South Pasadena

A small, historic, tree-lined city with strong preservation politics.

Snapshot

Population

26,068

US Census ACS, 2024 / FBI UCR Table 8, 2024

Median home price

$1,922,500

Redfin, 2026-05

Median rent

$2,284/mo

US Census ACS, 2024

Crime / 1k

27.2

FBI UCR Table 8, 2024

Median sale price, year over year: +9.5% (rising)Redfin, 2026-05
5-year crime trend: +15.5% (rising)FBI UCR, 2019→2024

Market

Price / sq ft

$971

Redfin, 2026-05

Months of supply

2.1

Redfin, 2026-05

Median days on market

25

Redfin, 2026-05

Renter-occupied

56%

US Census ACS, 2024

Median household income

$127,175

US Census ACS, 2024

Housing units

10,817

US Census ACS, 2024

Developments

What you can build here — ADU

City departmentCoastal/Historic OverlayVHFHSZ

Typical SFR: primary + converted ADU + new ADU + JADU (up to 4). Detached new 1,200 sq ft; attached 850-1,000. Historic properties: 1-story / 16 ft height limit. High Risk Fire Area (south of Monterey) has extra fire rules. State fee exemptions apply. 60-day ministerial clock.

Last verified 2026-08-18. Not legal advice — confirm current requirements with South Pasadena's planning department. See the statewide ADU floor every city sits on top of.