Monroe, LA
Population 47,241 · Louisiana
About Monroe, LA
Monroe is a mid-sized city located in Louisiana with a population of 47,241 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,521 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Monroe features a median home value of $174,800, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Monroe in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $823, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,317 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (8,285 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (10,098 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Monroe shows an unemployment rate of 10.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 38.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Monroe have an average one-way commute time of 18 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.8% of Monroe residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.8% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Monroe Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in Monroe, LA
Compared to national averages, Monroe has a median household income of $36,521 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $174,800, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $823 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, Monroe's income is 33% below the state average of $54,685, and home values are 12% above the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in Monroe, LA?
Monroe offers affordable housing with a median home value of $174,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $823/month, and short commute times averaging just 18 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,521) that falls below the national average. However, Monroe’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Monroe has a population of 47,241 with a median age of 34.7 years. Compare Monroe with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near Monroe
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | 44,566 | $47,357 | $182,800 | Compare |
| Prairieville | 35,010 | $115,610 | $302,200 | Compare |
| Houma | 32,760 | $54,637 | $207,900 | Compare |
| Marrero | 31,866 | $45,633 | $173,200 | Compare |
| Bossier City | 62,832 | $55,130 | $192,300 | Compare |
| Central | 29,603 | $90,091 | $270,700 | Compare |
| Kenner | 65,113 | $64,099 | $241,800 | Compare |
| Slidell | 28,664 | $66,657 | $207,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Louisiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Monroe With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Monroe
What is the population of Monroe, LA?
The population of Monroe, LA is 47,241 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Louisiana.
What is the median household income in Monroe?
The median household income in Monroe, LA is $36,521 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Monroe?
The median home value in Monroe, LA is $174,800, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Monroe?
The median monthly rent in Monroe, LA is $823, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Monroe?
The unemployment rate in Monroe, LA is 10.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Monroe, LA a good place to live?
Monroe offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 47,241 and a median age of 34.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Monroe, LA?
28.8% of residents in Monroe aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Monroe?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Monroe, LA: median home value is $174,800 (29% below national), median rent is $823/month, and median household income is $36,521. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Monroe?
The poverty rate in Monroe, LA is 38.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Monroe, LA?
Monroe's population is 1.8% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 60.3% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.