**History and Geography**:
– Fort Miro was built in 1791 by Esteban Rodríguez Miró.
– The name Monroe was adopted in 1820 to honor the steamboat James Monroe’s arrival, marking the transformation of the outpost into a town.
– Monroe was founded during the Spanish colonial period.
– Monroe is in northeastern Louisiana, serving as the economic and cultural hub.
– It is the parish seat of Ouachita Parish.
– Monroe has an elevation of 72 feet above sea level.
– Monroe’s total area is 31.6 square miles, with 11.46% of it being water.
– Monroe is the center of the Monroe metropolitan statistical area.
**Climate and Natural Disasters**:
– Monroe has a humid subtropical climate with abundant rainfall.
– Normal annual precipitation averages over 51 inches.
– Severe thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes occur in spring and summer.
– Winter months are mild with freezing temperatures possible.
– Summer months are hot and humid with high relative humidity levels.
– In March 2016, Monroe experienced a severe flood with significant damage.
– The 2020 Easter tornado outbreak brought a low-end EF3 tornado to the area, causing severe damage but fortunately no casualties.
– The 2016 flood led to many homes being damaged or completely flooded.
– Advance warnings helped prevent injuries during the 2020 tornado.
**Demographics and Religion**:
– Monroe’s population has seen significant growth over the years.
– In 2020, the racial composition was 30.18% White, 63.24% Black or African American, and 2.5% Hispanic or Latino.
– Christianity is the largest religion in Monroe, with notable denominations including National Baptist Convention, USA, Southern Baptist Convention, and Methodism.
– Pentecostalism is a growing tradition in the city.
– Islam and Judaism are also significant religions in Monroe.
**Economy and Infrastructure**:
– St. Francis Medical Center, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Walmart, University of Louisiana at Monroe, and Graphic Packaging Holding Company are significant employers in Monroe.
– Monroe is home to the 528th Engineer Battalion of the Louisiana Army National Guard.
– Monroe Regional Airport serves the city and northeast Louisiana.
– Greyhound Bus Lines and the oldest municipally-owned transit system in the nation provide transportation in Monroe.
**Culture, Recreation, and Education**:
– Monroe Civic Center hosts various events, including the annual Miss Louisiana pageant.
– Monroe is home to the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo, as well as several museums like the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum and the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens.
– Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge and 17 city parks offer recreational opportunities.
– Monroe City Schools and Ouachita Parish School System cater to various age groups, offering a diverse educational landscape.
Monroe is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. state of Louisiana, and parish seat of Ouachita Parish. With a 2020 census-tabulated population of 47,702, it is the principal city of the Monroe metropolitan statistical area, the second-largest metropolitan area in North Louisiana. Pecanland Mall is located in Monroe.
Monroe, Louisiana | |
|---|---|
 Downtown skyline | |
![Official seal of Monroe, Louisiana[1]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Monroe_LA_Seal.jpg) Seal | |
| Nickname: Twin Cities of Northeast Louisiana (along with West Monroe) | |
| Motto: "Oneroe" | |
 Location of Monroe in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana | |
  Monroe Location in Louisiana  Monroe Location in the United States | |
| Coordinates: 32°30′34″N 92°07′06″W / 32.50944°N 92.11833°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Louisiana |
| Parish | Ouachita |
| Founded | 1785 |
| Incorporated (town) | 1845 |
| Incorporated (city) | 1906 |
| Named for | the steamboat James Monroe |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Friday Ellis (I) |
| • City Council | Members List |
| Area | |
| • City | 32.91 sq mi (85.23 km2) |
| • Land | 29.66 sq mi (76.80 km2) |
| • Water | 3.25 sq mi (8.42 km2) |
| Elevation | 72 ft (22 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • City | 47,702 |
| • Estimate (2022) | 46,820 |
| • Rank | US: 857th LA: 8th |
| • Density | 1,608.57/sq mi (621.08/km2) |
| • Urban | 119,964 (US: 280th) |
| • Metro | 222,695 (US: 212nd) |
| Urban area includes Monroe-West Monroe | |
| Demonym | Monroyan |
| Time zone | UTC–6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC–5 (CDT) |
| ZIP codes | 71201, 71202, 71203, 71207, 71209, 71210, 71211, 71212, 71213, 71217 |
| Area code | 318 |
| FIPS code | 22-51410 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2404283 |
| Sales tax | 10.44% |
| Website | monroela.us |