login
Livability.com

Ouachita Parish
Louisiana

Monroe • West Monroe

Snapshot of Ouachita Parish


Louisiana Delta Community College partnered with Angus Chemical to train students for high-paying careers.
Students work in the library at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Moving to a new town?

Find out how much it will cost you.Enter your current salary in the cost of living calculator.

Enter Your Salary
   

Ouachita Parish Map
View community map

Community Overview
The Ouachita Parish is located along the Ouachita River in Northwest Louisiana. Monroe is the parish seat for Ouachita Parish. It's the primary distribution base for the region's farmers. According to National Geographic, the Ouachita River is one of the most beautiful rivers in the entire world. The region is known as "Sportsman's Paradise," and is the location of the first Coca Cola bottling plant.

Population

Monroe City Population: 51,208
Ouachita Parish Population: 149,502
West Monroe City Population: 12,951

Climate

July High Temperature: 94
January Low Temperature: 33

Climate Overview
On average, the warmest month is July. The highest recorded temperature was 108°F in 2000. On average, the coolest month is January. The lowest recorded temperature was 3°F in 1989. The maximum average precipitation occurs in March.

Back to Top

Schools

  • Ouachita Parish has a highly educated population, with 22.8 percent of the population (+25) having received a B.A. or higher, as reported the 2000 Decennial Census. Ouachita counted a higher percent of individuals with higher educations than the State of Louisiana's proportion of 18.8 percent and a lower percent than the average across the nation of 24.4 percent.
Educational Makeup
Schools and Higher Education Links
Monroe City Schools
  • 2101 Roselawn Ave.
    Monroe, Louisiana 71201
  • (318) 325-0601
  • The Monroe City School district is one of the 68 public school districts and one of four districts in the state that is a municipal district. The district includes classes from prekindergarten through grade 12 and has a current school enrollment of approximately 10,000. There are 20 schools in the district, 13 elementary schools, three junior high schools, three high schools and an alternative school site for students who need individual remediation. The district graduation rate exceeds the state graduation rate average.

Ouachita Parish School System
  • 100 Bry St.
    Monroe, Louisiana 71201
  • (318) 388-2711

University of Louisiana at Monroe
  • 700 University Ave.
    Monroe, Louisiana 71209
  • (318) 342-1000
  • The University of Louisiana offers 96 degree programs to its 7,650 undergrads and 850 grad students.
Student Population Stats
Search Local Schools
Back to Top

Health Care

  • The hospitals and medical facilities in Ouachita Parish and the surrounding area have grown with the medical needs of the community, which offers four primary care facilities that provide top-quality health-care services. In addition to the primary care facilities, Ouachita Parish has over 16 other medical facilities including outpatient surgery and rehabilitation hospitals to meet all of your health-care needs.
Medical Makeup
Facilities
EA Conway Medical Center
  • 4864 Jackson St.
    Monroe, Louisiana 71210
  • (318) 330-7000
  • Hospital
St. Francis Medical Center
  • 309 Jackson St.
    Monroe, Louisiana 71201
  • (318) 327-4000
  • St. Francis Medical Center is proud to be the largest hospital in Northeast Louisiana, as well as the largest private employer in Ouachita Parish.
  • Hospital
Glenwood Regional Medical Center
  • 503 McMillan Rd.
    West Monroe, Louisiana 71291
  • (318) 329-4200
  • At Glenwood, we're committed to providing high-quality medical care in a friendly hospital environment. Glenwood is a 237-bed acute-care hospital offering a broad array of health care services. Our hospital is highly regarded for quality and patient satisfaction. Through our Heart and Vascular Institute, Glenwood provides comprehensive heart care, including the areas only accredited chest pain center in our Emergency Department. We're proud to be ranked in the top 10 percent nationwide for heart surgery by HealthGrades, a leading independent provider of health quality information. Other specialty areas include our Diabetes Management and Foot Treatment Center and our Women and Children's Pavilion.
  • Hospital
Back to Top

Neighborhoods

Real Estate Information
Median Monthly Rent in West Monroe$476
Median Mortgage Payment in West Monroe$506
Median Home Price in West Monroe$144,000
Median Monthly Rent in Monroe$392
Median Mortgage Payment in Monroe$535
Median Home Price in Monroe$144,000
Median Home Price in Ouachita Parish$144,000
Home Turnover Percentage10.7
Utilities
CenturyTel
  • 100 CenturyTel Dr.
    Monroe, Louisiana 71203
  • Toll Free: (800) 201-4099
  • Cable
BellSouth
  • Toll Free: (888) 757-6500
  • Phone
Entergy
  • Toll Free: (800) 368-3749
  • Electric
Greater Ouachita Water Co.
  • 409 New Natchitoches Rd.
    West Monroe, Louisiana 71292
  • (318) 322-3741
  • Water
Atmos Energy
  • 800 Delta Dr.
    Monroe, Louisiana 71201
  • Toll Free: (800) 547-4321
  • Gas
Back to Top

Business Climate

  • The Ouachita Parish area economy has moved from one of dependency on the agriculture and wood/timber industries to one of strength and diversity. Over the last several decades, as the population and needs of the people grew, so did the industrial base. Several new primary industries including paper and pulp, plastics, telecommunications and medical services, now provide a broad base for the local economy and surrounding region.
Economic Resources
Ouachita Economic Development Corporation
  • 1900 N. 18th St., Ste. 440
    Monroe, Louisiana 71201
  • (318) 387-0787
Louisiana Economic Development
  • 1051 N. Third St.
    Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
  • (225) 342-3000
  • Toll Free: (800) 450-8115
  • The mission of Louisiana Economic Development is to provide excellence in leadership, policy and programs to create a business climate enabling public-private linkages, which result in capital investment, a diversified economic base and quality job opportunities for all Louisiana citizens.
West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce
  • 112 Professional Dr.
    West Monroe, Louisiana 71291
  • (318) 325-1961
  • The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce assists the City of West Monroe in recruiting new business and industry. The facilitation of visits to the area is a service provided by the Chamber. Meeting with company officials, site selectors, and other involved parties is crucial to the continued growth and development of West Ouachita Parish. Establishing an exemplary relationship with City officials and economic developers is an important aspect of insuring quality expansion and providing a more positive business climate conducive to business growth is our focus.
Monroe Chamber of Commerce
  • 212 Walnut St., Ste. 100
    Monroe, Louisiana 71201
  • (318) 323-3461
  • The Monroe Chamber of Commerce is a business-led, business-driven organization that is in business for business. We are a non-partisan, private, not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to economic growth. We are the premier voice for the business community through our efforts in workforce development, governmental relations, transportation and infrastructure and business and economic growth.
Transportation
West Ouachita Public Transit
  • 1800 N. Seventh St.
    West Monroe, Louisiana 71291
  • (318) 324-1280
  • The West Ouachita Public Transportation System began operation in 1983 to provide safe, courteous, clean, reliable and cost effective transportation service to the residents of western Ouachita Parish. West Ouachita Public Transit (WOPT) has successfully fulfilled this mission for over 20 years by providing transit access within the service area to medical, employment, shopping, and other non-emergency vital destinations.
Monroe Transit System
  • 700 Washington St.
    Monroe, Louisiana 71201
  • (318) 329-2207
  • Since 1906, the City of Monroe has operated the Monroe Transit System (MTS). Twelve scheduled fixed routes serve the Monroe area. MTS' fleet is 100 percent ADA accessible, and MTS also offers demand response paratransit service through its DIAL-A-VAN program for persons unable to use the fixed route service.
Industrial Sites
Ouachita Economic Development Corporation - Industrial Site Links
  • Ouachita Parish is fortunate to have much land available for development. Our four industrial parks are home to numerous businesses that benefit from on-site resources such as rail, utilities and easy highway access. Our business parks are designed to cater to businesses that desire a professional, highly visible location with other upwardly mobile companies. OEDC maintains information on available warehouses, offices, buildings and greensites available for occupancy.
West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce
  • 112 Professional Dr.
    West Monroe, Louisiana 71291
  • (318) 325-1961
  • The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce assists the City of West Monroe in recruiting new business and industry. The facilitation of visits to the area is a service provided by the Chamber. Meeting with company officials, site selectors, and other involved parties is crucial to the continued growth and development of West Ouachita Parish. Establishing an exemplary relationship with City officials and economic developers is an important aspect of insuring quality expansion and providing a more positive business climate conducive to business growth is our focus.
Media
KAQY
  • 3100 Sterlington Rd.
    Monroe, Louisiana 71203
  • (318) 325-3011
KARD
  • 200 Pavilion Rd.
    West Monroe, Louisiana 71292
  • (318) 323-1972
KNOE-TV
  • 1400 Oliver Rd.
    Monroe, Louisiana 71201
  • (318) 388-8888
The Ouachita Citizen
  • P.O. Box 758
    West Monroe, Louisiana 71294
  • (318) 322-3161
Book Your Move

Moving?

Find a moving company near you or request an estimate.

United Van Lines

Back to Top

Resources

Senior Resources
Ouachita Council on Aging
  • 2407 Ferrand St.
    Monroe, Louisiana 71201
  • (318) 387-0535
  • OCA is responsible for carrying out a wide range of functions relative to advocacy, planning, coordination, inter-agency linkage, information sharing, brokering, monitoring, and evaluation designed to lead to the development or enhancement of a comprehensive and coordinated community based system to serve seniors in all areas of Ouachita Parish. Further, this system is designed to assist older persons in leading independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and community as long as possible.
Volunteer Opportunities
United Way of Northeast Louisiana
  • 1201 Hudson Ln.
    Monroe, Louisiana 71201
  • (318) 325-3869
Habitat for Humanity
  • 1220 N. 18th St., Ste. 303
    Monroe, Louisiana 71207
  • (318) 323-8003
Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful
  • P.O. Box 3007
    Monroe, Louisiana 71210
  • (318) 327-1340
  • The Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful organization, commissioned by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, sponsors several activities to involve civic organizations, businesses, and individuals in the time-consuming operation of litter removal. Participants are given the opportunity to demonstrate community pride, make a positive statement for a clean, attractive community, and help the parish reduce costs.
Local Resources
Ouachita Parish Assessor's Office
  • P.O. Box 1127
    Monroe, Louisiana 71210
  • (318) 327-1300
  • The mission of the assessor's office is to provide fair and equitable assessments for all property in Ouachita Parish.
Monroe City Council
  • (318) 329-2252
West Monroe Department of Human Development
  • 211 Cypress St.
    West Monroe, Louisiana 71291
  • (318) 323-5700
  • This office plans and implements programs that address quality-of-place and quality-of-life issues such as nuisance ordinance enforcement, litter abatement, grassroots organizing, beautification and enhancement of neighborhood environments.
Community Resources for Parents and Children
    Back to Top

    Culture

    • The Ouachita Parish is located along the Ouachita River in Northwest Louisiana. Monroe is the parish seat for Ouachita Parish. It's the primary distribution base for the region's farmers. According to National Geographic, the Ouachita River is one of the most beautiful rivers in the entire world. The region is known as "Sportsman's Paradise," and is the location of the first Coca Cola bottling plant.
    Arts and Culture
    Twin City Ballet Company
    • 2905 DeSoto St.
      Monroe, Louisiana 71201
    • (318) 388-3011
    • The Twin City Ballet Company Mission: Since 1970, under the artistic direction of Linda Lavender Ford, the dual aims of the Twin City Ballet Company are to create an exciting dance experience in the community and offer an opportunity for training and stage experience to talented young dancers.
    Northeast Louisiana Arts Council
    • 2305 N. Seventh St.
      West Monroe, Louisiana 71291
    • (318) 396-9520
    • The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council pursues a dual mission - serving the Arts and serving the community. The Council addresses the needs of the artists and arts organizations who make and present the visual, performing, and literary arts in our community by offering training, regranting, and advocacy services.
    Monroe Symphany Orchestra
    • P.O. Box 4353
      Monroe, Louisiana 71211
    • (318) 812-6761
    • The mission of the Monroe Symphony Orchestra is to provide live, symphonic music of high artistic quality for the education and enjoyment of the people of Northeast Louisiana and the region.
    Recreation Opportunities
    CVB Attractions Link
      Golf Courses
        Excalibur Family Entertainment Center
        • 455 Cheniere Drew Rd.
          West Monroe, Louisiana
        • (318) 396-8800
        Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo
        • 1405 Bernstein Park Dr.
          Monroe, Louisiana 71202
        • (318) 329-2400
        • With 500 animal species and 500 plants, the zoo offers many visitors their only chance to experience our wildlife heritage.
        Wildlife & Fisheries Office
        • 368 CenturyTel Dr.
          Monroe, Louisiana 71203
        • (318) 343-4044
        Visit
        CVB Main Link
          CVB Calendar Link
            City of West Monroe
              City of Monroe
                Dining
                Hob Nob Steak & Seafood
                • 5076 Cypress St.
                  West Monroe, Louisiana 71291
                • (318) 396-9101
                • Hob Nob Steak & Seafood Restaurant is located in West Monroe, where we make the best seafood in the area. Hob Nob Steak & Seafood Restaurant was established in 1962; since then we have made a name for ourselves as West Monroe's landmark restaurant. We offer a variety of different delicious choices on our menu from steak to frog legs. We have banquet rooms available and also offer take-out orders. We have a sports tavern and oyster bar. Enjoy our friendly atmosphere that attracts all types of people who come in to enjoy great food and have a good time.
                Waterfront Grill
                • 5201 DeSiard St.
                  Monroe, Louisiana 71203
                • (318) 878-5941
                • The Waterfront Grill, one of Monroe's best-known restaurants, provides an upscale and casual dining atmosphere with relaxing views of the tranquil Bayou DeSiard. Numerous delectable appetizers, char-grilled burgers, sandwiches and poboys of several varieties complement the mouth-watering selection of entrees. Feast on superbly grilled Black Angus steaks, succulent chicken items, or savory seafood dishes either grilled, baked or sautéed.
                Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant
                • 1 Olive St.
                  Monroe, Louisiana 71203
                • (318) 322-1340
                • Warehouse No.1 Restaurant, situated at the foot of Olive Street, overlooks the picturesque Ouachita River, which has been described by National Geographic Magazine as one of the ten most beautiful rivers in America. Come dine on our outdoor deck, or in our large dining facilities. Enjoy our steaks, seafood, fresh redfish, Louisiana cuisine, catfish, our renowned hushpuppies and much more!
                Back to Top

                Guide to Services

                • Looking for a financial institution, Realtor, or health-care provider? Looking for other goods and services in Ouachita Parish?
                Business Services
                Architecture Associates
                TBA Architecture
                Heard McElroy & Vestal LLP
                Monroe Telco Federal Credit Union
                International Paper
                Financial
                Community Trust Bank
                Progressive Bank
                Forest Kraft FCU
                Health Care
                Family Care Services
                P&S Surgical Hospital
                St. Francis Medical Center
                Ouachita Community Hospital
                Glenwood Regional Medical Center
                Hotel
                The Atrium
                Misc.
                Monroe-West Monroe CVB
                Louisiana Delta Community
                Recreation
                Pavilion RV Park
                Utilities
                Atmos Energy
                Entergy