The irrigation district was organized in 1906. As a result of the availability of irrigation water San Benito and all of the Lower Rio Grande Valley cities came into being to serve a newly developing agriculture empire. The original townsite, created in 1911, contained 1,280 acres. Since then a series of annexations have increased the incorporated area to 4,092.17 acres. The mild winter climate in southmost section of the United States has played a dominant role in the growth of San Benito and the other cities of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Crops grow and flowers bloom the year round.
The city has become a mecca for winter tourists and retired people, providing a substantial percentage of the buying power of this community.