| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Pasadena/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4,193 | n/a (estimate) | 3,177 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 0.8 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 44 | n/a | 33.3 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 158 | n/a | 119.7 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 431 | n/a | 326.6 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 634 | n/a (estimate) | 480 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 735 | n/a | 557.0 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,461 | n/a | 1,864.9 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 363 | n/a | 275.1 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 3,559 | n/a (estimate) | 2,697 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Pasadena crime rate is higher than the national average by 49.9%. Specifically, there were 634 violent crimes in Pasadena, equivalent to 480 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 33.8%. Furthermore, Pasadena recorded 3559 property crimes, amounting to 2697 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 53.2%.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Pasadena residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 43 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 42% of Pasadena residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 58% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Pasadena a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Pasadena has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 50%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 11.49 daily incidents, encompassing 1.74 violent crimes and 9.75 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Pasadena as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Pasadena has increased by 22.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Pasadena, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 53.1%, while property crime has increased by 17.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Pasadena is a safe place to live.
The Pasadena area comprises a diverse array of over 9 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Mid Central, East Central and North East which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as West Central, South and South East exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Pasadena neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
Pasadena has a population density of 6380 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Pasadena crime rates.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Pasadena, the cost of living is 95.96% higher than the national average.
The median home price in Pasadena is $1,502,530, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | Pasadena | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 331 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| San Pasqual, CA | 2,113 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Rose Hills, CA | 2,699 | 87 | 371 | 458 |
| North El Monte, CA | 3,790 | 121 | 518 | 639 |
| Sierra Madre, CA | 11,099 | 209 | 597 | 806 |
| East Pasadena, CA | 6,198 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Ladera Heights, CA | 6,655 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| La Habra Heights, CA | 5,470 | 171 | 683 | 853 |
| Pasadena, CA | 146,628 | 480 | 2,697 | 3,177 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| McAllen, TX | 146,651 | 150 | 1,836 | 1,986 |
| Murfreesboro, TN | 146,103 | 420 | 2,022 | 2,442 |
| Fullerton, CA | 146,103 | 455 | 2,024 | 2,479 |
| Syracuse, NY | 146,063 | 765 | 4,234 | 4,999 |
| Dayton, OH | 145,927 | 1,339 | 4,334 | 5,673 |
| Pasadena, CA | 146,628 | 480 | 2,697 | 3,177 |
Here are the best places to live in California
Check out the 10 safest cities in California
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in California
See the best places to live in Pasadena