Monroe is located in
Ouachita Parish (of which it is the parish seat) within the
Sportsman's Paradise Region east of
Shreveport, between
Ruston and
Delhi on the banks of the Ouachita River along Interstate 20 near the
West Monroe, Bayou D'Arbonne River,
Rayville,
Richwood, Ouachita Wildlife Management Area, and the Cheniere Brake.
The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 53,612, a decrease of 1,297 since 1990.
Monroe is part of the Monroe, Louisiana metro area.