Photos and reviews come from Google Maps and show single places, not the whole area. Reviews are the most relevant ones Google returns for each place. We show the longest highly rated review under 400 characters and, when there is one, the longest low-rated review. Google doesn't verify reviews but removes fake ones when it finds them.
A first look. Only 5 resident comments about Monroe so far, so this is a starting point, not the full picture. The page grows as more residents talk about it.
Tends to love it
Tends to struggle
Where locals disagree: Food and dining. One resident called the food scene terrible while another described lots of good to great restaurants.
The vibe
Mixed dining reviews
"One resident called Monroe a decent city to live in with lots of good to great restaurants."
Local bar culture
"One local recommended Enoch's repeatedly and suggested trying the western club at least once."
Open mic nights
"One resident said Fighting Hand hosts trivia nights and open mic music."
A day in the life
Evening
Nightlife and social
One resident said Fighting Hand hosts trivia nights and open mic music.
A local says
“Fighting Hand looks like it has cool events and stuff to do, trivia nights, open mic music”
Warehouse and stock mover · 2,830 people$35,260/yr
Retail salesperson · 2,350 people$27,710/yr
Registered nurse · 2,340 people$78,270/yr
Cashier · 2,330 people$24,490/yr
Fast food and counter worker · 2,060 people$21,550/yr
Office clerk · 2,060 people$30,280/yr
General and operations manager · 1,740 people$94,240/yr
Waiter or waitress · 1,370 people$15,080/yr
Median yearly pay for the whole metro, 2025, BLS.
What residents say
One job seeker reported submitting over 100 applications in 60 days without landing a position.
In their words
“Monroe. In the past 60 days I have put in over 100 applications, I have called, scheduled interviews, called back and still have nothing to show for it.”
Of about 27,769 rented homes in the Monroe area, 99% rent for under $2,000 a month and 100% for under $3,000.
Under $1,000: 63%
$1,000 to $1,499: 31%
$1,500 to $1,999: 5%
$2,000 to $2,499: 1%
$2,500 to $2,999: 0%
$3,000 or more: 0%
Census American Community Survey 2019 to 2023 (table B25063). Gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Today's asking rents for open apartments usually run higher.
What moving costs
Hiring movers
Average cost: $1,946
From a 2025 survey of 1,000 people who hired movers. This Old House. Your quote depends on your stuff, stairs and the time of year.
Moving in as a renter
The middle rented home in the Monroe area rents for under $1,000 a month. First month plus a one-month deposit comes to about under $2,000 before you get the keys.
Estimate from Census rent data (2019 to 2023, rent plus tenant-paid utilities). Deposits and fees vary by landlord and state law.
Public schools
2 public school districts in this county, with about 27,782 students in all. Which one serves a home depends on its address.
8,646 students · 16.3 students per teacher · 19 schools · grades Pre-K to 12
NCES Common Core of Data 2022-23, National Center for Education Statistics. Varro doesn't rate or rank schools. For test results and programs, see each district's site and your state's school report card.
The facts behind it
Typical home value
$170,360
What a typical home sells for across the Monroe area.
Source: Zillow Home Value Index, August 2026
Cost of living
About 16% below the U.S. average
Everyday prices (rent, groceries, services) run about $84 here for what costs $100 nationally.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis price index 83.6 (U.S. = 100), 2024
Average commute
24 minutes one way
How long residents' trips to work take on average, counting every job and way of getting there. U.S. average: about 27 minutes.
Source: U.S. Census (American Community Survey), 2023
Data centers nearby
None within 15 miles
No mapped data center buildings near the town center.
Source: PNNL IM3 Data Center Atlas, from OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Homeowners insurance
About $5,986 a year
The statewide average for a typical policy in LA. Your own quote will depend on the home.
Source: Statewide estimate, 2026
Natural disaster risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA's overall rating for the county, covering floods, storms, wildfire, earthquakes and more.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025
Median household income
$51,241
Half of households in the county earn more than this, half earn less.
Source: U.S. Census (American Community Survey), 2023
Property tax
0.56% of home value a year
About $560 a year for every $100,000 of home value.
Source: U.S. Census (American Community Survey), 2023
State income tax
Flat 3%
LA's state income tax. Some cities and counties add their own.
Photo:Downtown Monroe RiverMarket
