Fabulously fertile farmlands of citrus, avocado and walnut groves were cultivated between the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel Rivers. During the first four decades of the 20th century, these two country towns grew slowly in an agricultural atmosphere.

Following the end of WWII, the sudden demand for  housing attracted subdividers to the pleasant, peaceful locale. In the 1950´s, large parcels of land were purchased and cleared. Developments of tract homes appeared. New homes, schools and churches were built. Nearby, commercial enterprises were rapidly being established.

As subdivisions sprang up, young families quickly filled the area and drew the older neighborhoods of Pico and Rivera closer together. Local residents were inspired with a stronger sense of civic awareness as "annexation fever" developed in neighboring cities.

By mid-1950´s, leaders from both communities started to voice  strong support for incorporation. In an election on January 7, 1958, incorporation was favored by 56 percent of the voters. A Council-Manager form of government was approved, the name "Pico Rivera"  was confirmed for the new city and five citizens were chosen from a field of 24 candidates to serve as members of the first City Council. It was then that Pico Rivera officially became the 61st city in Los Angeles County.

At present, the City boasts a population in excess of 65,200. Aided by annexations, it has grown to approximately nine square miles with an assessed valuation of over $2 billion.