Monroe, Washington

The confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers had originally belonged to the indigenous Skykomish tribe, who predominantly occupied the area between modern-day Monroe and Index.{{cite book|last1=Hollenbeck |first1=Jan L. |last2=Moss |first2=Madonna |year=1987 |title=A Cultural Resource Overview: Prehistory, Ethnography and History: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest |publisher=United States Forest Service |pages=161–163 |oclc=892024380 |url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/005998596 |via=HathiTrust |access-date=March 6, 2019}} The confluence itself was known as Tualco (Lushootseed: {{lang|lut|squa'lxo}}), and a nearby Skykomish village named {{lang|lut|S'dodohobc}} acted as a trade post between several Coast Salish groups.{{cite news |last=Robertson |first=Nellie E. |date=November 23, 2007 |title=Monroe — Thumbnail History |url=https://historylink.org/File/8325 |work=HistoryLink |access-date=March 6, 2019}} A separate settlement near modern-day Monroe was used by the S'dodohobc band of the Snohomish people.{{cite book |last1=Cameron |first1=David A. |last2=LeWarne |first2=Charles P. |last3=May |first3=M. Allan |last4=O'Donnell |first4=Jack C. |last5=O'Donnell |first5=Lawrence E. |year=2005 |title=Snohomish County: An Illustrated History |page=23 |publisher=Kelcema Books LLC |location=Index, Washington |isbn=978-0-9766700-0-1 |oclc=62728798}} The land around the confluence was cleared into a prairie and used to cultivate berries, hazelnuts, and other plants.{{cite book |last1=Taylor |first1=Dexter |author2=Monroe Historical Society |year=2013 |title=Early Monroe |pages=7–8 |series=Images of America |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |location=Charleston, South Carolina |isbn=978-0-7385-9972-4 |oclc=826896466 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kEqvE7OQmZEC |via=Google Books |access-date=March 6, 2019}} The Skykomish were among the tribes to sign the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855, effectively ceding their traditional territories, including the Tualco and confluence areas.

The area around modern-day Monroe was surveyed by George B. McClellan and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during their expedition to find a suitable pass for a railroad across the Cascade Mountains. The Treaty of Point Elliott was not fully ratified until 1859, but the first American settlers had already arrived and claimed squatters rights to homestead in the Skykomish Valley. Robert Smallman, an English immigrant, arrived in 1855 and was the first to homestead on the land around modern-day Monroe. He was followed by Henry McClurg, an appointed county commissioner, who settled in the area with his wife Martha in 1860. McClurg later founded the settlement of Park Place in 1864, on a site {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} west of modern-day downtown Monroe.{{cite book |last=Wojciechowski |first=Bill |year=2015 |title=Early Park Place (1860–1935) |pages=3–10 |publisher=Monroe Historical Society |oclc=947693655}} Two other settlers arrived in 1860: Salem Woods, who claimed a small prairie to the northeast of Tualco and was later elected county sheriff; and Charles Harriman, a territorial legislator who settled in Park Place.{{cite book |last=Robertson |first=Nellie E. |year=2004 |title=Monroe: The First Fifty Years, 1860–1910 |page=5 |edition=3rd |publisher=Monroe Historical Society |oclc=70236243}}

Park Place and Tualco, located on opposite sides of the Skykomish River, grew with the arrival of more settlers in the 1860s and 1870s. A local school district, the second in the county, was established in 1869 by McClurg, and Park Place gained a post office in 1877 with Woods as postmaster.{{cite web |date=December 27, 2017 |title=Historic Timeline |url=https://www.monroehistoricalsociety.org/stories/historic-timeline/ |publisher=Monroe Historical Society |access-date=March 6, 2019}} A ferry crossing the Skykomish River was established in 1882, several years prior to the start of regular steamship service on the river as far east as Sultan. The first roads in the area were surveyed in 1882, including an {{convert|11|mi|km|adj=mid}} wagon road connecting Park Place to Snohomish in the west.{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|pages=10–15}} During the 1880s, settlers in Park Place and Tualco received their first shipment of dairy cattle and also began planting hops, which would briefly become a cash crop until the arrival of the hop aphid and economic panic of the 1890s ruined the harvest.{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|pages=10–15}}

File:Construction of the Wagner & Wilson Inc mill in Monroe, circa 1900 (INDOCC 1506).jpg

The original Park Place post office and general store were abandoned and replaced by a new building that opened in 1890. John Vanasdlen, operator of new store, petitioned for the reopening of the post office but was rejected by the U.S. Post Office Department, which only allowed a single-word name for new offices. "Monroe" was chosen by Vanasdlen, with the input of McClurg, to honor of U.S. President James Monroe.{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|pages=19–21}} The new post office for Monroe was granted by the U.S. Post Office Department on March 19, 1890.{{sfnp|Wojciechowski|2015|p=10}}

The Great Northern Railway chose a route over Stevens Pass in the late 1880s for its transcontinental railroad connecting Seattle to St. Paul, Minnesota, bringing new development to the Skykomish Valley. Monroe at Park Place was platted in 1890 and gained several new businesses, including a blacksmith, grocery store, a second hotel, and a butcher.{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|pages=19–21}} The final survey for Great Northern in 1891 placed the railroad tracks {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} northeast of Park Place, bypassing the settlement in favor of a straighter alignment to cross the Snohomish River south of downtown Snohomish.{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|pages=19–21}}

The railroad built a small depot named "Wales" on the {{convert|40|acre|ha|adj=mid}} homestead of Jack Stretch, who platted a settlement on the north side of the tracks that he named "Tye City" for Great Northern's locating engineer George Tye.{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|pages=19–21}} Great Northern completed their railroad through the Skykomish Valley in January 1893, following additional work near Snohomish to rebuild a bridge that had been destroyed in a flood.{{cite news |date=January 7, 1893 |title=Last Nail Driven – The Great Northern Railroad Is Completed |page=1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36753692/last_nail_driven_gn/ |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=October 4, 2019}} In late 1892 and early 1893, several merchants in Park Place moved their buildings to the south side of Tye City using teams of oxen, horses, and a steam thresher.{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|pages=23–24}} After the relocation of Vanasdlen's general store and post office, the settlement became known as Monroe.

The completion of the railroad attracted lumber operations to the Monroe area, boosted by the opening of the first shingle mill in 1894 and the first sawmill on Woods Creek in 1897. A bridge across the Skykomish River was opened in 1894 to replace the ferry and the town's first church was established two years later. The county government chose a {{convert|40|acre|ha|adj=mid}} site north of Monroe for a 20-bed poor farm at the modern-day site of the Evergreen State Fairgrounds; it later became the Valley General Hospital.{{sfnp|Wojciechowski|2015|p=22}} A cooperative of Monroe-area farmers built the city's first creamery in 1895, which was destroyed in a fire four years later and later rebuilt. By the end of the decade, Monroe had also gained a new school building, telephone service, a local newspaper, a full-time doctor, and paved sidewalks.{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|pages=29–33}}

File:Carnation Condensery Stack - Monroe, WA.jpg plant that closed in 1928 and burned in a fire in 1944]]

On the morning of September 16, 1901, a fire started at the Odd Fellows community hall and spread to nearby buildings, destroying the only complete block of businesses in Monroe.{{cite news |date=September 19, 1901 |title=The Old, Old Story: The Fire Fiend Comes and Finds Easy Work–The Principal Block of Business Houses Destroyed–The Insurance Light |page=1 |work=The Monroe Monitor |url=http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS09191901p01.php |via=Monroe Historical Society |access-date=October 6, 2019 |archive-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007054550/http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS09191901p01.php |url-status=dead }} The fire caused an estimated $8,100 in damage ({{Inflation|US-GDP|8100|1901|fmt=eq|r=-3}} dollars),{{inflation-fn|US-GDP}} but the businesses and buildings were rebuilt and within two years a permanent fire department was established.{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|pages=42–44}} Monroe was incorporated as a fourth-class town on December 20, 1902, following an 88–37 vote in favor.{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|page=49}}{{cite news |date=December 25, 1902 |title=Incorporated: Monroe Gives Large Majority for Home Government—Entire Citizens Ticket Elected |page=1 |work=The Monroe Monitor |url=http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS12251902p01.php |via=Monroe Historical Society |access-date=October 6, 2019 |archive-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007055747/http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS12251902p01.php |url-status=dead }} At the time of incorporation, the area around Monroe had over 900 residents, five general stores, eight saloons, six restaurants, four sawmills, and five shingle mills.{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|pages=51, 63}} A new town hall building was completed in November 1908, costing $7,000 ({{Inflation|US-GDP|7000|1908|fmt=eq|r=-3}} dollars){{inflation-fn|US-GDP}} and paid for using a saloon license tax; the building now serves as the home of a local history museum.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Debra |date=November 30, 2008 |title=Monroe's old City Hall turns 100 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/monroes-old-city-hall-turns-100/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 6, 2019}}

The new town government granted a municipal water franchise to a private company in 1903, sparking a conflict with local water companies. A competing water company unsuccessfully sued the town for franchise rights, but later acquired the original franchised company to operate Monroe's water. The town government proposed to acquire the system through a buyout, but their offers were rejected. A separate gravity water system was constructed by the town in 1923 that bankrupted the private system.{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|pages=55–59}} The town government also granted franchises to private companies for electricity and a hospital in 1903.{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|page=67}} Monroe gained a new road to Snohomish in 1904, which was followed a year later by a new bridge over the Skykomish River on Lewis Street (now State Route 203).{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|pages=71, 77}}

The state government chose Monroe as the site of the state's second reformatory in 1907, ahead of competing bids from Arlington and Sultan.{{cite news |date=May 10, 1907 |title=Monroe Gets Reformatory |page=1 |work=The Monroe Monitor |url=http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS05101907p01.php |via=Monroe Historical Society |access-date=October 6, 2019 |archive-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007064148/http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS05101907p01.php |url-status=dead }} The first inmate at the facility's temporary buildings in August 1908; construction of a permanent building, now part of the Monroe Correctional Complex, began in May 1910 and was completed later that year at a cost of $1.5 million (equivalent to ${{Inflation|US-GDP|1.5|1910}} million in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars).{{inflation-fn|US-GDP}}{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|pages=99–100}} The Pacific Coast Condensed Milk Company opened a milk condensery in Monroe on August 29, 1908, serving 2,000 visitors on "Condenser Day".{{cite news |date=September 4, 1908 |title=Condenser Day is a Splendid Affair |page=1 |work=The Monroe Monitor |url=http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS09041908p01.php |via=Monroe Historical Society |access-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-date=October 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008043331/http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS09041908p01.php |url-status=dead }} The plant was the largest producer of Carnation brand condensed milk and brought the city's population to 2,500 within two years of opening.{{cite news |last=Schuster |first=Chad |date=October 23, 2005 |title=Milk fueled growth spurt in Cascade foothills city |page=G5 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/realestate/2002582973_neighborhood23.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 7, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Muhlstein |first=Julie |date=March 22, 2019 |title=A mansion and a 'poor farm' are among Monroe's missing places |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/a-mansion-and-a-poor-farm-are-among-monroes-missing-places/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 29, 2019}} Within a year, the plant was producing {{convert|250,000|lbs|kg}} of condensed milk per day;{{cite news |last=Tallman |first=S. E. |date=April 23, 1909 |title=Monroe in a Nutshell |page=1 |work=Monroe Monitor-Transcript |url=http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS04231909p01.php |via=Monroe Historical Society |access-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-date=October 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008043332/http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS04231909p01.php |url-status=dead }} the Carnation condensery was later closed in 1928 and destroyed in a fire on March 23, 1944.

By the early 1910s, Monroe and the Cherry Valley were home to seven school districts serving rural communities in the surrounding area. A union high school was proposed to serve the students graduating from the seven districts and was opened on September 1, 1911.{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|pages=117–118}} A new train depot was constructed by the Great Northern Railway in 1909 to serve the mainline as well as a branch line traversing the Snoqualmie Valley that was opened two years later by the Milwaukee Road.{{cite news |date=April 23, 1909 |title=Valley Trolley Now Assured |page=1 |work=Monroe Monitor-Transcript |url=http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS04231909p01.php |via=Monroe Historical Society |access-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-date=October 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008043332/http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS04231909p01.php |url-status=dead }}{{sfnp|Robertson|2004|page=121}} The local timber industry declined and was replaced by a larger reliance on agriculture, namely dairy, vegetable, and berry farms on the logged-off lands around Monroe.{{sfnp|Taylor|Monroe Historical Society|2013|pages=40–41}}{{cite news |last=Darwin |first=L. H. |date=May 24, 1912 |title=City of Monroe in Very Fertile Region |page=19 |work=The Seattle Times}} One of the largest farms in the area was a {{convert|2,000|acre|ha|adj=mid}} lettuce farm and meat-packing plant owned by Charles Frye, later the benefactor of the Frye Art Museum in Seattle.{{cite web |last=Tate |first=Cassandra |date=March 3, 2002 |title=Frye Art Museum (Seattle) |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/3711 |work=HistoryLink |access-date=October 7, 2019}}

During the 1920s, several of the larger industrial employers in Monroe expanded their operations and attracted new businesses to the area, including an early radio station.{{cite book |last=Robertson |first=Nellie E. |year=2002 |title=Monroe: The Next Thirty Years, 1911–1940 |pages=76, 80 |edition=1st |publisher=Monroe Historical Society |oclc=50470732}} The county government opened a new 100-bed hospital on the poor farm complex in 1925 at a cost of $92,000 (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|92000|1925|r=-3}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{inflation-fn|US-GDP}} to provide services to local residents.{{sfnp|Robertson|2002|page=86}} By the end of the decade, the town had gained new churches, a new masonic hall, a larger condensery plant, and a movie theater. A greenhouse operated by the Great Northern Railway was established in 1926 to supply passengers and decorate trains with fresh flowers. The complex later expanded to include ten greenhouses, but were demolished in 1962.{{sfnp|Robertson|2002|page=98}}

At the onset of the Great Depression in 1929, several lettuce farms in the Monroe area had folded and been acquired by the Frye Company, which provided employment through the decade for 1,000 residents. The farm was foreclosed in the late 1930s by a subsidiary of Great Northern after lettuce prices had declined.{{sfnp|Robertson|2002|page=103}} Service organizations in the town ran charity assistance programs for unemployed residents and their families, raising money from large employers to fund food and clothing donations.{{sfnp|Robertson|2002|page=112}} The Works Progress Administration (WPA) began civic improvement projects around Monroe in 1933, including repairs to damage caused by a major flood in February 1932.{{sfnp|Robertson|2002|pages=116–118}} The WPA also funded road improvements and a new middle school with a small auditorium that is now home to the Wagner Performing Arts Center.{{sfnp|Robertson|2002|pages=137–138}}

The local granges of the Monroe area began organizing agricultural fairs and parades in the 1930s on a semi-regular basis.{{sfnp|Robertson|2002|pages=137–138}} The county also had its own regular fair that was hosted in Snohomish and Granite Falls until the 1920s.{{cite news |last1=Arnold |first1=Justin |last2=Nohara |first2=Yoshiaki |date=July 27, 2008 |title=100? Evergreen State Fair's age doesn't add up, some buffs say |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/100-evergreen-state-fairs-age-doesnt-add-up-some-buffs-say/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 13, 2019}} The granges hosted the first Cavalcade of the Valleys in 1941, which was followed by the Snohomish County Fair at the poor farm grounds in 1946. The event was renamed the Evergreen State Fair in 1949 and has been hosted annually in Monroe ever since.{{cite web |last=Wojciechowski |first=Bill |date=November 18, 2013 |title=The Fair |url=http://www.monroehistoricalsociety.org/stories/the-fair/ |publisher=Monroe Historical Society |access-date=October 7, 2019}} The fairgrounds were bisected by U.S. Route 2, the successor to an earlier highway across Stevens Pass, which opened in 1949.{{cite news |date=August 28, 1949 |title=Four-Year-Old Fair 'Grows Up' This Year |page=14 |work=The Seattle Times}}

Following the Great Depression and World War II, Monroe's economy became more reliant on agriculture and smaller industries.{{cite news |date=January 30, 1949 |title=Monroe Practices Economy in Administration |pages=2, 6 |work=The Seattle Times}} A frozen food processing facility was located in Monroe until 1958 and was later replaced with a seafood processor. By 1949, the local government had twice rejected proposals to become a third-class city because of the increased operating costs needed; it also lacked a full-time fire department. The Valley General Hospital was established in 1961 to replace the county-run general hospital on the poor farm complex. A major earthquake struck the Puget Sound region on April 29, 1965, causing severe damage to the original Monroe High School and its annex.{{cite news |date=May 6, 1965 |title=Quake Hurts High School, Aid Monies Being Sought |page=1 |work=The Monroe Monitor |url=http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS05061965P01.php |via=Monroe Historical Society |access-date=October 13, 2019 |archive-date=October 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014052326/http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS05061965P01.php |url-status=dead }} The high school campus was demolished and replaced by a new building that opened in October 1968 and served the city until the modern campus was built in 1999. Great Northern was consolidated into the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1970, and the Monroe train depot was demolished in October of that year.{{sfnp|Taylor|Monroe Historical Society|2013|page=93}}

State Route 522, a new state highway connecting Monroe to Bothell, was opened to traffic on February 10, 1965.{{cite news |last=Sterling |first=E. M. |date=February 11, 1965 |title=Monroe Objects to Traffic From New Bothell Road |page=19 |work=The Seattle Times}} The easier car access made Monroe into a bedroom community for Everett, Seattle, and the Eastside region, with new suburban subdivisions being built around the city and annexed by the end of the decade.{{cite news |last=Moody |first=Dick |date=June 5, 1966 |title=Monroe, a Residential City, Hopes to Remain That Way |page=34 |work=The Seattle Times}} A new state prison, the Twin Rivers Corrections Center, was opened in 1984 and brought new jobs to the area despite opposition from residents.{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=March 21, 1984 |title=The prison comes to Monroe |page=G1 |work=The Seattle Times}}

The former Frye lettuce farm in western Monroe was sold in the late 1980s to an Eastside-based real estate developer, which proposed the "Fryelands" residential and industrial neighborhood.{{cite news |last=Epes |first=James |date=February 23, 1997 |title=Monroe's doctrine embraces growth |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/1997/02/24/focus2.html |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |access-date=March 6, 2019}} The Fryelands industrial park, once proposed for a Boeing 777 parts facility,{{cite news |last1=Lane |first1=Polly |last2=Gwinn |first2=Mary Ann |date=December 4, 1990 |title=Monroe targeted for Boeing plant |page=C1 |work=The Seattle Times}} was developed adjacent to another industrial park that was opened a decade earlier. The residential component of the development sold out in 1993 and began construction that year alongside other subdivisions in western Monroe.{{cite news |last=Alexander |first=Karen |date=February 8, 1993 |title=Homes at Monroe site sell fast |page=C2 |work=The Seattle Times}}{{cite news |last=Clutter |first=Stephen |date=February 14, 1997 |title=Some folks shudder as Monroe booms |page=A1 |work=The Seattle Times}} As part of mitigation for the Fryelands project, an artificial lake named Lake Tye was created to provide wetlands and a park for residents.{{cite web |date=September 26, 2017 |title=Lake Tye Park Community Process Presentation |page=3 |url=https://www.monroewa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4937/Preliminary-Concepts-Presentation-to-City-Council-Park-Board-September-26 |publisher=Monroe City Council |access-date=October 28, 2019}} Between 1990 and 2000, the population of the city doubled to over 13,000.{{cite news |last=Iwasaki |first=John |date=June 6, 1998 |title=This fair ground holds a city in transition |page=D1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}

The increased residential development in Monroe caused worsened congestion on State Route 522, which was named one of the most dangerous highways in the United States.{{cite news |last=Johnston |first=Steve |date=October 26, 1995 |title=Highway 522: It's nothing to brag about |page=B3 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19951026/2148955/highway-522-its-nothing-to-brag-about |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 28, 2019}} The state government began a widening and safety improvement program in 1995 that has continued since then, gradually building four-lane sections for the highway and upgrading the remaining two-lane sections.{{cite news |last=Nohara |first=Yoshiaki |date=May 20, 2007 |title=Help for 'Highway of Death' |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/news/help-for-highway-of-death/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 28, 2019}} During the 1990s and 2000s, several large strip malls and big-box stores were built along U.S. Route 2 north of downtown. The North Kelsey development in the early 2010s brought a controversial Walmart to Monroe, which was challenged by neighborhood activists for violating the city's plans for a pedestrian-friendly retail neighborhood.{{cite news |date=February 9, 2012 |title=Monroe shifts gears, vision for development of the N. Kelsey property |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/monroe-shifts-gears-vision-for-development-of-the-n-kelsey-property/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 7, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Dominguez |first=Alejandro |date=January 4, 2012 |title=Judge clears away challenges to Walmart store in Monroe |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/judge-clears-away-challenges-to-walmart-store-in-monroe/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 7, 2019}} Since 2000, the Downtown Revitalization and Enhancement Association of Monroe (DREAM) has sponsored revitalization projects in downtown Monroe to preserve the city's main street.{{cite news |last=Rolph |first=Amy |date=January 7, 2010 |title=Development help for downtowns may end |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100107/NEWS01/701079951 |work=The Everett Herald |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110075415/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100107/NEWS01/701079951 |archive-date=January 10, 2010 |access-date=October 18, 2019}} More recent development in Monroe has been concentrated in the northern hills, which were annexed into the city in the 2000s.

File:Monroe, Washington aerial view, looking east (2708128762).jpg

Monroe is located in south-central Snohomish County near the confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers, which form the Snohomish River.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=9.2}} The area is in the western foothills of the Cascade Range and is bisected by U.S. Route 2, a major cross-state highway.{{cite report |year=2005 |title=Snohomish County, Washington Flood Insurance Study |page=15 |url=https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7138 |publisher=Snohomish County |access-date=October 14, 2019}} According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|6.11|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which, {{convert|6.05|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.06|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.{{cite web |title=2018 U.S. Gazetteer Files |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2018_Gazetteer/2018_gaz_place_53.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=February 16, 2020}} The city limits are generally defined by Lake Tye and Fryelands Boulevard to the west, the Skykomish River to the south, Woods Creek to the east, and to the north by Milwaukee Hill and other foothills.{{cite map |date=March 2013 |title=Snohomish County General Reference Map Quadrangle 4 |url=http://www.snoco.org/docs/scd/PDF/PDS_GenRef/GenRef__4.pdf |publisher=Snohomish County |access-date=October 8, 2019}} Monroe also has an urban growth area that includes {{convert|251|acre}} of unincorporated areas on the north side of the city limits. The city had annexed {{convert|1,367|acre}} of the urban growth area between 1993 and 2011.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan|2015|pages=3.2–3.4}}

The city lies at the eastern end of the Snohomish River floodplain, with elevations that range from {{convert|40 to 210|ft|m}}.{{cite news |last=Nile |first=Amy |date=March 2, 2014 |title=Monroe proposes 7-mile link with Centennial Trail |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/monroe-proposes-7-mile-link-with-centennial-trail/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 14, 2019}} The south and east edges of the city along the Skykomish River are within a 100-year flood hazard zone and also include habitats for migratory birds and game animals.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=9.4}} The residential neighborhoods of Monroe lie within the watersheds of French Creek and Woods Creek, which both drain into the Skykomish River before its confluence with the Snoqualmie and Snohomish rivers.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=9.2}} The surrounding area includes hills and plateaus that were formed from glacial till and gravel deposits from the Skykomish River.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan|2015|pages=9.2, 9.7}} Monroe also sits on a local fault line that produced a pair of minor earthquakes on July 12, 2019, that were felt as far as Seattle and Vancouver without causing damage.{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Chuck |last2=Sanders |first2=Julia-Grace |date=July 12, 2019 |title=Early wake-up call: Twin quakes under Monroe rattle region |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/early-wake-up-call-twin-quakes-in-monroe-rattle-region/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=July 12, 2019}}

Monroe has a general climate similar to most of the Puget Sound lowlands, with dry summers and mild, rainy winters moderated by a marine influence from the Pacific Ocean.{{cite web |title=Climate of Washington |url=http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/narratives/washington/ |publisher=Western Regional Climate Center |access-date=October 14, 2019 |archive-date=April 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423022715/http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/narratives/washington/ |url-status=dead }} The majority of the region's precipitation arrives during the winter and early spring, and Monroe averages 177 days of precipitation per year. Monroe's location in the foothills of the Cascade Range brings additional precipitation compared to nearby communities, with {{convert|48|in}} annually compared to {{convert|33|in}} in Everett.{{cite web |date=June 8, 2016 |title=Monroe, Washington (455525) Period of Record General Climate Summary |url=https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?wa5525 |publisher=Western Regional Climate Center |access-date=October 2, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Judd |first=Ron |date=February 1, 2013 |title=Washington weather is wacky, diverse |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/pacificnw/2020198934_pacificpdrear03.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418170301/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/pacificnw/2020198934_pacificpdrear03.html |archive-date=April 18, 2017 |url-status=dead }} Monroe rarely receives significant snowfall, with an average of {{convert|8|in|cm|0}} per year since 1929.

July is Monroe's warmest month, with average high temperatures of {{convert|76.4|F|C|lk=on}}, while January is the coolest, at an average high of {{convert|44.9|F|C}}. The highest recorded temperature, {{convert|102|F|C}}, occurred on July 29, 2009, and the lowest, {{convert|-3|F|C}}, occurred on January 18, 1950. The highest recorded snowfall, {{convert|60.4|in|cm}}, also occurred in January 1950. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Monroe has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Csb).{{cite journal |last1=Peel |first1=M. C. |last2=Finlayson |first2=B. L. |last3=McMahon |first3=T. A. |year=2007 |title=Updated world map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification |journal=Hydrology and Earth System Sciences |doi=10.5194/hess-11-1633-2007 |issn=1027-5606 |volume=11 |issue=5 |pages=1633–1644 |publisher=European Geosciences Union |bibcode=2007HESS...11.1633P |url=http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.html |access-date=October 14, 2019|doi-access=free }}

On March 30, 2017, an EF0 tornado struck Monroe and damaged several recreational vehicles at a dealership, but did not injure any people. Tornadoes are a rare occurrence in Western Washington, but the Puget Sound Convergence Zone is able to provide the necessary conditions to create one.{{cite news |last1=Bray |first1=Kari |last2=Tompkins |first2=Caitlin |date=March 30, 2017 |title=Weak tornado hits Monroe; no injuries, scattered damage |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/tornado-weather-service-investigates-freak-wind-in-monroe/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=April 26, 2020}}

{{Weather box

| location = Monroe, WA (1991-2020 normals; extremes 1929-present)

| single line = yes

| Jan record high F = 72

| Feb record high F = 75

| Mar record high F = 79

| Apr record high F = 88

| May record high F = 94

| Jun record high F = 100

| Jul record high F = 102

| Aug record high F = 101

| Sep record high F = 97

| Oct record high F = 88

| Nov record high F = 77

| Dec record high F = 66

| year record high F = 102

| Jan high F = 45.5

| Feb high F = 49.1

| Mar high F = 53.6

| Apr high F = 58.8

| May high F = 65.5

| Jun high F = 69.3

| Jul high F = 75.7

| Aug high F = 76.2

| Sep high F = 70.1

| Oct high F = 59.2

| Nov high F = 49.7

| Dec high F = 44.0

| year high F = 58.3

| Jan mean F = 39.5

| Feb mean F = 41.3

| Mar mean F = 45.0

| Apr mean F = 49.5

| May mean F = 55.5

| Jun mean F = 59.7

| Jul mean F = 64.6

| Aug mean F = 64.7

| Sep mean F = 59.7

| Oct mean F = 51.0

| Nov mean F = 43.1

| Dec mean F = 38.4

| year mean F =

| Jan low F = 33.5

| Feb low F = 33.6

| Mar low F = 36.5

| Apr low F = 40.1

| May low F = 45.6

| Jun low F = 50.1

| Jul low F = 53.5

| Aug low F = 53.1

| Sep low F = 49.1

| Oct low F = 42.9

| Nov low F = 36.6

| Dec low F = 32.9

| year low F =

| Jan record low F = -3

| Feb record low F = -2

| Mar record low F = 12

| Apr record low F = 23

| May record low F = 29

| Jun record low F = 34

| Jul record low F = 33

| Aug record low F = 35

| Sep record low F = 30

| Oct record low F = 21

| Nov record low F = 1

| Dec record low F = 1

| year record low F = -3

| precipitation colour = green

| Jan precipitation inch = 6.15

| Feb precipitation inch = 4.49

| Mar precipitation inch = 5.22

| Apr precipitation inch = 4.38

| May precipitation inch = 3.28

| Jun precipitation inch = 2.53

| Jul precipitation inch = 1.15

| Aug precipitation inch = 1.23

| Sep precipitation inch = 2.76

| Oct precipitation inch = 5.03

| Nov precipitation inch = 7.39

| Dec precipitation inch = 6.88

| year precipitation inch =

| Jan snow inch = 0.9

| Feb snow inch = 1.8

| Mar snow inch = 0.2

| Apr snow inch = 0.0

| May snow inch = 0.0

| Jun snow inch = 0.0

| Jul snow inch = 0.0

| Aug snow inch = 0.0

| Sep snow inch = 0.0

| Oct snow inch = 0.0

| Nov snow inch = 0.3

| Dec snow inch = 1.4

| year snow inch =

| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in

| Jan precipitation days = 20.4

| Feb precipitation days = 17.3

| Mar precipitation days = 20.4

| Apr precipitation days = 17.3

| May precipitation days = 14.2

| Jun precipitation days = 12.4

| Jul precipitation days = 6.4

| Aug precipitation days = 6.1

| Sep precipitation days = 11.3

| Oct precipitation days = 17.8

| Nov precipitation days = 21.6

| Dec precipitation days = 21.9

| year precipitation days = 187.1

| unit snow days = 0.1 in

| Jan snow days = 0.4

| Feb snow days = 0.6

| Mar snow days = 0.2

| Apr snow days = 0.0

| May snow days = 0.0

| Jun snow days = 0.0

| Jul snow days = 0.0

| Aug snow days = 0.0

| Sep snow days = 0.0

| Oct snow days = 0.0

| Nov snow days = 0.2

| Dec snow days = 0.6

| year snow days =

| source = NOAA{{cite web

| url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=sew

| title = NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data

| publisher = NOAA

| accessdate = October 18, 2024

}}

}}

File:Aerial view of Monroe, WA, October 2018 - 01.jpg, Evergreen State Fairgrounds, and Fryelands industrial area.]]

Monroe has an estimated workforce population of 7,644 residents and an unemployment rate of 7.2 percent {{as of|2015|lc=y}}.{{cite web |date=September 15, 2016 |title=Selected Economic Characteristics: Monroe, Washington |url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_5YR/DP03/1600000US5346685 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213105401/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_5YR/DP03/1600000US5346685 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |work=American Community Survey |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=October 2, 2019}} Only 15 percent of employed residents work within city limits, while the rest commute to other cities for work. The most common locations for jobs employing Monroe residents are in Seattle (15%), Everett (9%), Redmond (9%), Bellevue (8%), and Kirkland (4%).{{cite web |author=Leland Consulting Group |date=September 2015 |title=City of Monroe Economic Development Strategy |pages=10–13 |url=https://www.monroewa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4092/Economic-Development-Strategy |publisher=City of Monroe |access-date=October 2, 2019}} The average one-way commute for the city's workers was approximately 30.8 minutes in 2015; 75 percent of commuters drove alone to their workplace, while 14 percent carpooled and 3 percent used public transit. The most common occupations for Monroe residents are in the education and health care sector (19%), followed by manufacturing (15%), retail (13%), and professional fields (12%).

The city of Monroe has 9,466 jobs, primarily employing residents from within the city and in smaller communities to the east.{{cite web |date=July 10, 2018 |title=City of Monroe Industrial Lands Market Profile |pages=6–7 |url=https://www.monroewa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6251/CAIMonroe-Industrial-Lands-Profile2018-0712 |publisher=City of Monroe |access-date=October 2, 2019}} The city's largest employer is the Washington State Department of Corrections, which operates the Monroe Correctional Complex and provides more than 1,100 jobs.{{cite news |last=Schwarzen |first=Christopher |date=October 23, 2002 |title=Prison expansion to add inmates, jobs |page=H19 |work=The Seattle Times}} Other large employers include the Monroe School District, the Cadman quarry, the Evergreen State Fair, EvergreenHealth Monroe, and large retailers.{{cite web |title=Economic Development Element |year=2013 |url=http://monroewa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2257/Economic-Development-Element-2013?bidId= |publisher=City of Monroe |access-date=March 6, 2019}} The city also has a large industrial park in the Fryelands area that was established in the 1990s and was fully developed by 2008, providing 24 percent of jobs in the city and {{convert|2.2|e6sqft|sqm}} of space.{{cite news |last=Harper |first=Christina |date=July 8, 2008 |title=Fryeland industrial park growing in Monroe |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/uncategorized/fryeland-industrial-park-growing-in-monroe-demand-for-land-puts-pressure-on-area-developers/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 29, 2019}} The largest non-industrial job sectors include professional services, government, and retail, particularly big-box stores along the U.S. Route 2 corridor.{{cite web |date=December 2015 |title=City of Monroe 2015–2035 Comprehensive Plan |page=5.8 |url=https://www.monroewa.gov/449/City-of-Monroe-Comprehensive-Plan |publisher=City of Monroe |ref={{SfnRef|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan|2015}} |access-date=September 28, 2019 |archive-date=December 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212144249/https://www.monroewa.gov/449/City-of-Monroe-Comprehensive-Plan |url-status=dead }}

{{US Census population

|1910= 1552

|1920= 1675

|1930= 1570

|1940= 1590

|1950= 1556

|1960= 1901

|1970= 2687

|1980= 2869

|1990= 4278

|2000= 13795

|2010= 17304

|2020= 19699

|estyear=2022

|estimate=19243

|estref=

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web |title=Decennial Census of Population and Housing |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=July 26, 2013}}
2020 Census

}}

Monroe is the ninth largest city in Snohomish County by population, with an estimated 20,209 residents in 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |date=June 22, 2022|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=June 22, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Chuck |date=February 1, 2013 |title=Snohomish County demographics from the census |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/news/snohomish-county-demographics-from-the-census/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 15, 2019}} It has a large Hispanic and Latino population that trends higher than the rest of the county.{{cite news |last=Nohara |first=Yoshiaki |date=February 5, 2008 |title=Monroe tries to serve Spanish-speaking residents |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/monroe-tries-to-serve-spanish-speaking-residents/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 28, 2019}} The city's population grew rapidly in the years after it incorporated in 1902, but leveled off under 2,000 until the 1970s.{{cite news |date=December 18, 2002 |title=Settlement uprooted to be near railroad |page=H32 |work=The Seattle Times}} Suburban development following the completion of State Route 522 and expansion of U.S. Route 2 caused large increases in Monroe's population, peaking in the 1990s and early 2000s.{{cite book |date=November 2015 |title=City of Monroe 2015–2035 Comprehensive Plan |chapter=Appendix F – Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan |pages=12–13 |chapter-url=https://www.monroewa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3712/Appendix-F---Parks-Recreation--Open-Space-Plan |publisher=City of Monroe |ref={{SfnRef|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan Appendix F|2015}} |access-date=September 28, 2019}} The inmate population at the Monroe Correctional Complex has been included in census statistics since 1996.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=3.2}} Over 65 percent of homes in Monroe are single-family detached structures, while over 15 percent are multi-family residential units.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=6.3}}

As of the 2010 census, there were 17,304 people, 5,024 households, and 3,600 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|2860.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 5,306 housing units at an average density of {{convert|877.0|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 78.6% White, 3.5% African American, 1.4% Native American, 2.8% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 9.6% from other races, and 3.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.1% of the population.{{cite web |title=QuickFacts: Monroe, Washington |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/monroecitywashington |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 26, 2020}}

There were 5,024 households, of which 46.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.0% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.3% were non-families. 21.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.41.

The median age in the city was 33.1 years. 26.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 36.1% were from 25 to 44; 21.2% were from 45 to 64; and 7.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 56.3% male and 43.7% female.

As of the 2000 census, there were 13,795 people, 4,173 households, and 3,058 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,388.4 people per square mile (921.5/km²). There were 4,427 housing units at an average density of 766.5 per square mile (295.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 86.1% White, 3.2% African American, 1.3% Native American, 2.4% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 4.0% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.7% of the population. 21.0% were of German, 10.1% English and 9.3% Irish ancestry.{{cite web |year=2000 |title=Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: Monroe city, Washington |url=https://www.psrc.org/sites/default/files/monroe.pdf |publisher=United States Census Bureau |via=Puget Sound Regional Council |access-date=September 15, 2019 |archive-date=July 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707125742/https://www.psrc.org/sites/default/files/monroe.pdf |url-status=dead }}

There were 4,173 households, out of which 45.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.8% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 20.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.26.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 27.4% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 41.4% from 25 to 44, 14.2% from 45 to 64, and 8.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 126.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 137.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $50,390, and the median income for a family was $55,793. Males had a median income of $39,847 versus $31,633 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,912. About 5.6% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 14.7% of those age 65 or over.

Monroe is a non-charter code city with a mayor–council government.{{cite web |date=December 31, 2018 |title=Financial Statements Audit Report: City of Monroe |pages=17–19 |url=https://portal.sao.wa.gov/ReportSearch/Home/ViewReportFile?isFinding=false&arn=1022791 |publisher=Washington State Auditor |access-date=September 24, 2019}} The seven-member city council typically meets once a week at the city hall, built in 1977 and located at a civic center campus southwest of downtown.{{cite web |date=September 13, 2016 |title=Monroe City Council Rules of Procedure |pages=2–4 |url=http://www.monroewa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4573/Council-Rules-of-Procedure_ADOPTED_091316 |publisher=City of Monroe |access-date=March 6, 2019}}{{cite book |date=December 2015 |title=City of Monroe 2015–2035 Comprehensive Plan |chapter=Appendix G – Capital Facilities: Public Services & Utilities |page=1 |chapter-url=https://www.monroewa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3685/Appendix-G---Capital-Facilities-Public-Services--Utilities |publisher=City of Monroe |ref={{SfnRef|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan Appendix G|2015}} |access-date=September 28, 2019}} The city councilmembers and mayor serve four-year terms that are staggered and filled in elections held during odd-numbered years.{{cite web |title=Elected Officials |url=http://www.monroewa.gov/66/City-Council |publisher=City of Monroe |access-date=March 6, 2019}} Six of the councilmembers are from districts, while the seventh is elected at-large; prior to 2017, the at-large seat was elected to a two-year term.{{cite web |date=November 1, 2016 |title=City of Monroe Ordinance No. 018/2016 |url=https://www.monroewa.gov/Archive/ViewFile/Item/1568 |publisher=City of Monroe |access-date=September 24, 2019}} The current mayor is Geoffrey Thomas, a former councilmember and city planner who was first elected in 2013 and won re-election in 2017 and 2021.{{cite news |last=Hutton |first=Caleb |date=October 20, 2017 |title=Mayor's office, 3 council seats contested in Monroe election |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/mayors-office-3-council-seats-contested-in-monroe-election/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 6, 2019}}{{cite web |title=Office of the Mayor |url=https://www.monroewa.gov/568/Mayor |publisher=City of Monroe |access-date=May 4, 2025}}

The city government has 113 employees and an annual budget of $27.1 million in 2017, overseen by a city administrator appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. The government provides municipal services through its departments, which include community development, economic development, emergency services, a municipal court, parks and recreation, permitting, public works, and utilities.{{cite web |date=December 31, 2018 |title=Accountability Audit Report: City of Monroe |page=7 |url=https://portal.sao.wa.gov/ReportSearch/Home/ViewReportFile?isFinding=false&arn=1022782 |publisher=Washington State Auditor |access-date=September 24, 2019}}{{cite web |title=Departments and Services |url=https://www.monroewa.gov/8/Departments |publisher=City of Monroe |access-date=September 24, 2019}} The city has a police department with 32 officers and 10 civilian workers.{{cite news |date=March 8, 2018 |title=Monroe police chief to retire after 16 years in leadership |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/monroe-police-chief-to-retire-after-16-years-in-leadership/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 24, 2019}} Other services, including the fire district (based in Monroe) and public library, are contracted out to regional authorities and agencies.{{cite news |last=King |first=Rikki |date=January 17, 2019 |title=Fire districts in Lake Stevens, Monroe could merge in 2020 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/fire-districts-in-lake-stevens-monroe-could-merge-in-2020/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 24, 2019}}

At the federal level, Monroe is part of the 8th congressional district, which encompasses the eastern portions of the Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties as well as the entirety of Chelan and Kittitas counties.{{cite map |author=Census Bureau Geography Division |year=2023 |title=118th Congress of the United States: Washington – Congressional District 8 |scale=1:368,000 |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd118/cd_based/ST53/CD118_WA08.pdf |publisher=United States Census Bureau |accessdate=January 15, 2024}} It was part of the 1st congressional district until 2022, when the 8th district was extended into Snohomish County.{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=October 25, 2022 |title=Snohomish County in middle of key battle for control of U.S. House |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/snohomish-county-in-middle-of-key-battle-for-control-of-u-s-house/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 15, 2024}} At the state level, the city is part of the 12th legislative district, which also crosses the Cascade Mountains and includes Skykomish, part of Snoqualmie, and all of Chelan County except for Wenatchee.{{cite map |date=July 2024 |title=Washington State Legislative & Congressional District Map |url=https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/Road%20Map_01.pdf |at=[https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/Road%20Map%20Inset_01.pdf Puget Sound inset] |publisher=Washington State Redistricting Commission |accessdate=October 24, 2024}}{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=November 24, 2021 |title=Proposed political map links cities from Monroe to Wenatchee |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/proposed-political-map-links-cities-from-monroe-to-wenatchee/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 15, 2024}} Monroe was previously part of the 39th legislative district until it was moved into the cross-mountain district as part of a redistricting compromise in 2022.{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=December 3, 2021 |title=State Supreme Court declines to draw new redistricting plan |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/state-supreme-court-declines-to-draw-new-redistricting-plan/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 15, 2024}} The city lies within the Snohomish County Council's 5th district, which includes the Skykomish Valley, Snohomish, and Lake Stevens.{{cite map |date=May 12, 2022 |title=Snohomish County: County Council Districts |url=https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/99589/County-Council-Districts-PDF |publisher=Snohomish County Elections |accessdate=January 15, 2024}}

{{main|Monroe Correctional Complex}}

The Washington State Department of Corrections operates several prison facilities in the city, which have been consolidated into the Monroe Correctional Complex since 1998.{{cite web |date=October 15, 2008 |title=Monroe Correctional Complex |url=http://www.doc.wa.gov/facilities/monroe.asp |publisher=Washington State Department of Corrections |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015034153/http://www.doc.wa.gov/facilities/monroe.asp |archive-date=October 15, 2008 |access-date=November 7, 2008}} It is the largest prison in the state, with capacity for 2,500 inmates and detainees, and is divided into five units across a {{convert|365|acre|ha|adj=mid}} campus that is staffed by 1,185 workers.{{cite news |last=Stevick |first=Eric |date=January 22, 2012 |title=Monroe Correctional Complex is state's biggest big house |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20120122/BLOG48/701229955 |work=The Everett Herald |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126054222/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20120122/BLOG48/701229955 |archive-date=January 26, 2012 |access-date=October 2, 2019}} The Washington State Reformatory opened in 1908 and expanded with a unit for mentally-ill prisoners in 1981 and the 500-bed Twin Rivers medium-custody facility in 1984. The 467-inmate minimum-security unit opened in 1997 and an intensive management unit was opened in 2007 to house 144 inmates at higher security levels. The state legislature's proposal to close the complex in 2009 due to its high costs was withdrawn and replaced with cuts to capacity at other facilities.{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=October 14, 2009 |title=Monroe prison dodges closure |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/monroe-prison-dodges-closure/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 2, 2019}}

File:Wagner Performing Arts Center, Monroe, Washington - 2019.jpg

A non-profit arts council for Monroe was founded in 2003 and sponsors art projects and events in the city using small government grants.{{cite news |last=Goffredo |first=Theresa |date=January 24, 2009 |title=Despite lean times, cities won't scrimp on art |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/despite-lean-times-cities-wont-scrimp-on-art/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 29, 2019}} The arts council sponsored the creation of an {{convert|80|ft|m|adj=mid}} mural depicting the ecosystem of local rivers that was installed on a building in downtown Monroe in 2004.{{cite news |last=Nohara |first=Yoshiaki |date=October 10, 2004 |title=Mural celebrates Monroe's natural resources |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/mural-celebrates-monroes-natural-resources/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 29, 2019}} The arts council renovated an elementary school auditorium into the city's performing arts center in the 2010s after a plan to build a dedicated facility was shelved.{{cite web |title=A Brief History of the Wagner Performing Arts Center |url=http://monroeartscouncil.org/wpac-history/ |publisher=Monroe Arts Council |access-date=September 29, 2019 |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123095832/http://monroeartscouncil.org/wpac-history/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last=Goffredo |first=Theresa |date=June 15, 2008 |title=Monroe may get performing arts center |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/monroe-may-get-performing-arts-center/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 29, 2019}}

Part of the 1981 drama biographic film Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy was filmed in Monroe.{{cite news |last=Burchard |first=Boyd |date=October 4, 1981 |title=Love affair paying off for state, movies |page=D9 |work=The Seattle Times}} The Emerald Glen Farm was used for several productions, including the 1984 television series Hot Pursuit and horror films The Ring and The Ring Two.{{cite news |last=Schucht |first=Eric |date=August 25, 2023 |title=Prisons and cursed tapes: What's been filmed in Monroe? |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/life/prisons-and-cursed-tapes-whats-been-filmed-in-monroe/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=August 30, 2023}}{{cite news |last=Muhlstein |first=Julie |date=February 21, 2009 |title=See if you recognize Everett in these films |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/see-if-you-recognize-everett-in-these-films/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 6, 2019}} Several scenes in The Butterfly Effect, 7 Minutes, and Korean film Late Autumn were filmed at the Monroe Correctional Complex.{{cite news |last=Tsong |first=Nicole |date=March 7, 2010 |title=Seattle gets a leading role in Korean film 'Late Autumn' |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/seattle-gets-a-leading-role-in-korean-film-late-autumn/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 22, 2023}} The pilot for the web television series The Man in the High Castle features a scene filmed at the Lewis Street Bridge on State Route 203.{{cite news |date=September 27, 2014 |title=Filming for TV pilot to close Monroe roads |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/filming-for-tv-pilot-to-close-monroe-roads/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=January 10, 2020}}

The city is home to the annual Evergreen State Fair, a county fair which takes place in late August and early September at a fairground located northwest of downtown Monroe. It is the second largest fair in Washington state, behind the Puyallup Fair, and attracts approximately 350,000 over its twelve-day run.{{cite news |last=Giordano |first=Lizz |date=September 3, 2018 |title=No smoke: Evergreen fair attendance might have set a record |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/no-smoke-evergreen-fair-attendance-might-have-set-a-record/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 6, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Sheets |first=Bill |date=September 20, 2012 |title=Puyallup Fair renamed, but what's the real state fair? |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/puyallup-fair-renamed-but-whats-the-real-state-fair/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 6, 2019}} The city also has an annual parade during the opening weekend of the fair in late August.{{cite news |last=McKenzie |first=Madeline |date=August 22, 2018 |title=Opening weekend at the Evergreen State Fair, with farm animals, rides and fun |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/events/opening-weekend-at-the-evergreen-state-fair-with-farm-animals-rides-and-fun/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 29, 2019}} The {{convert|200|acre|ha|adj=mid}} fairgrounds are owned by the county government and also host other events year-round.{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Diane |date=August 23, 2006 |title=Rural roots part of fair's fun |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/snohomishcountynews/2003217972_statefair23n.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=March 6, 2019}} The fairgrounds also include the Evergreen Speedway, a racetrack that hosted the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 1995 to 2000.{{cite news |last=Myhre |first=Rich |date=June 4, 2014 |title=Evergreen Speedway celebrating 60 years |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/evergreen-speedway-celebrating-60-years/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 15, 2019}}

The Summer Meltdown music festival relocated from Darrington to a property south of Monroe in 2022 following a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival drew approximately 4,000 attendees; it did not return for 2023.{{cite news |last=Kahn |first=Natalie |date=July 30, 2022 |title=Some growing pains, lots of nostalgia as Meltdown returns at new venue |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/some-growing-pains-lots-of-nostalgia-as-meltdown-returns-at-new-venue/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 3, 2023}}{{cite news |last=Goldstein-Street |first=Jake |date=February 1, 2023 |title=After Monroe debut, no Summer Meltdown music fest in 2023 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/after-monroe-debut-no-summer-meltdown-music-fest-in-2023/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 3, 2023}} The annual Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire moved from Bonney Lake to Sky Meadows Park near Monroe in 2023.{{cite news |last=Schucht |first=Eric |date=August 8, 2023 |title=Near Monroe, colorful crowds at Renaissance faire's first weekend |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/near-monroe-colorful-crowds-at-renaissance-faires-first-weekend/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=May 29, 2024}}

The Snohomish County Explosion, a semi-professional basketball team playing in the International Basketball League and the National Athletic Basketball League, hosted its games at Monroe Sports Arena on the high school campus from 2008 to 2010 between stints in Everett.{{cite news |last=Lommers |first=Aaron |date=April 8, 2011 |title=New owners bring Explosion back to Everett |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/new-owners-bring-explosion-back-to-everett/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 15, 2019}}

The Reptile Zoo, formerly the Washington Serpentarium, is a roadside animal park for reptiles that is located on U.S. Route 2 east of Monroe. The {{convert|3,000|sqft|sqm|adj=mid}} building houses 150 creatures and attracts 40,000 annual visitors.{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Diane |date=November 2, 2005 |title=Washington Serpentarium a hot spot |page=H14 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/washington-serpentarium-a-hot-spot/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 4, 2019}} It was previously located in Gold Bar but moved to the Monroe area in 2003.{{cite news |last=Schwarzen |first=Christopher |date=April 23, 2003 |title=Museum slithers into Monroe |page=H16 |work=The Seattle Times}}

Monroe has 14 parks with a total area of {{convert|207|acre|ha}}, of which {{convert|62.6|acre|ha}} is designated as usable space.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan|2015|pages=7.1–7.2}} The city government's parks and recreation department maintains the parks and organizes recreational events for residents alongside private organizations like the YMCA.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan Appendix F|2015|pages=17–18}} Monroe also has {{convert|14|mi|km}} of multi-use pedestrian and bicycle trails that connect neighborhoods and parks.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan Appendix F|2015|page=21}} The city's largest park is Al Borlin Park, a {{convert|90|acre|ha|adj=mid}} nature preserve with hiking trails located on the peninsula formed by the Skykomish River and Woods Creek.{{cite web |title=Al Borlin Park |url=https://www.monroewa.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Al-Borlin-Park-2 |publisher=City of Monroe |access-date=September 29, 2019}} The city is also located near two county-owned parks: Lord Hill Regional Park, a {{convert|1,300|acre|ha|adj=mid}} nature reserve with wilderness trails;{{cite news |last=Sykes |first=Karen |date=January 31, 2001 |title=Hike of the Week: Lord Hill Park offers a wealth of lowland rambling |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Hike-of-the-Week-Lord-Hill-Park-offers-a-wealth-1050833.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=September 29, 2019}} and Fairfield Park, a facility with several soccer fields near the western city limits.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan Appendix F|2015|page=37}}

The largest community park in Monroe is the {{convert|64.5|acre|ha|adj=mid}} Lake Tye Park, which comprises sports playfields, a skate park, and a {{convert|49|acre|ha|adj=mid}} artificial lake that is stocked with fish.{{cite web |title=Tye Lake |url=https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/washington/255/ |publisher=Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife |access-date=March 6, 2019}} In the 2010s, a private developer proposed construction of a water park on Lake Tye, but the plan remains unfunded.{{cite news |last=Nile |first=Amy |date=June 9, 2015 |title=Developer seeks more time to build water park on Lake Tye |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/developer-seeks-more-time-to-build-water-park-on-lake-tye/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 28, 2019}} In 2014, the city government proposed constructing a {{convert|7|mi|km|adj=mid|spell=in}} pedestrian and bicycle trail to Snohomish that would connect with the regional Centennial Trail.

The area is served by The Everett Herald and The Seattle Times, the daily newspapers in the northern Puget Sound region.{{cite map |title=Western Washington Markets |date=November 9, 2014 |url=http://mediakit.seattletimes.com/wp-content/PDF/The_Seattle_Times_-_Market_Boundaries_Map.pdf |publisher=The Seattle Times Company |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628072454/http://mediakit.seattletimes.com/wp-content/PDF/The_Seattle_Times_-_Market_Boundaries_Map.pdf |archive-date=June 28, 2018 |access-date=September 28, 2019}} The Monroe Monitor and Valley News was a local weekly newspaper published in Monroe by the Pacific Publishing Company.{{cite web |title=Contact Us |url=https://monroemonitor.com/contact-us/ |publisher=The Monroe Monitor and Valley News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929061743/https://monroemonitor.com/contact-us/ |archive-date=September 29, 2019 |access-date=September 28, 2019}} It was founded in 1899 as the Monitor and later acquired two other newspapers operating in the Skykomish Valley: the Monroe Transcript in 1908 and the Valley News in 1985, based in Sultan.{{cite book |last1=Bagwell |first1=Steve |last2=Stapilus |first2=Randy |year=2013 |title=New Editions: The Northwest's newspapers as they were, are, and will be |page=233 |publisher=Ridenbaugh Press |location=Carlton, Oregon |isbn=978-0-945648-10-9 |oclc=861618089}} The publication ceased and merged with Snohomish County Tribune in November 2021.{{Cite magazine |title=The Monroe Monitor and The Snohomish County Tribune Merge |year=2022 |magazine=Monroe Business Guide |url=http://www.snoho.com/publications/MBG_22/MBG_22.pdf |page=7 |publisher=Pacific Publishing Company |access-date=January 26, 2023}}

Monroe has a public library operated by the Sno-Isle Libraries system, which serves most of Snohomish County. The city's first library opened in 1906 at a private home and later moved to the city hall, where it remained until a dedicated library building was opened in 1966 by Sno-Isle.{{sfnp|Robertson|2002|page=13}}{{cite news |date=June 9, 1966 |title=New Library To Be Dedicated By Lloyd Meeds |page=1 |work=The Monroe Monitor |url=http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS06091966P01.php |via=Monroe Historical Society |access-date=October 13, 2019 |archive-date=October 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014042647/http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS06091966P01.php |url-status=dead }} The library building was expanded by Sno-Isle in 1987 and replaced with the current library building in 2002, located near the civic campus.{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=September 16, 1988 |title=Libraries hoping voters lend a hand |page=B3 |work=The Seattle Times}} The new library cost $6.8 million to construct and has 84,000 items in a {{convert|20,000|sqft|sqm}} building.{{cite news |last=Schwarzen |first=Christopher |date=November 6, 2002 |title=Fresh design, features turn Monroe library into hot spot |page=I18 |work=The Seattle Times}} The Monroe library serves a population of 36,622 residents, including areas surrounding Monroe, and circulated over 291,000 items in 2014.{{cite web |title=Monroe Community Library |pages=57–58 |url=http://www.sno-isle.org/assets/12682/12682_20160426030727.pdf |work=Sno-Isle Libraries 2016–2025 Capital Facilities Plan Draft |publisher=Sno-Isle Libraries |access-date=September 28, 2019}}

File:Monroe, WA - Old City Hall.jpg, now used as a historical museum]]

Monroe's local historical society was established in 1976 and maintains a museum that opened in 1982 at the former city hall in downtown Monroe, built in 1908.{{cite web |title=About Us |url=http://www.monroehistoricalsociety.org/sample-page-2/ |publisher=Monroe Historical Society |access-date=September 28, 2019}} The museum has pieces of local memorabilia, including a carved canoe and equipment from closed businesses, and a large collection of historical photographs.{{cite news |last=Cohen |first=Aubrey |date=September 25, 2008 |title=Step back into Monroe's past or get wrapped up in the Serpentarium's reptiles |page=4 |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Step-back-into-Monroe-s-past-or-get-wrapped-up-in-1286029.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=October 4, 2019}} The historical society also hosts an exhibit during the Evergreen State Fair at the Shannahan Cabin, a historic home built in the 1880s and moved to the fairgrounds in the 1960s; the cabin is also listed on the county's register of historic places.{{cite news |last=Davey |first=Stephanie |date=August 23, 2019 |title=Shannahan Cabin becomes first historic site on county list |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/shannahan-cabin-becomes-first-historic-site-on-county-list/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 28, 2019}} The fairgrounds are also home to the Western Heritage Center, a county-owned museum that has a collection of agricultural and industrial artifacts that were donated for display.{{cite news |last=Bray |first=Kari |date=August 28, 2017 |title=Western Heritage Center changes hands, stays at fairgrounds |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/western-heritage-center-changes-hands-stays-at-fairgrounds/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 28, 2019}}

The downtown area has several historic buildings that were constructed in the early 20th century and preserved by local owners and groups.{{cite news |last=Fiege |first=Gale |date=March 13, 2014 |title=Monroe offers more than a fair amount to do |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/life/monroe-offers-more-than-a-fair-amount-to-do/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 29, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Nohara |first=Yoshiaki |date=September 21, 2007 |title=Protect historic buildings, Monroe urged |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/protect-historic-buildings-monroe-urged/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 29, 2019}} At the northeast end of downtown is a {{convert|150|ft|m|adj=mid}} landmark steam stack, the last remnant of a Carnation milk condensery plant that was built in 1908 and burned down in 1944.{{cite news |last=Nile |first=Amy |date=August 15, 2014 |title=Monroe steam stack will be decoratively painted |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/monroe-steam-stack-will-be-decoratively-painted/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 29, 2019}}

• Kathryn Aalto, landscape designer and author{{cite news |date=February 19, 2016 |title=Upcoming author events in Snohomish County and nearby |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/life/upcoming-author-events-in-snohomish-county-and-nearby-5/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 29, 2019}}
• Benson Boone, singer{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Andrea |date=March 7, 2024 |title=Millions swoon over singer Benson Boone, Monroe High graduate |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/millions-swoon-over-singer-benson-boone-monroe-high-graduate/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 8, 2024}}
• Chuck Close, painter and photographer{{cite news |last=Fiege |first=Gale |date=May 4, 2016 |title=World-class artist Chuck Close returns to his roots with show at the Schack |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/life/world-class-artist-chuck-close-returns-to-his-roots-with-show-at-the-schack/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 28, 2019}}
• Anthony Curcio, American football player, author, and convicted robber{{cite news |last=Stangeland |first=Brooke |date=June 21, 2013 |title=Out of Prison, Real-Life Thomas Crown Looks Back on Almost-Perfect Heist |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/prison-real-life-thomas-crown-back-perfect-heist/story?id=19450132 |publisher=ABC News |access-date=September 28, 2019}}
• Ben Dragavon, professional soccer player and coach{{cite news |last=Boyle |first=John |date=May 15, 2009 |title=Monroe High School grad rejoins Sounders |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/monroe-high-school-grad-rejoins-sounders/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 28, 2019}}
• Chad Eaton, American football player{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Jennifer |date=July 23, 2007 |title=Former Seahawk Eaton arrested for domestic violence |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/former-seahawk-eaton-arrested-for-domestic-violence/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 29, 2019}}
• Blye Pagon Faust, film producer{{cite news |last=Andersen |first=Soren |date=February 25, 2016 |title=A Monroe native's road to 'Spotlight' — and the Oscars |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/movies/2028165846_oscarsblyepagonfaustxml.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2019}}
• Roger Fisher, guitarist{{cite news |last=Fiege |first=Gale |date=December 23, 2014 |title=Heart guitarist Roger Fisher pours soul into new project |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/life/heart-guitarist-roger-fisher-pours-soul-into-new-project/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 29, 2019}}
• James Fogle, robber and author{{cite news |last=Yardley |first=William |date=September 1, 2012 |title=James Fogle, Author of 'Drugstore Cowboy,' Dies at 75 |page=A24 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/30/us/james-fogle-author-of-drugstore-cowboy-dies-at-75.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 29, 2019}}
• Little Current, racehorse{{cite news |last=Cain |first=Glenye |date=January 21, 2003 |title=Little Current dead at 32 |url=http://www.espn.com/horse/news/2003/0121/1496613.html |publisher=ESPN |access-date=September 29, 2019}}
• Arthur H. Livermore, science educator and chemist{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Patricia |date=November 10, 2009 |title=Obituaries: Arthur H. Livermore, Science Educator |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/09/AR2009110903327_5.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 28, 2019}}
• Alex Love, flyweight boxer{{cite news |last=Blanchette |first=John |date=February 14, 2012 |title=Spotlight finds teen |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/feb/14/spotlight-finds-teen/ |work=The Spokesman-Review |access-date=September 28, 2019}}
• Lloyd Meeds, U.S. representative{{cite news |last=Lee |first=Kristen A. |date=August 23, 2005 |title=Lloyd Meeds, Ex-Congressman, Dies at 77 |page=C16 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/24/politics/lloyd-meeds-excongressman-dies-at-77.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 28, 2019}}
• Lee Orr, track and field Olympian{{cite web |last=Robertson |first=Nellie E. |date=April 3, 2008 |title=Orr, Lee (1917-2009) |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/8573 |work=HistoryLink |access-date=September 28, 2019}}
• Ian Parmley, professional baseball player{{cite news |last=Patterson |first=Nick |date=August 1, 2017 |title=Persistence pays: MLB dream comes true for Monroe High alum |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/persistence-pays-of-as-mlb-dream-comes-true-for-monroe-alum/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 29, 2019}}
• Kirk Pearson, state representative and senator{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=November 6, 2017 |title=Sen. Pearson of Monroe resigns to join Trump administration |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/state-sen-kirk-pearson-resigns-to-join-trump-administration/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 28, 2019}}
• Elizabeth Scott, state representative{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=May 27, 2015 |title=Tea party favorite Elizabeth Scott first in line to challenge DelBene |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/tea-party-favorite-elizabeth-scott-first-in-line-to-challenge-delbene/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 28, 2019}}

• Dave Somers, county executive and former councilmember{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=July 20, 2015 |title=Snohomish County executive: Five scrap for top job |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/snohomish-county-executive-five-scrap-for-top-job/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 28, 2019}}
• Joseph J. Tyson, Catholic bishop{{cite news |last=Tu |first=Janet I. |date=April 12, 2011 |title=New Yakima bishop returning to his roots |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/new-yakima-bishop-returning-to-his-roots/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 29, 2019}}

• Yukon Eric, professional wrestler{{cite news |last=Burton |first=Austin L. |date=April 1, 2003 |title=School spotlight: Monroe High School |page=D8 |work=The Seattle Times}}{{cite news |date=February 4, 1965 |title=Eric Holmback, Past Resident, Dies January 16 |page=3 |work=The Monroe Monitor |url=http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS02041965p03.php |access-date=September 28, 2019 |archive-date=September 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929051947/http://mhs.stparchive.com/Archive/MHS/MHS02041965p03.php |url-status=dead }}

File:Monroe, WA - Old Monroe Elementary.jpg, located in a former downtown elementary school]]

The Monroe School District operates public schools within the city and serves several surrounding communities, including Maltby and Woods Creek.{{cite map |date=December 21, 2017 |title=Snohomish County School Districts Map |url=http://www.snoco.org/docs/scd/PDF/PDS_CFP/Snohomish%20County%20School%20District.pdf |publisher=Snohomish County |access-date=March 6, 2019}} The school district had an enrollment of approximately 7,096 students in 2016, with 303 total teachers and 170 other staff.{{cite web |title=Public School District Directory Information: Monroe School District |url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&ID2=5305130 |publisher=National Center for Education Statistics |access-date=March 6, 2019}} It has one high school, Monroe High School, that is located next to the Washington State Reformatory and was opened in 1999 after six failed ballot measures to fund the $30 million construction cost.{{cite news |last=Montgomery |first=Nancy |date=September 3, 1998 |title=High praise for new Edmonds high school |page=B1 |work=The Seattle Times}}

The district has one middle school and three elementary schools within Monroe city limits, several of which were renovated in 2018 using $111 million in bonds.{{cite news |last=Bray |first=Kari |date=September 10, 2018 |title=Thousands of Monroe kids are back to school in new buildings |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/thousands-of-monroe-kids-are-back-to-school-in-new-buildings/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 6, 2019}} Its administrative offices are located in the former Central Grade School building, which opened in 1916.{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Joseph |date=October 14, 2019 |title=Monroe School District considers selling 1916 schoolhouse |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/monroe-school-board-still-weighing-new-district-headquarters/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 14, 2019}}

Several alternative education facilities are also run by the school district for multiple grade levels, including the Sky Valley Educational Center in the former Monroe Middle School building, which was closed after the consolidation of the three middle schools into two buildings.{{cite web |title=Schools |url=https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/schools |publisher=Monroe School District |access-date=March 6, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Dominguez |first=Alejandro |date=October 24, 2011 |title=Dispute has Monroe schools paying to rent empty building |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/dispute-has-monroe-schools-paying-to-rent-empty-building/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 6, 2019}} The Sky Valley Educational Center was the subject of several lawsuits filed by 200 students, parents, and teachers against Monsanto over exposure to toxic chemicals, including polychlorinated biphenyls, at the building.{{cite news |last=Ramadan |first=Lulu |date=November 12, 2021 |title=Juries award students, parents, teachers $247 million for toxic exposure at Sky Valley Education Center in Monroe |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/2nd-multi-million-dollar-verdict-against-monroe-school-for-toxic-exposures/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 10, 2022}} The lawsuit was settled with $247 million from Monsanto awarded by a jury and $34 million offered by the school district, who were found to be negligent in their slow cleanup of toxic materials.{{cite news |last=Ramadan |first=Lulu |date=February 6, 2022 |title=Monroe School District offers $34 million to families sickened by toxic exposures at Sky Valley Education Center |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/monroe-school-district-offers-34-million-to-families-sickened-by-toxic-exposures-at-sky-valley-education-center/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 10, 2022}}

Monroe is also home to the East Campus of Everett Community College with 400 enrolled students. The branch campus opened in 1999 as part of an agreement with the Monroe School District and relocated to a new building near Lake Tye in 2010.{{cite news |last=Muhlstein |first=Julie |date=March 1, 2019 |title=East County Campus leader brings experience from WSU Everett |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/east-county-campus-leader-brings-experience-from-wsu-everett/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 28, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Dominguez |first=Alejandro |date=December 11, 2012 |title=EvCC's Monroe campus may need to add services as enrollment grows |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/evccs-monroe-campus-may-need-to-add-services-as-enrollment-grows/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 28, 2019}}

Monroe is located at the intersection of three highways: U.S. Route 2 (US 2), which travels eastward from Everett and over Stevens Pass to Eastern Washington; State Route 203, which follows the Snoqualmie River south towards Fall City and North Bend; State Route 522, an expressway which terminates in Monroe and connects the area to Seattle and Bothell to the southwest.{{cite WSDOT map |year=2014 |inset=Puget Sound |access-date=September 15, 2019 }} Other major roads in Monroe include Main Street, which continues beyond the city limits towards Snohomish and Sultan; North Kelsey Street, which continues north to Chain Lake; and Fryelands Boulevard on the west edge of the city.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan|2015|pages=4.3–4.6}} US 2 through Monroe has routine traffic congestion issues that have resulted in plans for a highway bypass since the 1970s, but it remains unfunded.{{cite news |last=Nohara |first=Yoshiaki |date=December 21, 2006 |title=U.S. 2 bypass plan is set |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/u-s-2-bypass-plan-is-set/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 15, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=January 22, 2019 |title=Plan knots together carbon fee, gas tax and new US 2 trestle |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/plan-knots-together-carbon-fee-gas-tax-and-new-us-2-trestle/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 15, 2019}}

The city is bisected by the Scenic Subdivision, a major railroad owned by BNSF Railway that is used for freight and Amtrak's Empire Builder passenger service.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=4.16}} Public transit in Monroe is provided by the countywide Community Transit system, with two local bus routes traveling along the US 2 corridor between Everett and Gold Bar, with some trips during peak periods continuing to the Boeing Everett Factory.{{cite web |title=Route 270/271: Gold Bar to Everett |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/bus-service-expansion-applauded-in-monroe/ |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 15, 2019}} A commuter bus route from Snohomish to Downtown Seattle runs during peak periods on State Route 522 and Interstate 405, stopping at a park and ride lot in Monroe with 102 stalls.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=4.8}}{{cite map |date=September 2024 |title=Community Transit System Map |url=https://www.communitytransit.org/docs/default-source/mappdfs/systemmappdfs/mapsystem.pdf |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=November 8, 2024}} The route is planned to be truncated in 2025 to Bellevue Downtown station, where it will connect with the 2 Line of the Link light rail system.{{cite web |title=Transit Changes in 2024 & Beyond |url=https://www.communitytransit.org/transitchanges |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=November 8, 2024}} Snoqualmie Valley Transportation operates a daily shuttle service between Monroe and Duvall on weekdays.{{cite news |date=July 2, 2018 |title=New bus route connects Duvall to Monroe |url=http://www.valleyrecord.com/life/new-bus-route-connects-duvall-to-monroe/ |work=Snoqualmie Valley Record |access-date=October 26, 2019}}

Monroe also has a privately owned airfield, First Air Field, located adjacent to the Evergreen State Fairgrounds. The single-runway facility handles an average of 50 takeoffs and landings per day and has 73 aircraft based there.{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=August 24, 2009 |title=For sale by owner: Monroe airport |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/for-sale-by-owner-monroe-airport/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 28, 2019}}{{cite web |date=March 22, 2012 |title=Airport Economic Profile: Firstair Field |url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/2517BF1A-8FF9-4DCF-BAF4-A23DF7704DAB/0/2012FirstairField.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |access-date=September 28, 2019}}

The city's public utilities are provided by the municipal government, regional agencies, and private companies. Electrical services in Monroe are provided by the Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD), a consumer-owned public utility that serves all of Snohomish County.{{cite web |date=October 2018 |title=Quick Facts for Snohomish County PUD |url=https://www.snopud.com/Site/Content/Documents/custpubs/MiniQF_1018.pdf |publisher=Snohomish County Public Utility District |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129142056/https://www.snopud.com/Site/Content/Documents/custpubs/MiniQF_1018.pdf |archive-date=November 29, 2018 |access-date=September 28, 2019}} The Snohomish County PUD delivers electricity to Monroe via a transmission corridor from their Snohomish substation to two substations in the city.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan Appendix G|2015|pages=11–12}} Puget Sound Energy provides natural gas service to the city's residents and businesses using a pipeline from Canada.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan Appendix G|2015|pages=11–12}}{{cite web |year=2013 |title=Puget Sound Energy service area |url=http://pse.com/aboutpse/PseNewsroom/MediaKit/1213_ServiceAreaMap_web.pdf |publisher=Puget Sound Energy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128213047/https://pse.com/aboutpse/PseNewsroom/MediaKit/1213_ServiceAreaMap_web.pdf |archive-date=January 28, 2017 |access-date=September 28, 2019}} Telecommunications services, including telephones, cable television, and internet, are split between Verizon and Comcast.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan Appendix G|2015|page=13}} The city government has a waste disposal contract with Waste Management, which provides curbside garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection.{{sfnp|City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan Appendix G|2015|page=15}}

The city government manages tap water and sewage services, which includes treatment and delivery. Monroe's tap water is purchased from the City of Everett and sourced from Lake Chaplain in the Sultan River basin, which travels via a pipeline to the north of the city. Sewage and wastewater is collected and cleaned at a sewage treatment plant that discharges into the Skykomish River.{{cite web |author=BHC Consultants |date=April 2015 |title=City of Monroe Utilities Systems Plan |pages=2{{hyphen}}7, 4{{hyphen}}7 |url=https://www.monroewa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3714/Appendix-H---Utility-Systems-Plan |publisher=City of Monroe |access-date=September 28, 2019}} The largest customer for the city's water services is the Washington State Department of Corrections, which also has its own sewage treatment system.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Debra |date=March 18, 2009 |title=Prison's water a drain on Monroe |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/prisons-water-a-drain-on-monroe/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 24, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Anderson |first=Rick |date=August 10, 2015 |title='Concerns continue' about integrity of prison sewage system |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/concerns-continue-about-integrity-of-prison-sewage-system/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 28, 2019}}

File:EvergreenHealth Monroe front entrance.jpg Monroe Medical Center]]

Monroe has a 112-bed general hospital operated by EvergreenHealth and formerly known as the Valley General Hospital.{{cite news |last=Salyer |first=Sharon |date=March 1, 2015 |title=Monroe hospital to change name, expand services in new alliance |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/monroe-hospital-to-change-name-expand-services-in-new-alliance/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 15, 2019}} It was opened in 1949, replacing a facility at the State Poor Farm, and was expanded several times with funds from voter-approved tax levies.{{cite web |title=Our History |url=https://www.evergreenhealthmonroe.com/our-history |publisher=EvergreenHealth |access-date=September 15, 2019 |archive-date=October 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022000816/https://www.evergreenhealthmonroe.com/our-history |url-status=dead }} It was merged into the EvergreenHealth system, based out of Kirkland, in 2014 and renamed to EvergreenHealth Monroe Medical Center the following year.{{cite news |last=Zak |first=Annie |date=November 21, 2014 |title=Monroe's Valley General Hospital to become part of EvergreenHealth |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/health-care-inc/2014/11/monroes-valley-general-hospital-to-become-part-of.html |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |access-date=October 14, 2019}} The city also has several small medical clinics, including those operated by Providence Health & Services and SeaMar Community Health Centers.{{cite news |last=Watkins |first=Amy |date=September 24, 2013 |title=Providence ready to open Monroe clinic |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/uncategorized/providence-ready-to-open-monroe-clinic/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 28, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Salyer |first=Sharon |date=February 9, 2008 |title=New medical clinic to open in Monroe |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-medical-clinic-to-open-in-monroe/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 28, 2019}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://www.monroewa.gov/ City website]
• [http://www.monroehistoricalsociety.org/ Monroe Historical Society]

{{Snohomish County, Washington}}

{{Geographic location

|Northwest = Snohomish

|North = Three Lakes

|Northeast = Woods Creek

|West = Cathcart

|Centre = Monroe

|East = Sultan

|Southwest = Maltby

|South = High Bridge

|Southeast =

}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Cities in Washington (state)

Category:Cities in Snohomish County, Washington

Category:Cities in the Seattle metropolitan area

Category:Populated places established in 1902

Category:1902 establishments in Washington (state)