LouisianaPop. 47,004Small cities
Is Monroe a Good Place to Live? Monroe, Louisiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Monroe ranks #1305 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #206 of 208 small cities and #19 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83.6, #6 of 208) and low rents ($886/mo, #24 of 208), and trails on high poverty (35.9%, #207 of 208) and high violent crime (1,647 per 100,000, #173 of 174).
Monroe by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Monroe's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Monroe?
Monroe's cost of living index is 83.6, 16% below the US level of 100 and #7 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $886/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $156,120, 28% below the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
| Measure | Monroe | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 83.6#7 of 1,308 | 88.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $156,120#51 of 1,187 | $217,039 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,271/mo#140 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $198,900#222 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $886/mo#75 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.9x#823 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 26.2%#1106 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Monroe housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Monroe is in the Monroe, LA metro.
Louisiana housing market →Is Monroe safe?
Monroe recorded 1,647 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5 times the US rate of 328 and 3.2 times Louisiana's 515. That ranks #1081 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #173 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Monroe Police Department. Property crime runs 5,212 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Monroe | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 1,647#1081 of 1,085 | 515 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 5,212#1077 of 1,085 | 1,966 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Monroe?
The median household in Monroe earns $40,505, 51% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 5.9% (US 4.3%). 35.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Monroe | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $40,505#1303 of 1,312 | $60,986 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 5.9%#975 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 35.9%#1309 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Monroe?
The median resident of Monroe is 35 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 32.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #706 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Monroe | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 35 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 32.4%#706 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 47.8% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Monroe's schools and health?
Monroe's 23 public schools graduate 89.6% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 13.3 students per teacher and $14,726 spent per pupil. 48.5% of adults are obese and 19.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Monroe | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89.6%#440 of 1,063 | 83.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.3#197 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $14,726#617 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 48.5%#1306 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 19.7%#1304 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 21.9%#1285 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.7%#741 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,716 students are enrolled in Monroe's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Monroe?
The average commute in Monroe is 18.2 minutes (Louisiana 26.2); 2.7% of workers take transit and 7.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Monroe scores 8.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.9°F and winters 48.8°F, with 55.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Monroe | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 18.2 min#204 of 1,312 | 26.2 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6.2%#736 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 72.8% | 78.3% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 2.7% | 0.9% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.7% | 1.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7.5% | 8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.1#1031 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57 | 36.7 | 5.2 |
| Feb | 61.1 | 40.2 | 4.7 |
| Mar | 69.1 | 47.2 | 5.2 |
| Apr | 76.8 | 54.2 | 5.8 |
| May | 84.4 | 63.1 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 90.5 | 70.1 | 4.5 |
| Jul | 93.2 | 72.5 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 93.6 | 71.4 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 88.7 | 65.5 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 78.8 | 53.7 | 5 |
| Nov | 67.3 | 43.9 | 4.2 |
| Dec | 59 | 38.6 | 5.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Monroe Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Monroe | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 65.7°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 81.9°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 48.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 55.1 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Monroe Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Monroe?
Ouachita Parish's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ouachita Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
| Measure | Monroe | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#167 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Ouachita Parish: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Ouachita Parish
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0048% | 86% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0076% | 74% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0037% | 63% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0027% | 60% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0028% | 57% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0055% | 39% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.057% | 18% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Monroe compare with similar-size cities?
Monroe is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #206 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 47,004.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe, LAPop. 47,004 | #1305 | 35.9 | $40,505 | $886/mo | 1,647 | 18.2 min |
| Roswell, NMPop. 47,638 | #1211 | 44.6 | $51,583 | $876/mo | 662 | 18.2 min |
| Charleston, WVPop. 47,421 | #1064 | 48.6 | $65,812 | $908/mo | 596 | 16.9 min |
| East Providence, RIPop. 47,281 | #260 | 63.0 | $75,912 | $1,288/mo | 74 | 22.6 min |
| Whitney, NVPop. 47,221 | #1225 | 43.9 | $67,155 | $1,574/mo | no data | 28.4 min |
| Binghamton, NYPop. 47,151 | #1038 | 49.3 | $45,578 | $870/mo | 559 | 19 min |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #155 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 | 27.8 min |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #385 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 | 24.5 min |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #61 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 | 18.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Monroe compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Monroe ranks #19 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 35.9 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 34% below the Louisiana median. Violent crime is 3.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 28% below the typical Louisiana home.
| City | Rank in LA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairieville, LAPop. 35,238 | #1 | 58.2 | $104,923 | $1,324/mo | no data |
| Central, LAPop. 29,783 | #2 | 54.8 | $89,554 | $1,309/mo | part year |
| Kenner, LAPop. 64,904 | #3 | 51.0 | $64,020 | $1,179/mo | 288 |
| Slidell, LAPop. 28,561 | #4 | 50.0 | $70,497 | $1,375/mo | 275 |
| Houma, LAPop. 32,392 | #5 | 48.4 | $58,194 | $1,058/mo | 489 |
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #6 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year |
| Lake Charles, LAPop. 81,143 | #7 | 47.7 | $59,235 | $1,109/mo | 665 |
| Metairie, LAPop. 139,729 | #8 | 46.7 | $73,042 | $1,175/mo | no data |
| Bossier City, LAPop. 62,901 | #9 | 46.5 | $55,819 | $1,107/mo | 704 |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #10 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 |
| Laplace, LAPop. 28,343 | #11 | 44.1 | $69,030 | $1,351/mo | no data |
| Ruston, LAPop. 22,284 | #12 | 43.6 | $31,120 | $816/mo | 286 |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #13 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #14 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 |
| Chalmette, LAPop. 22,616 | #15 | 40.0 | $54,904 | $1,110/mo | no data |
| Alexandria, LAPop. 44,060 | #16 | 38.6 | $47,113 | $931/mo | 2,448 |
| New Iberia, LAPop. 27,571 | #17 | 36.8 | $47,087 | $894/mo | 1,088 |
| Terrytown, LAPop. 24,726 | #18 | 36.0 | $51,718 | $1,135/mo | no data |
| Monroe, LAPop. 47,004 | #19 | 35.9 | $40,505 | $886/mo | 1,647 |
| Marrero, LAPop. 32,540 | #20 | 32.0 | $41,402 | $1,042/mo | no data |
All 20 Louisiana cities we track, by overall score. Louisiana statewide: median income $60,986, violent crime 515.1 per 100,000.
How is Monroe's score calculated?
Monroe scores 35.9 out of 100, #1305 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Louisiana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Monroe. Similar-size median 52.9.
26.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Monroe's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
5.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Monroe. Similar-size median 52.2.
8.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Monroe's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
65.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Monroe's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
88.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Monroe. Similar-size median 46.7.
2.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Monroe. Similar-size median 44.2.
30.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Monroe. Similar-size median 47.3.
51.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Monroe's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
37.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
69.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Monroe's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Monroe has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Monroe
Is Monroe, LA a good place to live?
Monroe ranks #1305 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #206 of 208 small cities and #19 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83.6, #6 of 208) and low rents ($886/mo, #24 of 208), and trails on high poverty (35.9%, #207 of 208) and high violent crime (1,647 per 100,000, #173 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Monroe?
Monroe's cost of living index is 83.6, 16% below the US level of 100 and #7 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $886/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $156,120, 28% below the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
What is the crime rate in Monroe?
Monroe recorded 1,647 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5 times the US rate of 328 and 3.2 times Louisiana's 515. That ranks #1081 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #173 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Monroe Police Department. Property crime runs 5,212 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Monroe?
The median household in Monroe earns $40,505, 51% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 5.9% (US 4.3%). 35.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Monroe?
Median rent in Monroe is $886/mo (Census), #75 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,271/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Monroe?
The typical home value in Monroe is $156,120, up 2.3% in a year, against $217,039 for Louisiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $198,900.
How are the public schools in Monroe?
Monroe's 23 public schools graduate 89.6% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 13.3 students per teacher and $14,726 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Monroe?
The average commute is 18.2 minutes, #204 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.2 minutes across Louisiana. 6.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Monroe?
Monroe averages 65.7°F over the year, 81.9°F in summer and 48.8°F in winter, with 55.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Monroe walkable?
Monroe scores 8.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Monroe at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ouachita Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Monroe?
Ouachita Parish's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Monroe?
Monroe has 47,004 residents. The median resident of Monroe is 35 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 32.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #706 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Monroe compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Monroe ranks #19 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 35.9 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 34% below the Louisiana median. Violent crime is 3.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 28% below the typical Louisiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Monroe?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Monroe's population of 47,004 are Roswell, NM (#1211 overall), Charleston, WV (#1064 overall), East Providence, RI (#260 overall), Whitney, NV (#1225 overall), and Binghamton, NY (#1038 overall). Monroe is #1305.