Monroe County Map, Illinois

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 26, 2026 | 14:30 ET

Map of Monroe County - Monroe County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. Monroe County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Monroe County located in the map, major cities in Monroe county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Monroe County Map, Illinois

Monroe County Map, Illinois

About Monroe County Map, Illinois: The map showing the county boundary, county seat, major cities, highways, water bodies and neighbouring counties.

Most Viewed Illinois Links

Illinois MapIllinois County MapIllinois Cities Map
Illinois Zip codesAirports in IllinoisWhere is Springfield
Illinois Area CodesIllinois Blank MapIllinois River Map
Illinois Physical MapIllinois Road MapWhere is Chicago

Monroe County, Illinois

Monroe County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. It's county seat is Waterloo. As per 2020 census, the population of Monroe County is 34932 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 385 sq mi (997 km2). Monroe County was established on 1816.

Facts about Monroe County, Illinois

CountryUnited States
StateIllinois
RegionSouthwestern Illinois / Metro East
County SeatWaterloo
Named AfterJames Monroe
Established1816
Organized1816
Coordinates38.27° N, 90.20° W
Total Area~398 sq mi
Land Area~385 sq mi
Water Area~13 sq mi
Population (2020)~34,962
Population RankMid-sized county in Illinois
Largest CityWaterloo
Main IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, Construction, Healthcare
Major HighwaysIllinois Route 3, Illinois Route 156
Time ZoneCentral Time (UTC−06:00)
Known ForHistoric German settlements, bluffs, Mississippi River border
Websitehttps://www.monroecountyil.gov

Ctities in Monroe county

City NameTypePopulation (2020)Pop. DensityArea
FultsVillage28528.3/sq mi (204.0/km2)0.053 sq mi (0.14 km2)
HeckerVillage4291,695.7/sq mi (654.7/km2)0.253 sq mi (0.66 km2)
MaeystownVillage150503.4/sq mi (194.3/km2)0.298 sq mi (0.77 km2)
ValmeyerVillage1,233360.8/sq mi (139.3/km2)3.417 sq mi (8.85 km2)
WaterlooCity11,0131,354.3/sq mi (522.9/km2)8.132 sq mi (21.06 km2)
ColumbiaCity10,9991,067.6/sq mi (412.2/km2)10.303 sq mi (26.68 km2)

Roads and Highways in Monroe County, Illinois

Monroe County is well-connected by highways that provide access to the St. Louis metropolitan area and southwestern Illinois.

  • Interstate 255 – runs along the eastern edge, linking the county to St. Louis and surrounding suburbs
  • Illinois Route 3 – runs north-south, connecting Columbia to Waterloo and Chester
  • Illinois Route 156 – runs east-west, linking Waterloo to Red Bud and Sparta
  • Illinois Route 159 – runs north-south, connecting the county to Belleville and surrounding communities

Neighboring Counties of Monroe County

  • St. Clair County (north)
  • Randolph County (south)
  • Washington County (east)
  • Jefferson County, Missouri (west)
  • St. Louis County, Missouri (northwest)

Top Attractions in Monroe County, Illinois

Monroe County offers scenic landscapes, historic towns, and outdoor recreation near the Mississippi River.

  • Waterloo Historic District – Features charming shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
  • Fort de Chartres State Historic Site – A restored French colonial fort with reenactments and tours.
  • Columbia Bottom Conservation Area (nearby) – Offers trails, wildlife viewing, and river access.
  • Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve – A scenic area with hiking trails and overlooks.
  • Monroe County Courthouse – A historic landmark located in Waterloo.
  • Paul Wightman Subterranean Nature Preserve – A unique cave preserve for guided tours.
  • Monroe County Fairgrounds – Hosts local fairs and community events.

Distance from Monroe County to Nearby Cities

  • Waterloo to St. Louis – 30 mi (48 km)
  • Columbia to St. Louis – 15 mi (24 km)
  • Waterloo to Belleville – 25 mi (40 km)
  • Waterloo to Sparta – 35 mi (56 km)
  • Waterloo to Carbondale – 75 mi (121 km)

FAQs about Monroe County

Where is Monroe County located?

Monroe County is located in southwestern Illinois, near the Mississippi River and the St. Louis metropolitan area.

What is Monroe County known for?

The county is known for its historic sites, scenic landscapes, and proximity to St. Louis.

What is the county seat of Monroe County?

Waterloo is the county seat and the largest city in Monroe County.

Are there outdoor activities in Monroe County?

Yes, visitors can enjoy parks, trails, nature preserves, and outdoor recreation throughout the county.

How can I reach Monroe County?

Monroe County is accessible via Interstate 255 and several Illinois state highways including Routes 3, 156, and 159.