El Monte is a city in Los Angeles County, California located about 10 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. As of the 2020 census, El Monte had a population of 115,657 people, making it one of the larger cities in the San Gabriel Valley region. Let’s explore more about this city’s history, economy, attractions, sports teams and other fun facts.
History
The area that is now El Monte was originally inhabited by the Tongva people, a Native American tribe. The first Europeans to visit the valley were members of the 1769 Portola expedition. In 1771, Spanish settlers established the Misión San Gabriel Arcángel in the area, which spurred growth in the region.
In 1849 after California gained independence from Mexico and became a state, American settlers began moving to the San Gabriel Valley area. El Monte itself got its start when 650 acres of land was purchased in 1849 by owners planning to build a settlement named “Lexington.”
The first post office opened in Lexington in 1852. In the early days, the town served as a rest stop between Los Angeles and San Bernardino. It incorporated in 1912 and was renamed El Monte.
Early economic activity centered around agriculture, especially citrus, but in the 20th century the economy diversified. The completion of nearby Interstate 10 in the 1950s brought even more growth as it connected El Monte to the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Today, El Monte is a vibrant and diverse suburban community that is home to people from many backgrounds. Over 60% of residents are Hispanic or Latino.
Population
As mentioned previously, according to the 2020 census the population of El Monte was 115,657. This makes it the 62nd most populous city in California.
El Monte has seen steady population growth over the decades. Here are some key population figures from past censuses:
- 1970: 61,678
- 1980: 77,558
- 1990: 95,804
- 2000: 115,965
The population density is approximately 11,000 people per square mile, owing to the city’s relatively small area of 10.5 square miles. It is considered a suburb of Los Angeles but has a dense urban feel compared to many outer suburbs.
Economy and Major Employers
In the past, El Monte’s economy centered around agriculture, especially fruit orchards and dairy farms. While the agricultural sector has declined, some major producers like Ralph’s, Sargento and Minnaco still operate food processing facilities in the city.
Today, the economy is quite diverse featuring a mix of light industrial, retail, and service businesses. Major employers in El Monte include:
- Mountain View School District – second largest employer
- San Gabriel Valley Medical Center – hospital
- Walmart – major retailer
- Rio Hondo College – community college
- City of El Monte – municipal government
The city also has a significant transportation and wholesale trade presence, being located adjacent to two major interstate highways. Many car dealerships and national retailers have centers of operation in El Monte.
Attractions and Tourism
El Monte may be considered a suburb of LA, but it offers some unique attractions of its own for visitors.
Outdoors enthusiasts will enjoy Peck Water Conservation Park and Park. This green space features a picturesque lake with pedal boats available for renting. The El Monte Aquatic Center is located here as well.
For history buffs, the El Monte Historical Museum covers the city origins and development. Exhibits feature the agricultural roots, transportation evolution, and civic history.
The El Monte Flores Adobe is a preserved mid-19th century adobe home that documents what early residences were like in Southern California before modernization.
For entertainment and culture, locals and visitors alike flock to the El Monte Community Center. This venue can seat up 1,500 people and hosts concerts, exhibits, festivals and more.
Shoppers will want to explore the Northwest Promenade. This outdoor shopping center contains big box stores like Target as well as dining and entertainment options.
The city also holds many lively annual events like the 4th of July Spectacular at Mountain View High School and the Harvest Festival and Parade in the fall.
Sports Teams
While there are no major professional sports teams in El Monte, the city has high school teams that are a source of community pride. These include:
- El Monte High School Lions – the oldest high school in the valley dating back to 1901.
- Arcadia High School Apaches – a sports powerhouse with many league championships.
- Mountain View High School Vikings – opened in 1951 and boasts strong athletics.
The city also maintains parks and recreation facilities for youth sports leagues and pickup games.
Government
El Monte has a council-manager form of municipal government. The city council consists of 5 members elected to 4-year terms. The council in turn appoints a city manager to oversee day-to-day operations. The city also has its own police and public works departments.
Residents can get involved in local government by contacting their city council representatives, attending meetings, or running for office themselves.
El Monte is located in a few different state and federal legislative districts:
- State Senate – 22nd District
- State Assembly – 49th District
- U.S. House of Representatives – 32nd District
Conclusion
El Monte is an energetic and multicultural community with deep roots in the San Gabriel Valley. While it functions as a suburb of Los Angeles, it offers its own unique attractions, activities, and way of life. From agricultural beginnings, the city has transformed into a thriving residential and business hub active with civic engagement and community pride.