Is Pico Rivera Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pico Rivera
Pico Rivera, a city in Los Angeles County, California, offers a blend of suburban living with convenient access to urban amenities. Its strategic location in Southern California provides residents with a moderate climate and proximity to major employment centers. The city has a rich history, evolving from agricultural roots to a mixed residential and industrial community.
This community is known for its diverse population and a strong sense of local identity. As residents consider making Pico Rivera their home, understanding key aspects of life in the city, such as safety, cost of living, and local amenities, is essential for informed decision-making.
Is it Safe to Live in Pico Rivera?
Pico Rivera has a mixed safety profile, with an overall crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026 (DoorProfit). The city’s overall crime rate is reported to be 15% below the national average (DoorProfit). However, safety can vary significantly by neighborhood, making localized research crucial for potential residents (DoorProfit).
Violent crime rates in Pico Rivera are approximately 8% higher than the national average, with a 1 in 244 chance of being a victim per year (DoorProfit). Property crime rates are 33% lower than the national average, with a 1 in 81 chance of being a victim annually (DoorProfit). Specific crime types like rape are noted as being 75% above the average, while larceny/theft is 52% below the average (DoorProfit). Over a recent five-year period, the city recorded 1,921 violent crimes and 5,160 property crimes (DoorFBI Crime Data Explorer).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Pico Rivera presents a range of options for both buyers and renters. As of March 31, 2026, the median list price for homes in Pico Rivera is $752,500 (Zillow). The average home value in the city is $753,243, showing no change over the past year (Zillow).
For renters, the average rent in Pico Rivera is $2,321 per month as of March 31, 2026 (Zillow). This is 1.1% higher than the previous month and 4.2% higher year-over-year (Zillow). The rental market shows resilient demand, with a median rent of $2.4K per month and 28 rental listings available (Realtor.com® Research). Rent in Pico Rivera is comparable to the national average rent, which is $2,000 per month (Apartments.com).
Home Prices
The median sale price of a home in Pico Rivera was $765,000 in February 2026, reflecting a 12.5% increase from the previous year (Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $546, which is down 22.8% from the previous year (Redfin). Homes in Pico Rivera receive an average of three offers and sell quickly in a very competitive market (Redfin).
Rental Market
The average rent for an apartment in Pico Rivera is approximately $1,933 per month as of April 2026 (Apartments.com). This figure is 18% higher than the national average rent (Apartments.com). Studio apartments average around $1,343 per month, one-bedroom apartments average $1,933, and two-bedroom apartments average $2,315 (Apartments.com).
Cost of Living
Pico Rivera’s cost of living is notably higher than the national average. Overall living costs are approximately 43% higher than the U.S. national average and 1% higher than California’s state average (Salary.com). This increase reflects a 3% rise from the previous year (Salary.com).
Housing expenses are a significant contributor, being 84% higher than the national average (Payscale). Utility prices are 9% higher, and transportation costs, including gas and bus fares, are 38% higher than the national average (Payscale). Grocery prices in Pico Rivera are also 9% higher than the national average (Payscale).
Monthly Expenses
For a single person, total monthly expenses in Pico Rivera are estimated at $2,885, and for a family of four, they are around $6,209 (Salary.com). These costs place Pico Rivera among the more expensive cities in the United States (Salary.com).
Comparison to Other Cities
When compared to other major cities, Pico Rivera’s cost of living is 33% lower than San Francisco, but 18% above Miami and 21% higher than Chicago (Salary.com). These comparisons highlight the regional economic variations influencing daily expenses (Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in Pico Rivera offers various employment opportunities, with an average annual salary of $49,327 as of April 26, 2026 (ZipRecruiter). This salary translates to approximately $23.71 per hour (ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Pico Rivera range between $35,722 and $61,000 annually, with top-paying jobs including Hoag RN, government positions, and Socalgas roles (ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in the broader Los Angeles metropolitan area was 4.7% in February 2026 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The national unemployment rate in March 2026 was 4.3% (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Major Employers
Historically, major employers in Pico Rivera have included Northrop Grumman, which was involved in the development of the B-2 Spirit bomber, and the Ford Motor Company with its Los Angeles Assembly plant (Wikipedia). More recently, companies like BakeMark, Plaza De La Raza, and Unisource Solutions are noted as significant employers within the city (Zippia).
Average Salary and Wages
The average annual salary in Pico Rivera is $49,327 (ZipRecruiter). The median wage is approximately $44,700 per year (ZipRecruiter). For city employees, the average annual salary as of April 2026 is $82,663 (6figr.com).
Climate and Weather
Pico Rivera experiences a climate characterized by short, warm, arid summers and long, cool, partly cloudy winters (CountryStudies.com). The temperature typically ranges from 46°F to 86°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 40°F or exceeding 95°F (CountryStudies.com).
The hot season lasts for about three months, from July to September, with average daily high temperatures above 83°F. August is the hottest month, with highs around 86°F and lows of 67°F (CountryStudies.com). The cool season extends from late November to late March, with average daily high temperatures below 71°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows of 47°F and highs of 68°F (CountryStudies.com).
Average Temperatures
The average high temperature in July and August is around 87-88°F, while the average low in December and January is around 41-44°F (CountryStudies.com). The mean temperature throughout the year hovers around 62-76°F, with July and August being the warmest months (CountryStudies.com).
Rainfall Patterns
Pico Rivera receives most of its rainfall during the winter months. January and February typically see the highest average precipitation, around 3.7 to 3.8 inches (CountryStudies.com). Summer months, from June to August, are very dry, with minimal to no rainfall recorded (CountryStudies.com).
Education and Schools
Pico Rivera is served by several public schools, with ratings that vary across different institutions. Niche provides school ratings based on a variety of factors, including academics, teachers, and student life.
Some elementary schools in Pico Rivera have received high ratings, with specific schools achieving an A+ grade (Niche). For example, one elementary school has a student-teacher ratio of 5:1 and an A+ rating (Niche). Another highly-rated elementary school also holds an A+ grade with a student-teacher ratio of 4:1 (Niche).
School District Performance
The Montebello Unified School District and Downey Unified School District serve the Pico Rivera area, with varying performance metrics. Niche ranks Montebello Unified School District with a 3.61 out of 5 rating based on 109 reviews (Niche). Downey Unified School District has a higher rating of 4.52 out of 5, based on 156 reviews (Niche).
Public School Ratings
Overall, public schools in Pico Rivera are rated with a mix of grades. Some schools within the district have received an A+ grade, indicating strong performance in academics and student services (Niche). Other schools may have lower ratings, highlighting the need for parents to research specific schools based on their priorities (Niche).
Demographics
Pico Rivera is a city with a predominantly Hispanic population. As of the 2020 United States census, the city had a population of 62,088 (Wikipedia). The projected population for 2026 is 59,228, indicating a slight annual decline (CUBIT).
The racial composition of Pico Rivera is largely Hispanic or Latino, making up 90.1% of the population (CUBIT). White residents constitute 4.2%, Asians represent 3.4%, and Black or African American residents make up 1.5% (CUBIT). This demographic makeup is consistent with recent census data (US Census Bureau).
Population Trends
The population of Pico Rivera has seen a slight decrease in recent years. The 2020 Census recorded a population of 62,088, while projections for 2026 estimate it to be around 59,228 (CUBIT). This trend suggests a minor population decline over this period (CUBIT).
Racial and Ethnic Composition
Hispanic or Latino individuals form the vast majority of Pico Rivera’s residents, accounting for 90.1% of the population (CUBIT). Other significant demographic groups include White at 4.2%, and Asian at 3.4% (CUBIT). Native American/Other populations make up about 0.4% of the residents (CUBIT).
Pros and Cons of Living in Pico Rivera
Pico Rivera offers a vibrant community atmosphere with a strong cultural identity, largely due to its significant Hispanic population. The city provides a suburban feel with convenient access to the amenities and job markets of the greater Los Angeles area. Its climate is generally pleasant, with warm summers and mild winters.
However, the cost of living in Pico Rivera is substantially higher than the national average, particularly in housing and transportation. While crime rates are below the national average overall, specific types of crime, such as robbery and vehicle theft, are higher than the national average. The job market, while present, may offer salaries that do not fully compensate for the high cost of living.
Advantages
One of the primary advantages of living in Pico Rivera is its diverse and rich cultural heritage. The city offers a strong sense of community and is well-connected to major transportation routes, facilitating access to employment and recreational opportunities throughout Southern California. The climate is also a significant draw, with ample sunshine and moderate temperatures year-round.
Disadvantages
A notable disadvantage is the high cost of living, especially concerning housing expenses, which are considerably above the national average (Payscale). While overall crime rates are moderate, certain crime statistics, such as vehicle theft, are higher than the national average (DoorProfit). Additionally, the average salaries may not fully offset the increased cost of daily living for some residents.