Moving to Monroe, Indiana
Monroe, Indiana is a small town located in the southeastern part of the state, about 25 miles from Indianapolis. It is part of the Bloomington Metropolitan Statistical Area, and has a population of about 4,500 people.
The town was founded in 1820 and much of its history revolves around the railroad industry. During the 19th century, Monroe was a major stop for freight trains traveling between Cincinnati and Indianapolis. As railroads became less important to transportation in the 20th century, Monroe’s economy transitioned towards agriculture and other industries such as manufacturing and food processing. Today, Monroe’s economy is largely based on agricultural production, with corn being one of its major crops.
The downtown area has been designated as an official historic district by the National Register of Historic Places. The town boasts several notable buildings such as The Old Bank Building which dates back to 1859 and is now used as an art gallery; The Old Post Office which was built in 1912; The Monroe House which was built in 1886; and The First Presbyterian Church which was built in 1848. There are several other historical sites located around town including a Civil War Memorial located at the courthouse square.
Monroe also has plenty to offer visitors looking for recreation or entertainment options. There are several parks located around town that provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking or fishing along with playgrounds and picnic areas for families to enjoy. Additionally, there are many community events held throughout the year including an annual Festival of Lights each December that features holiday decorations all over town accompanied by music performances from local bands or choirs.
Monroe is also known for its lively music scene with many local bars featuring live performances throughout the week from both established artists and up-and-coming talent from across Indiana or even nationally touring acts passing through on their tours.
Overall, Monroe offers an ideal combination of small-town charm with lots of history combined with modern amenities like shops, restaurants and entertainment venues that make it great place to visit or call home.
Population: 734. Estimated population in July 2024: 778 (+6.0% change)
Males: 361 (49.2%), Females: 373 (50.8%)
Zip code: 46772
Demographics
Median resident age: 35.2 years
Median household income: $42,946
Median house value: $83,000
Population by Race
Races in Monroe:
- White Non-Hispanic (96.2%)
- Hispanic (3.1%)
- Two or more races (1.6%)
Ancestries: German (35.3%), United States (12.5%), Swiss (12.4%), English (5.7%), French (3.5%), Irish (3.1%).
Land area: 0.5 square miles
Population by Education
For population 25 years and over in Monroe
- High school or higher: 88.6%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.0%
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.5%
- Unemployed: 2.9%
- Mean travel time to work: 20.1 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Monroe town
- Never married: 18.2%
- Now married: 66.9%
- Separated: 0.0%
- Widowed: 5.8%
- Divorced: 9.1%
0.0% Foreign born
Population change in the 1990s: -54 (-6.9%).
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Monroe:
- ADAMS COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 6 miles; DECATUR, IN)
- BLUFFTON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 16 miles; BLUFFTON, IN)
- JAY COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 23 miles; PORTLAND, IN)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Monroe:
- FORT WAYNE INTERNATIONAL (about 23 miles; FORT WAYNE, IN; Abbreviation: FWA)
- DELAWARE COUNTY – JOHNSON FIELD (about 47 miles; MUNCIE, IN; Abbreviation: MIE)
- ANDERSON MUNICIPAL-DARLINGTON FIELD (about 64 miles; ANDERSON, IN; Abbreviation: AID)
Other public-use airports nearest to Monroe:
- DECATUR HI-WAY (about 9 miles; DECATUR, IN; Abbreviation: DCR)
- MILLER (about 21 miles; BLUFFTON, IN; Abbreviation: C40)
- PORTLAND MUNI (about 21 miles; PORTLAND, IN; Abbreviation: PLD)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Monroe:
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY-PURDUE UNIVERSITY-FORT WAYNE (about 28 miles; FT WAYNE, IN; Full-time enrollment: 7,385)
- BALL STATE UNIVERSITY (about 50 miles; MUNCIE, IN; Full-time enrollment: 17,039)
- IVY TECH STATE COLLEGE-EAST CENTRAL (about 51 miles; MUNCIE, IN; Full-time enrollment: 2,013)
- INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY (about 52 miles; MARION, IN; Full-time enrollment: 6,684)
- ANDERSON UNIVERSITY (about 65 miles; ANDERSON, IN; Full-time enrollment: 2,116)
- OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY (about 78 miles; ADA, OH; Full-time enrollment: 3,161)
- WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS (about 83 miles; DAYTON, OH; Full-time enrollment: 11,734)
Schools
Public high school in Monroe:
- ADAMS CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 363; Location: 222 W WASHINGTON ST; Grades: 09 – 12)
Public primary/middle schools in Monroe:
- ADAMS CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCH (Students: 507; Location: 222 W WASHINGTON ST; Grades: KG – 05)
- ADAMS CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 280; Location: 222 W WASHINGTON ST; Grades: 06 – 08)
Private primary/middle schools in Monroe:
- SWISS VALLEY (Students: 72; Location: 100 S 000 RD; Grades: 1 – 8)
- COUNTRYSIDE SCHOOL (Students: 58; Location: 2582 E 100 S 1342 – 250E; Grades: 1 – 8)
- SHADY LANE SCHOOL (Students: 54; Location: 2995 S 500 E; Grades: 1 – 8)
- WINCHESTER AMISH SCH C/O GIROD (Students: 46; Location: W STATE RD 100S; Grades: 1 – 8)
- OAK GROVE AMISH SCHOOL (Students: 40; Location: 2797 E-300 S; Grades: 1 – 8)
- PLEASANT VALLEY (Students: 30; Location: 1200 S 100 E; Grades: 1 – 8)