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Monroe, LA

Frequently asked questions

Monroe, LA

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.

As governor of Louisiana, Esteban Rodríguez Miró had Fort Miro built in 1791. Fort Miro changed its name to Monroe to commemorate the first arrival of the steamboat James Monroe in the spring of 1820. The ship's arrival was the single event, in the minds of local residents, that transformed the outpost into a town.

Credit for the name is indirectly given to James Monroe of Virginia, the fifth President of the United States, for whom the ship was named. The steamboat is depicted in a mural at the main branch of the Ouachita Parish Public Library.

Fort Miro changed its name to Monroe to commemorate the first arrival of the steamboat James Monroe in the spring of 1820. In 1913, Joseph A. Biedenharn, the first bottler of Coca-Cola, moved to Monroe from Vicksburg, Mississippi. Biedenharn and his son Malcolm were among the founders of Delta Air Lines, originally Delta Dusters. That company was founded in Tallulah, Louisiana in Madison Parish. It was based on products and processes developed by the Agriculture Experimental Station to dust crops from airplanes in order to combat the devastating effects that the boll weevil had on cotton crops. Biedenharn's home and gardens have been preserved and are now operated as the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens and are open to the public.

Located in northeastern Louisiana, Monroe is the center of the Monroe metropolitan statistical area. It is the parish seat of Ouachita Parish and northeastern Louisiana's economic and cultural hub. Monroe has an elevation of 72 feet (21.9 m) above sea level. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 31.6 square miles (83.9 km²), of which, 28.7 square miles (74.3 km²) is land and 3.7 square miles (9.6 km²) is water. The total area is 11.46% water.

Health and wellness are paramount in Monroe, and the city offers a range of healthcare services to meet the needs of its residents. The Glenwood Regional Medical Center and Ochsner LSU Health provide comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Monroe Athletic Club offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Monroe Civic Center is a premier venue for concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and community gatherings, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a central location for entertainment and cultural enrichment in the region.  Haven Yoga Studio provides yoga classes to help with flexibility, strength, and stress relief. ULM Activity Center provides fitness classes and recreational sports facilities for students and the public. For a spa day, Spa Nouvelle offers a range of treatments including massages and facials.

The top sites in Monroe, LA are the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, Masur Museum of Art, and Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Population: 47,702 (2020). ZIP Codes: 71201, 71202, 71203, 71207, 71208, 71209, 71210, 71211, 71212, 71213. Area code: 318. Elevation: 72 ft (22 m). Area: 32.91 sq mi (85.23 km²).

FAQs

What is Monroe, LA is known for? 

These days, Monroe is best known for its museums (among them: Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, Masur Museum of Art, Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum, and the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum); its cultural attractions (see: The Monroe Symphony Orchestra, events at Flying Tiger Brewery and Monroe's renowned Christmas celebrations); and numerous restaurants downtown and on the Ouachita riverfront. 

What is the crime rate in Monroe, LA?

With a crime rate of 95 per one thousand residents, Monroe has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 10. Within Louisiana, more than 100% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Monroe. In fact, after researching dangerous places to live, NeighborhoodScout found Monroe to be one of the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.A.

Is Monroe, LA expensive?

Monroe, Louisiana's cost of living is 13% lower than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, average salary, and the real estate market of that area. Monroe's housing expenses are 27% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 17% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 15% lower than the national average. Monroe has grocery prices that are 9% lower than the national average. Healthcare in Monroe is 10% higher than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Monroe

Data USA

St. Francis Health

Explore Louisiana

Neighborhood Scout

Payscale

Biedenharn Museum and Gardens

Masur Museum of Art

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Glenwood Regional Medical Center

Ochsner LSU Health

Monroe Athletic Club 

Monroe Civic Center 

Haven Yoga Studio

ULM Activity Center

Spa Nouvelle

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.