This area remained semirural up to World War II when manufacturers expanded their operations into the valley and created more jobs.

[1] Most of Pacoima developed into a multiethnic neighborhood with a significant population of African-American and Latino residents, whereas the western portion remained primarily white.

[1][2] As industrial jobs began to decrease in the valley, many residents left the area in the 1980's; following this, Arleta became much more diverse and as of the 2010s, it shares the majority Latino demographics of Pacoima.

[3] The neighborhood was considered "moderately diverse" ethnically[4] within Los Angeles, with a relatively high percentage of Latinos.

Mexico (55.3%) and El Salvador (11.2%) were the most common places of birth for the 46% of the residents who were born abroad—which was a high percentage for Los Angeles.

Metro Rapid route 761 provides fast transit on Van Nuys Boulevard, and Metro route 158, goes up Woodman Avenue, but turns on Arleta Avenue via Brandford Street, and continues along Devonshire St into Granada Hills, Northridge, and Chatsworth, respectively.

Arleta was also the filming location for the fictitious McFly family home and neighborhood in the Back to the Future series.