EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-36881 on Form S-8 of our reports dated March 11, 2005 relating to the
consolidated financial statements (which report expresses an unqualified opinion
and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the adoption of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets)
and financial statement schedules of PICO Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
"Company") and management's report on the effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company
for the year ended December 31, 2004.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

San Diego, California
March 11, 2005


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