Pasadena, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Pasadena, CA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 28% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 179 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 37 chance for property crime. Pasadena has higher crime than 82% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Pasadena has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Pasadena is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Pasadena is 559.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 47% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 179 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.3 per 100K (26% above average); aggravated assault at 418.0 per 100K (56% above average); robbery at 101.9 per 100K (38% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Pasadena is 2,694.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 47% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 37 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 291.1 per 100K (8% above average); larceny/theft at 1,983.2 per 100K (41% above average); vehicle theft at 420.4 per 100K (32% above average).

Pasadena's overall crime rate is 28% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (56% above average), while rape is 2% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Pasadena has higher crime than 82% of them.

Visitors to Pasadena should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 47% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Pasadena's crime rate is 28% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Pasadena, with an estimated rate of 1,983.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 41% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,695 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (559 per 100K) in Pasadena, which is consistent with national trends.