Monroe, Louisiana, in Ouachita county, is 214 miles NW of New Orleans.
The Monroe economy has moved from one of dependency on the agriculture and wood/timber industries to one of strength and diversity. Over the last several decades, as the population and needs of the people grew, so did the industrial base. Several new primary industries including paper and pulp, plastics, insurance, telecommunications and medical services, now provide a broad base for the local economy and surrounding region.
The Ouachita/Black River is one of the smaller and more remote of navigable waterways. In the upper reaches of the navigable section, it is a narrow, winding stream coursing through magnificent hardwood forests with occasional bluffs. In places it is only about 150 feet wide. The Ouachita (WASH-i-TAH) joins with the Tensas River at Jonesville, Louisiana, to form the Black River. In these lower reaches, the river is wider, and the land form changes to coastal plains with mostly agricultural use.
From the head of navigation in Camden, Arkansas, to the confluence with the Red River is 338 miles. The last 40 miles are the Black River, with the balance being on the Ouachita River. The confluence of the Black and Red Rivers is located at the junction of Avoyelles, Catahoula, and Concordia Parishes, near Acme, Louisiana.
There are many points of interest that draw visitors to the area. Monroe is the birthplace of Delta Airlines and the first place west of the Mississippi to bottle Coca-Cola. The oldest human dwelling site in North America, Poverty Point, is located near Monroe.
A Fortune 500 Company (CenturyTel) has its world headquarters here. We boast a rich history of celebrating life: we are dedicated patrons of the Arts; we vigorously support quality entertainment; we enjoy a delicious regional cuisine. Our diverse culture includes the Monroe Symphony Orchestra, Twin City Ballet, Masur Museum of Fine Art, Emmy-Lou Biedenharn Bible Research Center, Strauss Little Theatre, Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo, Antique Alley. The Twin Cities boast two public school systems as well as several private and parochial schools. Beyond high school, residents may choose from three universities within 30 miles - Northeast Louisiana University, Grambling State University, and Louisiana Tech University.
Housing Cost
Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $80,800
Demographics
Estimated population in July 2006: 51,555. Monroe covers 28.7 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 74 feet above sea level.
Zip codes: 71201, 71202, 71203 - Area code: 318
Weather
Monroe, LA climate is hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 94.10 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 33.50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 23 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 23 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Monroe is 58.04 Inches. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is March with an average rainfall of 6.11 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
Over the last several decades, as the population and needs of the people grew, so did the industrial base. Several new primary industries including paper and pulp, plastics, insurance, telecommunications and medical services, now provide a broad base for the local economy and surrounding region.