburban cities. With a population of approximately 25,478 residents spread across a density of about 2,885 people per square mile, South Pasadena benefits from the kind of tight-knit community awareness that tends to keep crime rates in check. The B- grade signals a generally safe environment — not perfect, but well above the national midpoint.

How does South Pasadena's income level relate to its crime rate?

There is a well-documented correlation between economic stability and lower crime rates, and South Pasadena's data reflects this clearly. The city's median household income of $109,927 and a poverty rate of just 6.8% — well below the national average of roughly 12–13% — contribute directly to its B- crime grade. Higher household incomes reduce economic stress that can drive property crimes, while a low poverty rate means fewer residents are in circumstances statistically associated with criminal activity. The median home value of $1,108,420 further underscores a stable, invested community where homeowners have strong incentive to maintain neighborhood safety through watch programs and civic engagement.

What types of crime are most common in South Pasadena?

Consistent with its B- overall grade and affluent demographic profile, South Pasadena's crime pattern skews heavily toward property crimes rather than violent offenses. Across the city, theft-related incidents — including vehicle break-ins, package theft, and residential burglary — represent the most frequently reported crime category. Vandalism and minor property damage account for another notable share of reported incidents. Violent crimes such as assault and robbery are comparatively rare in a city of this size and income profile, and homicide is exceptionally uncommon. Residents near higher-traffic corridors and commercial zones tend to see slightly elevated property crime reports compared to quieter residential pockets like those surrounding the South Pasadena Historic District and the neighborhoods near Garfield Park.

Is South Pasadena safe compared to the rest of Los Angeles County?

Yes — South Pasadena compares favorably to the broader Los Angeles County area by a meaningful margin. Los Angeles County as a whole carries crime rates significantly higher than the national average, driven by dense urban cores and areas with higher poverty concentrations. South Pasadena's B- crime grade, combined with a poverty rate of 6.8% and an unemployment rate of just 4.1%, positions it as one of the safer incorporated cities in the county. While it shares a border with larger, higher-crime municipalities, South Pasadena maintains its own police department — the South Pasadena Police Department — which provides dedicated local coverage rather than relying on county-wide resources, a factor that supports faster response times and community-specific policing strategies.

Which neighborhoods in South Pasadena have the best safety profile?

South Pasadena is a relatively compact city at roughly 3.4 square miles, meaning crime is distributed across a small geographic footprint. That said, residential areas clustered around the South Pasadena Historic District and the blocks surrounding Garfield Park are consistently associated with lower incident concentrations, reflecting their stable, owner-occupied housing stock and active neighborhood engagement. Streets closer to the city's commercial corridors along Fair Oaks Avenue and Mission Street tend to see a higher share of property crime reports — a pattern common in cities where retail activity creates more opportunity for theft. For the most current, block-level picture, the interactive crime map on this page allows you to filter by incident type and date range to identify specific hotspots.

Is South Pasadena a good place to buy a home from a safety standpoint?

From a safety and investment perspective, South Pasadena scores well. The city's B- crime grade combined with a median home value of $1,108,420 and median household income of $109,927 reflects a community where safety and economic stability reinforce each other. A low unemployment rate of 4.1% and a poverty rate of 6.8% suggest the economic conditions that support sustained neighborhood stability over time. Median rent of $1,830 indicates a competitive rental market, meaning the city attracts residents with stable finances — another factor positively correlated with lower crime. For prospective buyers, reviewing the crime map alongside school ratings and walkability scores gives the most complete picture of any specific block or neighborhood within South Pasadena.