Monroe County, Indiana
Monroe County feels like the cultural heart of southern Indiana. Bloomington, the county seat, is home to Indiana University. But this county is about more than just students and professors.
Outside the city, you’ll find a mix of rolling hills, forests, and farmland. Lake Monroe, the largest lake in the state, is a major attraction for boaters and beach-goers.
You might catch the Little 500 bicycle race in the spring, which was made famous by the movie “Breaking Away.” Monroe County combines Midwest charm with a more progressive outlook.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Monroe County |
| County Seat | Bloomington |
| Etymology | Named after James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Bloomington, Ellettsville, Stinesville, Smithville-Sanders, Harrodsburg, Clear Creek, Unionville |
| Interstates and Highways | I-69, IN-37, IN-45, IN-46, IN-48, IN-446 |
| FIPS Code | 18-105 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 411 square miles (Land: 395 sq mi, Water: 16 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Morgan County (North), Brown County (Northeast), Jackson County (Southeast), Lawrence County (South), Greene County (Southwest), Owen County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| Population | 148,000 (estimated) |
| State | Indiana |
| Coordinates | 39.1610° N, 86.5252° W |
| Major Landmarks | Indiana University Bloomington, Monroe Lake, Hoosier National Forest, WonderLab Museum, Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center |
TRANSPORTATION MAP
Monroe County Road Map
Hilly terrain dominates the eastern parts of the county, while the central areas are flatter. Several lakes are scattered throughout the landscape, with Monroe Lake covering the largest area in the southeast. The varied terrain includes forests, quarries, and floodplains.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Monroe County Satellite Map
Bloomington stands out as a dense area near the center of the county. Numerous blue lakes can be seen throughout the region, especially in the eastern half. Green forests cover much of the outer areas of Monroe County.
OUTLINE MAP
Monroe County Blank Map
The county has an irregular shape with mostly straight boundaries. It does not share a border with any other state.
Indiana County Maps
Indiana County Map
Explore the Hoosier State, home to 92 counties filled with scenic backroads, impressive skyline views, and charming small towns. Think of this as your glovebox passport to Indiana, guiding you to classic diner pies, covered bridges, and stunning Lake Michigan sunsets.