Monroe County, Pennsylvania

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of {{convert|617|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|608|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|9.0|sqmi}} (1.5%) is water.{{cite web|url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/counties_list_42.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 9, 2015|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files}} It has a humid continental climate (Dfb except for some Dfa in the southern and SE tiers) and the hardiness zone ranges from 5a to 6b. The area code is 570, except in the southwest where the Kunkletown exchange uses 610.

{{div col}}

• Wayne County (north)
• Pike County (northeast)
• Sussex County, New Jersey (northeast)
• Warren County, New Jersey (east)
• Northampton County (south)
• Carbon County (west)
• Luzerne County (northwest)
• Lackawanna County (northwest)

{{div col end}}

• Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (part)
• Middle Delaware National Scenic River (part)

{{US Census population

|1840= 9879

|1850= 13270

|1860= 16758

|1870= 18362

|1880= 20175

|1890= 20111

|1900= 21161

|1910= 22941

|1920= 24295

|1930= 28286

|1940= 29802

|1950= 33773

|1960= 39567

|1970= 45422

|1980= 69409

|1990= 95709

|2000= 138687

|2010= 169842

|2020= 168327

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 9, 2015}}
1790–1960{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=March 9, 2015|archive-date=December 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226073904/http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/|url-status=dead}} 1900–1990{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/pa190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|editor-last=Forstall|editor-first=Richard L.|date=March 24, 1995|access-date=March 9, 2015}}
1990–2000{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|date=April 2, 2001|access-date=March 9, 2015}} 2010–2019{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42/42089.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 20, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606195024/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42/42089.html|archive-date=June 6, 2011}}

}}

As of the census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}} of 2010, there were 169,842 people, 49,454 households, and 36,447 families residing in the county. The population density was {{convert|228|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 67,581 housing units at an average density of {{convert|111|/mi2|/km2|adj=pre|units }}. The racial makeup of the county was 70.5% White Non-Hispanic, 13.2% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.1% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 4.3% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. 13.1% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 19.9% were of German, 16.8% Irish, 14.5% Italian, 8.8% Pennsylvania German, 5.4% Polish, 5.1% American and 5.1% English ancestry.

There were 49,454 households, out of which 36.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.70% were married couples living together, 8.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.30% were non-families. 20.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.16.

As of the end of 2021, the median value of all homes in Monroe County was $210,972, an increase of 13% since the prior year.{{Cite web |title=County Median Home Price |url=https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/housing-statistics/county-median-home-prices-and-monthly-mortgage-payment |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420122337/https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/housing-statistics/county-median-home-prices-and-monthly-mortgage-payment |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=National Association of Realtors |date=January 4, 2019 }}

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.80% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 28.80% from 25 to 44, 23.50% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 97.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.40 males.

{{See also|List of Metropolitan Statistical Areas|List of Combined Statistical Areas}}

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget has designated Monroe County as the East Stroudsburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area.{{cite web |title=Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas, and Guidance on Uses of the Delineations of These Areas |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OMB-Bulletin-23-01.pdf |website=White House |publisher=Office of Management and Budget |access-date=March 5, 2024}} Prior to 2023, the area was designated as a metropolitan area.{{cite web |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/bulletins/2015/15-01.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=May 11, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121004719/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/bulletins/2015/15-01.pdf |via=National Archives |work=Office of Management and Budget |archive-date=January 21, 2017 }} As of the 2010 census the Metro area had a population of 169,842. The area ranks 12th most populous in the state of Pennsylvania and ranks 244th most populous in the United States.

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget has also designated Monroe County as part of the larger Allentown-Bethlehem-East Stroudsburg, PA-NJ Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2020 US Census, the population of the CSA was 1,030,216, making it the third most populous Combined Statistical Area in Pennsylvania, and the 59th most populous in the United States. Monroe County was once part of the New York CSA, but as of 2023, Pike County is the only county in Pennsylvania grouped with New York's CSA.

{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2021}}

In the 19th and early 20th century, Monroe was the most Democratic county in Pennsylvania. For much of the second half of the 20th century, Monroe County was a Republican stronghold. However, in recent years, party registration has leaned toward the Democratic Party, a result of continued migration to the county by former New York City residents, many of whom are Democrats. While in the 2004 U.S. presidential election the county was carried by Republican George W. Bush by a margin of four votes, beginning with the first campaign (2008) of Barack Obama, Democratic candidates carried Monroe County. In that election Obama carried the county by a 17-point margin, 58% to 41%–the first Democrat to win the county since 1964, and only the second since 1940. The other three 2008 statewide Democratic candidates also carried the county handily. Additionally, the Democratic presidential candidates carried the county in 2012 (Obama), 2016 (Hillary Clinton), and 2020 (Joe Biden). The Democratic streak ended in 2024 when Republican Donald Trump narrowly flipped the county, becoming the first Republican to win the county in two decades.

{{PresHead|place=Monroe County, Pennsylvania|source={{cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|first=David|last=Leip|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=November 27, 2018}}}}

{{PresRow|2024|Republican|42,676|42,007|1,069|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|38,726|44,060|1,248|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|33,386|33,918|2,704|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|26,867|35,221|935|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|28,293|39,453|872|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|2004|Republican|27,971|27,967|404|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|2000|Republican|23,265|21,939|1,674|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1996|Republican|17,326|16,547|5,192|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1992|Republican|14,557|13,468|9,475|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1988|Republican|17,185|9,859|327|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1984|Republican|16,109|8,193|172|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1980|Republican|12,357|7,551|2,381|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1976|Republican|10,228|9,544|393|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1972|Republican|12,701|5,619|494|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1968|Republican|9,465|6,946|1,336|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|6,281|10,622|116|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1960|Republican|11,299|6,312|115|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1956|Republican|10,081|5,506|92|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1952|Republican|9,502|5,760|42|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1948|Republican|6,674|5,913|0|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1944|Republican|6,202|5,490|37|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|6,001|6,670|16|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|5,778|8,212|89|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|4,659|6,357|183|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1928|Republican|7,469|3,266|27|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1924|Democratic|3,462|3,901|456|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1920|Democratic|3,278|3,396|154|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|1,456|3,348|82|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|536|3,107|961|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1908|Democratic|1,454|3,004|141|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1904|Democratic|1,446|2,587|163|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1900|Democratic|1,264|3,054|198|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1896|Democratic|1,447|2,887|217|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1892|Democratic|1,020|3,078|61|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1888|Democratic|1,107|3,274|56|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1884|Democratic|1,009|3,242|27|Pennsylvania}}

{{PresRow|1880|Democratic|962|3,334|18|Pennsylvania}}

|}

{{U.S. SenHead|place=Monroe County, Pennsylvania|Seat=1|source={{cite news |title=2024 Senate Election (Official Returns) |website=Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by county |date=November 5, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-elections/pennsylvania-senate-results}}}}

{{U.S. SenRow|2024|Democratic|40,884|41,712|2,455|Pennsylvania}}

|}

As of November 11, 2024, there are 120,056 [https://www.dos.pa.gov/VotingElections/OtherServicesEvents/VotingElectionStatistics/Documents/currentvotestats.xls registered voters in Monroe County].

• Democratic: 51,318 (42.74%)
• Republican: 43,711 (36.41%)
• Independent: 19,275 (16.06%)
• Minor Party: 5,752 (4.79%)

• Controller, Erik Diemer, Democratic
• Coroner, Thomas Yanac, Democratic
• District Attorney, Mike Mancuso, Democratic
• Prothonotary, George Warden, Republican
• Recorder of Deeds and Register of Wills, Kate Best, Democratic
• Sheriff, Nick Cirranello, Democratic
• Treasurer, Theresa Johnson, Republican

Source:{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/county_list.cfm?CNTYLIST=Monroe|title=Find Your Legislator|last=Center|first=Legislativate Data Processing|website=The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly.|language=en|access-date=April 25, 2017}}

• Maureen Madden, Democratic, 115th district
• Jack Rader, Jr., Republican, 176th district
• Tarah Probst, Democrat, 189th district{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/county_list.cfm?CNTYLIST=MONROE|title=Find Your Legislator|first=Legislativate Data Processing|last=Center|website=The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly.|access-date=November 27, 2018}}

• Rosemary Brown, Republican, 40th district

• Ryan Mackenzie, Republican, Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district
• Robert Bresnahan, Republican, Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district

• Dave McCormick, Republican
• John Fetterman, Democratic

• Josh Shapiro, Democratic

Public transportation throughout the county is provided by the Monroe County Transit Authority (MCTA), known as the "Pocono Pony".[http://www.gomcta.com Monroe County Transit Authority]. Gomcta.com. Retrieved on August 9, 2013. MCTA operates a fixed route bus system[http://www.gomcta.com/fixedrouteroutes.php Pocono Pony Bus Routes]. Gomcta.com (June 8, 2013). Retrieved on 2013-08-09. and a paratransit curb to curb service for eligible populations.[http://www.gomcta.com/sharedride.php Monroe County Transportation Authority, The Pocono Pony's Shared Ride Service]. Gomcta.com. Retrieved on August 9, 2013.

New Jersey Transit is restoring train tracks in northwestern New Jersey along the Lackawanna Cut-off. This would, potentially, also involve the train to go to Scranton from Hoboken, which would go through the Poconos, marking the first time since the early 1970s when the Erie Lackawanna Railroad stopped running daily trains through the area.

File:2022-08-15 14 07 36 View east along Interstate 80 (Keystone Shortway) from the overpass for the ramp from Pennsylvania State Route 611 in Smithfield Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania.jpg eastbound in Monroe County]]

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}

• {{jct|state=PA|I|80}}
• {{jct|state=PA|I|380}}
• {{jct|state=PA|US|209}}
• {{jct|state=PA|US-Bus|209}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|33}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|115}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|191}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|196}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|314}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|390}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|402}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|423}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|435}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|447}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|507}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|534}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|611}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|715}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|903}}
• {{jct|state=PA|PA|940}}

{{div col end}}

{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2021}}

• East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (in East Stroudsburg)
• Northampton Community College Monroe Campus (in Tannersville)

Image:Map of Monroe County Pennsylvania School Districts.png

They are:{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st42_pa/schooldistrict_maps/c42089_monroe/DC20SD_C42089.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Monroe County, PA|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=2024-10-30}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st42_pa/schooldistrict_maps/c42089_monroe/DC20SD_C42089_SD2MS.txt Text list]

• East Stroudsburg Area School District
• Pleasant Valley School District
• Pocono Mountain School District
• Stroudsburg Area School District

• Evergreen Community Charter School, Cresco

• Monroe Career and Technical Institute, Bartonsville

• Art Learning Center, East Stroudsburg
• Character Builders Christian Academy, Pocono Pines
• Monsignor McHugh School, Cresco - Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton, **closed in 2020**{{cite web|last=Mataloni|first=Carmella|url=https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/catholic-elementary-school-to-close-in-the-poconos/523-af9076a3-8178-465f-a8af-f29f26f3687f|title=Catholic elementary school to close in the Poconos|publisher=WNEP|date=2020-05-06|access-date=2024-10-31}}
• Notre Dame Elementary School, East Stroudsburg
• Notre Dame High School, East Stroudsburg
• St Pauls Lutheran Pre-School, East Stroudsburg
• Stroudsburg 7th Day Adventists School, Stroudsburg
• Triumphant & Excellence Academy 1, East Stroudsburg
• Triumphant & Excellence Academy 2 TEA Institute, Tobyhanna
• Triumphant Living Heritage, Marshalls Creek
• Victory Baptist Christian School, Brodheadsville
• The Growing Concern Elementary School, Stroudsburg {{Cite web |title=The Growing Concern – Montessori Inspired Education |url=https://www.growingconcern.org/ |access-date=September 2, 2023 |language=en-US}}

Private schools are as reported in EdNA school database maintained and published by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2011

The Tobyhanna Army Depot, the U.S. Department of Defense's largest center for the repair and fabrication of electronic systems, is located in Monroe County.{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Spencer |title=Tobyhanna Army Depot to cut 189 jobs |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/280018301/ |access-date=December 21, 2020|work=The Morning Call |location=Allentown, Pennsylvania|date=October 20, 2010}} It was identified in 2004 as the largest employer in northeastern Pennsylvania.{{cite news |last1=Slade |first1=David |title=Bittersweet victory for depot staff |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/284383291 |access-date=December 21, 2020|work=The Morning Call |location=Allentown, Pennsylvania|date=July 9, 2004}}

File:Big Pocono State Park view south from Camelback Mountain.jpg at Camelback Mountain]]

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which "includes nearly {{convert|70,000|acre|km2}} of mountains, valleys and floodplains," is partially located in Monroe County.{{cite web |last1=Kohler |first1=Aimee |title=Pocono Photo Tour: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area |date=March 31, 2016 |url=https://www.poconomountains.com/blog/post/pocono-photo-tour-delaware-water-gap-national-recreation-area/ |publisher=Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau |access-date=October 4, 2018}} The county also has Pennsylvania state parks, such as Big Pocono State Park and parts of the Delaware State Forest, Gouldsboro State Park, and Tobyhanna State Park.{{cite web |title=State & National Parks & Forests in Pocono Mountains PA |url=https://visitpa.com/pa/pocono-mountains/outdoor-recreation/state-national-parks-forests |website=VisitPA.com |publisher=Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development |access-date=October 4, 2018}}

The Appalachian Trail passes through Monroe County. David Pierce wrote in the Pocono Record, "The {{convert|2184|mi|km|adj=on|disp=sqbr}} public footpath—from Georgia to Maine—has a particularly scenic but rugged section that straddles Monroe County’s southern border..." He stated that "trail hiking has long been an integral part of Monroe County's identity..."{{cite news |last1=Pierce |first1=David |title=31 Things That Play in the Poconos: Appalachian Trail beckons local and through hikers |url=http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20150824/news/150829720 |access-date=October 5, 2018 |work=Pocono Record |location=Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania| date=September 17, 2015}}

During the Revolutionary War in 1779, General John Sullivan marched his troops through Monroe County on their expedition to fight the Iroquois tribe in New York State.{{cite news |last1=Heffelfinger |first1=Bill |title='Sullivan's Trail' Truly Historic |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/281614546/ |access-date=December 21, 2020|work=The Morning Call |location=Allentown, Pennsylvania|date=January 14, 1968}} There are many historical markers identifying the Sullivan Trail.{{cite web |last1=Amaral |first1=Brian |title=CDs lead cars along truly historic Sullivan Trail |url=http://www.monroehistorical.org/articles_files/091109_sullivantrail.html |publisher=Monroe County Historical Association |access-date=October 5, 2018}} Sergeant Moses Fellows of the Third New Hampshire Regiment described the area as "...very poor & Barren and I think as never will Be Settled.”{{cite book |last1=Mintz |first1=Max |title=Seeds of Empire |date=1999 |publisher=New York University Press |location=New York |isbn=0-8147-5622-0 |page=[https://archive.org/details/seedsofempireame00mint/page/96 96] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/seedsofempireame00mint/page/96 }}

The Long Pond Conservation Easement has over {{convert|10,000|acre|km2}} of public access land with numerous trail systems. It's one of the most extensive public access trail systems in Monroe County.{{Cite web|url=https://scenicwilddelawareriver.com/entries/the-nature-conservancy%E2%80%99s-hauser-nature-center-long-pond-pa/5772c4ee-42e2-4d72-81ad-5ebf62fc14c1|title=The Nature Conservancy's Hauser Nature Center - Long Pond, PA | Scenic Wild Delaware River}}

Dixon Miller State Forest – this is an extensive trail system in Long Pond, PA.{{cite web|url=https://trails.dcnr.pa.gov/trails/trail/trailview?trailkey=654 |title=Dixon Miller Recreation Area |publisher=Trails.dcnr.pa.gov |date= |accessdate=February 27, 2022}}

Jonas Mountain Nature Preserve is over {{convert|300|acre|ha}} of Trail system that encompasses an old mountain ridge, and Jonas Creek.{{cite web|url=https://www.phlt.org/np-jonas-mountain.html|title = Pocono Heritage Land Trust}}

Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge has elaborate Trail systems, and public access.{{cite web|url=https://www.fws.gov/refuge/cherry_valley/|title = Home – Cherry Valley – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service| date=December 7, 2020 }}

Mount Wismer is a scenic hike in Monroe County.{{cite web|url=https://brodheadwatershed.org/mount-wismer-from-the-top/|title = Mount Wismer "from the top" – Brodhead Watershed Association|date = December 16, 2019}}

Nothstein Preserve is an elaborate wooded trail system in the Poconos {{cite news|url=https://brodheadwatershed.org/nothstein-preserve/|title = Nothstein Preserve – Brodhead Watershed Association| newspaper=Brodhead Watershed Association |date = December 16, 2019}}

Chestnut mountain nature preserve is a many acre preserve atop the Plateau.{{cite web|url=https://brodheadwatershed.org/chestnut-mountain-nature-preserve/|title = Chestnut Mountain Nature Preserve – Brodhead Watershed Association|date = December 17, 2019}}

File:Inn At Pocono Manor Pool %26 Front of Main Building.jpg

File:The Shawnee Inn.jpg]]

Two of the earliest Pocono resorts, founded by rival factions of the Philadelphia Quaker community, were located in Monroe County: Inn at Buck Hill Falls (1901) and Pocono Manor (1902).{{cite book|last1=Squeri|first1=Lawrence|title=Better in the Poconos: The Story of Pennsylvania's Vacationland|date=2002|publisher=Pennsylvania State University Press|location=University Park, PA|isbn=0271021578|pages=71–73|ref=PoconosBook}}{{cite news|title=Corvelle named assistant GM at Pocono Manor|url=http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20091011/NEWS02/910110312|access-date=September 18, 2015|work=Pocono Record|location=Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania|date=October 11, 2009|ref=PoconoManorArticle1}}{{cite news |title=Nearly Million Surgical Dressings Made by Units Soon to Stop Work |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/275185412/ |access-date=December 21, 2020| work=The Morning Call |location=Allentown, Pennsylvania|date=July 31, 1945}} These resorts did not allow liquor or dancing, and evening dress was discouraged.{{cite news|last1=Fleeson|first1=Lucinda|title=Fading Memories In The Poconos|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/169518198 |access-date=December 21, 2020| work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=September 2, 1994|ref=InquirerArticle1}} The Quakers "brought a quiet, unostentatious style to the region," but their hotels later developed from religious retreats into "luxurious mountain resorts."{{cite news |last1=Uguccioni |first1=Marilyn |title=Resort industry old-timer in the Pocono Mountains |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/44323341 |access-date=December 21, 2020 | work=The Pocono Record |date=May 29, 1976}} Buck Hill's stone facade became a model for close to 300 stately stone-and-shingle homes in the region. Pocono Manor offers sweeping vistas of the eastern and western Pocono region and has been referred to as the "Grand Lady of the Mountains."{{cite news |last1=Sulon |first1=Bill |title=Cold comfort: a trio of Pennsylvania inns |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/248529926/|access-date=December 21, 2020|work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 6, 2003}} Buck Hill closed in 1990 and the Inn at Pocono Manor was mostly destroyed by fire in 2019.{{cite news |last1=Scott |first1=Andrew |last2=Sigafoos |first2=Stephanie |title='This is heartbreaking': Wind-whipped fire destroys 117-year-old Pocono Manor resort in Monroe County |url=http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-inn-at-pocono-manor-fire-monroe-county-20191101-ikj5egrblbf63j6obuhzmwkmde-story.html |access-date=January 14, 2019 |work=The Morning Call |location=Allentown, PA|date=November 1, 2019}}

Skytop Lodge, built in 1928, is also located in Monroe County and has been described as a "Dutch Colonial-style manor house."{{cite web|url=http://www.historichotels.org/hotels-resorts/skytop-lodge/|title=Skytop Lodge|website=Historic Hotels of America|publisher=National Trust For Historic Preservation|access-date=October 3, 2015|ref=HistoricHotels}} Designed in reaction to the Quaker resorts, it had a dance floor and served liquor in a basement bar. Skytop offers thirty miles of hiking trails, and the main building "is surrounded by {{convert|5000|acre|km2}} of wood, glacial bogs, hemlock gorges, beaver marshes, and cascading waterfalls."

The Buckwood Inn opened in Monroe County in 1911 and included the first golf course to be designed by renowned golf architect A. W. Tillinghast.{{cite web |last1=Goodwin |first1=Stephen |last2=Wolffe |first2=Rick |title=The Creator of Golf Courses |url=http://www.tillinghast.net/lifetimes.shtml |publisher=The Tillinghast Association |access-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-date=September 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929203645/http://www.tillinghast.net/lifetimes.shtml |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|last1=Jesky|first1=Mike|title=Shawnee Inn: It's stately, yet inviting|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/61303628/ |access-date=December 21, 2020 | work=Standard Speaker|location=Hazleton, PA|date=October 26, 1997|ref=StandardSpeaker}}{{cite news |last1=Edelson |first1=Stephen |title=A Guide To The Best In Fall Golfing |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/146687623 |access-date=December 21, 2020 |work=Asbury Park Press |location=Asbury Park, New Jersey|date=September 2, 1999}} Bandleader Fred Waring purchased the resort in 1943, renamed it the Shawnee Inn, and broadcast his radio shows from there.Squeri (2002), p. 182 The Shawnee Inn is a Spanish colonial revival building with white-Moorish architecture and Spanish tiled roofs, and it was identified in the 1990s as the only resort on the banks of the Delaware River.{{cite book|title=Fodor's national parks and seashores of the east|date=1994|publisher=Fodor's Travel Publications|location=New York|page=164|edition=1|ref=Fodor1}}{{cite news|last1=Shea|first1=Barbara|title=Let the current set the pace at the Delaware Water Gap|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/223710464/ |access-date=December 21, 2020 |work=The Courier-News|location=Somerville, NJ|date=September 11, 1994|ref=CourierNews}}

Mount Airy Lodge, which expanded from an eight-room inn into the largest Pocono resort, was located in Monroe County. It heavily advertised in the New York media market with the catchy jingle, "Beautiful Mount Airy Lodge."{{cite news |last1=Rubinkam |first1=Michael |title=For sale at Poconos lodge: The heart-shaped tub, and lots more |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/115819812|access-date=December 21, 2020|work=The Star-Democrat |location=Easton, Maryland|date=February 27, 2005}} Headliners, such as Bob Hope, Milton Berle, and Connie Francis, performed in the Crystal Room, Mount Airy's 2,000-seat theater. Comedian Mickey Freeman said, "The food was lousy, but it was a legalized orgy." The {{convert|1200|acre|ha}} resort's heyday was in the 1960s and 1970s before closing in 2001.{{cite news |last1=Jacobs |first1=Andrew |title=The Thrills Are Over At Mount Airy Lodge |work=The New York Times |date=November 2, 2001}} In October 2007 the Mount Airy Casino Resort opened on the site.{{cite news|last1=McKinley|first1=Jesse|last2=Bagli|first2=Charles|title=In Faded Vacationland, Gambling's Promise Falls Short|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/07/nyregion/casino-bust-in-poconos-could-be-a-lesson-for-the-catskills.html?_r=1|access-date=October 8, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=November 6, 2014|ref=MountAiry1}}

As of July 2015, there were three resorts in Monroe County with indoor water parks: Great Wolf Lodge, Aquatopia at Camelback Resort, and Kalahari Resort.{{cite news|last1=Lauer-Williams|first1=Kathy|title=Water Park windfall|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/273285316/|access-date=December 21, 2020|work=The Morning Call|location=Allentown, Pennsylvania |date=July 19, 2015|ref=WaterparkArticle}}

Image:Map of Monroe County Pennsylvania With Municipal and Township Labels.png

Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, townships, and, in at most two cases, towns. The only boroughs or towns being over 15,000 in population in the 2020 Census are Coolbaugh, Middle Smithfield and Stroud.

The following cities, boroughs and townships are located in Monroe County:

• Delaware Water Gap
• East Stroudsburg
• Mount Pocono
• Stroudsburg (county seat)

{{div col|colwidth=18em}}

• Barrett
• Chestnuthill
• Coolbaugh
• Eldred
• Hamilton
• Jackson
• Middle Smithfield
• Paradise
• Pocono
• Polk
• Price
• Ross
• Smithfield
• Stroud
• Tobyhanna
• Tunkhannock

{{div col end}}

Census-designated places are geographical areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau for the purposes of compiling demographic data. They are not actual jurisdictions under Pennsylvania law.

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}

• Arlington Heights
• Brodheadsville
• Effort
• Emerald Lakes
• Gouldsboro
• Indian Mountain Lake (partially in Carbon County)
• Mountainhome
• Penn Estates
• Pocono Pines
• Saw Creek (mostly in Pike County)
• Saylorsburg
• Sierra View
• Sun Valley

{{div col end}}

{{Div col|colwidth=12em}}

• Analomink
• Appenzell
• Bartonsville
• Blakeslee
• Bossardsville
• Canadensis
• Cherry Valley
• Cresco
• Hamilton Square
• Henryville
• Jonas
• Kellersville
• Kemmertown
• Kresgeville
• Kunkletown
• Long Pond
• Marshalls Creek
• McIlhaney
• McMichaels
• Meistertown
• Neola
• Paradise Valley
• Pocono Manor
• Pocono Summit
• Reeders
• Sciota
• Scotrun
• Shawnee on Delaware
• Skytop
• Snydersvillle
• South Stroudsburg
• Swiftwater
• Tannersville
• Tobyhanna

{{div col end}}

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Monroe County.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.2010.html|title=Decennial Census of Population and Housing—by Decade|last=US Census Bureau|website=www.census.gov|language=EN-US|access-date=November 27, 2018}}

† county seat

Monroe County has three major watersheds, all of which are part of the Delaware River Watershed.{{cite web|url=http://www.delriverwatershed.org/members|title = Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed — Our Members}}

The Brodhead Watershed,{{cite web|url=https://brodheadwatershed.org/ |title=home |publisher=Brodhead Watershed Association |date= |accessdate=February 27, 2022}} the Aquashicola Pohopoco Watershed,{{cite web |url=http://www.apwc-pa.com/ |title=Home |access-date=November 25, 2021 |archive-date=November 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125041235/http://www.apwc-pa.com/ |url-status=dead }} and the Tobyhanna Tunkhannock Watershed.{{cite web|url=http://www.tctcwa.org/ |title=Tobyhanna Tunkhannock Watershe |publisher=www.tctcwa.org |date=February 7, 2021 |accessdate=February 27, 2022}}

According to the Trewartha climate classification system, the higher elevation Pocono Plateau Region of Monroe County has a Temperate Continental climate (Dc) with warm summers (b), cold winters (o) and year-around precipitation (Dcbo). Dcbo climates are characterized by at least one month having an average mean temperature ≤ {{convert|32.0|°F|1}}, four to seven months with an average mean temperature ≥ {{convert|50.0|°F|1}}, all months with an average mean temperature < {{convert|72.0|°F|1}} and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are comfortably humid on the Pocono Plateau, episodes of heat and high humidity can occur with heat index values > {{convert|92|°F|0}}. Since 1981, the highest air temperature was {{convert|93.0|°F|1}} on July 15, 1995, and the highest daily average mean dew point was {{convert|70.8|°F|1}} on January 8, 2006. July is the peak month for thunderstorm activity which correlates with the average warmest month of the year. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was {{convert|6.43|in|mm|0}} on September 30, 2010. During the winter months, the plant hardiness zone is 5b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of {{convert|-11.2|°F|1}}.{{cite web|url=https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/InteractiveMap.aspx|publisher=United States Department of Agriculture|access-date=September 9, 2019|title=USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Map|archive-date=June 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618111217/https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/InteractiveMap.aspx|url-status=dead}} Since 1981, the coldest air temperature was {{convert|-22.9|°F|1}} on January 21, 1994. Episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values < {{convert|-24|°F|0}}. The average snowiest month is January which correlates with the average coldest month of the year. Ice storms and large snowstorms depositing ≥ {{convert|12|in|cm|0}} of snow occur nearly every year, particularly during nor’easters from December through March.

{{Weather box

| width = auto

| single line = Y

|location = 4 NE Tobyhanna, Elevation {{convert|2087|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}, 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1981–2018

| Jan record high F = 60.9

| Feb record high F = 71.1

| Mar record high F = 80.3

| Apr record high F = 86.4

| May record high F = 88.9

| Jun record high F = 88.5

| Jul record high F = 93.0

| Aug record high F = 91.5

| Sep record high F = 89.1

| Oct record high F = 81.4

| Nov record high F = 74.8

| Dec record high F = 65.2

| year record high F = 93.0

| Jan high F = 29.9

| Feb high F = 33.3

| Mar high F = 41.6

| Apr high F = 54.3

| May high F = 65.4

| Jun high F = 73.2

| Jul high F = 77.5

| Aug high F = 76.0

| Sep high F = 68.9

| Oct high F = 57.3

| Nov high F = 46.1

| Dec high F = 34.3

| year high F = 54.9

| Jan mean F = 21.9

| Feb mean F = 25.0

| Mar mean F = 32.3

| Apr mean F = 44.6

| May mean F = 55.2

| Jun mean F = 63.5

| Jul mean F = 68.1

| Aug mean F = 66.8

| Sep mean F = 59.8

| Oct mean F = 48.4

| Nov mean F = 38.5

| Dec mean F = 27.3

| year mean F = 46.0

| Jan low F = 13.9

| Feb low F = 16.6

| Mar low F = 23.0

| Apr low F = 34.8

| May low F = 45.0

| Jun low F = 53.8

| Jul low F = 58.7

| Aug low F = 57.6

| Sep low F = 50.7

| Oct low F = 39.5

| Nov low F = 30.9

| Dec low F = 20.3

| year low F = 37.2

| Jan record low F = -22.9

| Feb record low F = -14.1

| Mar record low F = -9.0

| Apr record low F = 10.7

| May record low F = 27.5

| Jun record low F = 33.2

| Jul record low F = 38.1

| Aug record low F = 34.3

| Sep record low F = 28.2

| Oct record low F = 17.9

| Nov record low F = -0.7

| Dec record low F = -16.2

| year record low F = -22.9

| precipitation colour = green

| Jan precipitation inch = 3.66

| Feb precipitation inch = 3.31

| Mar precipitation inch = 4.27

| Apr precipitation inch = 4.54

| May precipitation inch = 4.67

| Jun precipitation inch = 5.13

| Jul precipitation inch = 4.78

| Aug precipitation inch = 4.32

| Sep precipitation inch = 5.14

| Oct precipitation inch = 5.31

| Nov precipitation inch = 4.44

| Dec precipitation inch = 4.25

| year precipitation inch = 53.82

| Jan snow inch = 20.9

| Feb snow inch = 15.0

| Mar snow inch = 15.6

| Apr snow inch = 3.7

| 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 = 0.1

| Nov snow inch = 3.9

| Dec snow inch = 12.5

| year snow inch = 71.7

| humidity colour = green

| Jan humidity = 76.0

| Feb humidity = 70.3

| Mar humidity = 66.5

| Apr humidity = 62.3

| May humidity = 64.9

| Jun humidity = 74.1

| Jul humidity = 74.0

| Aug humidity = 77.1

| Sep humidity = 78.5

| Oct humidity = 75.2

| Nov humidity = 74.2

| Dec humidity = 77.8

| year humidity = 72.6

| Jan dew point F = 15.5

| Feb dew point F = 16.7

| Mar dew point F = 22.4

| Apr dew point F = 32.5

| May dew point F = 43.6

| Jun dew point F = 55.1

| Jul dew point F = 59.5

| Aug dew point F = 59.4

| Sep dew point F = 53.1

| Oct dew point F = 40.9

| Nov dew point F = 31.0

| Dec dew point F = 21.3

| year dew point F = 37.7

| source = PRISM{{cite web |url=http://prism.oregonstate.edu/explorer/|title=PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University|access-date=September 9, 2019 }}}}

According to the Trewartha climate classification system, the lower elevation Ridge and Valley section of Monroe County has a Temperate Continental climate (Dc) with hot summers (a), cold winters (o) and year-around precipitation (Dcao). Dcao climates are characterized by at least one month having an average mean temperature ≤ {{convert|32.0|°F|1}}, four to seven months with an average mean temperature ≥ {{convert|50.0|°F|1}}, at least one month with an average mean temperature ≥ {{convert|72.0|°F|1}} and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are slightly humid in the Ridge and Valley, episodes of heat and high humidity can occur with heat index values > {{convert|102|°F|0}}. Since 1981, the highest air temperature was {{convert|100.3|°F|1}} on July 22, 2011, and the highest daily average mean dew point was {{convert|72.7|°F|1}} on January 8, 2006. July is the peak month for thunderstorm activity which correlates with the average warmest month of the year. The average wettest month is September which correlates with tropical storm remnants during the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was {{convert|6.36|in|mm|0}} on August 10, 2005. During the winter months, the plant hardiness zone is 6a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of {{convert|-5.4|°F|1}}. Since 1981, the coldest air temperature was {{convert|-18.0|°F|1}} on January 21, 1994. Episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values < {{convert|-17|°F|0}}. The average snowiest month is January which correlates with the average coldest month of the year. Ice storms and large snowstorms depositing ≥ {{convert|12|in|cm|0}} of snow occur once every couple of years, particularly during nor’easters from December through March.

{{Weather box

| width = auto

| single line = Y

|location = East Stroudsburg, Elevation {{convert|531|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}, 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1981–2018

| Jan record high F = 68.6

| Feb record high F = 77.0

| Mar record high F = 86.3

| Apr record high F = 94.4

| May record high F = 94.5

| Jun record high F = 95.3

| Jul record high F = 100.3

| Aug record high F = 98.7

| Sep record high F = 96.3

| Oct record high F = 87.9

| Nov record high F = 79.5

| Dec record high F = 71.1

| year record high F = 100.3

| Jan high F = 36.1

| Feb high F = 39.8

| Mar high F = 48.8

| Apr high F = 61.6

| May high F = 71.9

| Jun high F = 79.9

| Jul high F = 83.9

| Aug high F = 82.3

| Sep high F = 75.1

| Oct high F = 63.6

| Nov high F = 52.3

| Dec high F = 40.4

| year high F = 61.4

| Jan mean F = 27.0

| Feb mean F = 29.9

| Mar mean F = 37.9

| Apr mean F = 49.2

| May mean F = 59.3

| Jun mean F = 68.0

| Jul mean F = 72.4

| Aug mean F = 70.9

| Sep mean F = 63.5

| Oct mean F = 51.9

| Nov mean F = 42.3

| Dec mean F = 31.9

| year mean F = 50.4

| Jan low F = 17.9

| Feb low F = 20.1

| Mar low F = 27.0

| Apr low F = 36.9

| May low F = 46.7

| Jun low F = 56.1

| Jul low F = 60.9

| Aug low F = 59.5

| Sep low F = 51.9

| Oct low F = 40.3

| Nov low F = 32.3

| Dec low F = 23.4

| year low F = 39.5

| precipitation colour = green

| Jan record low F = -18.0

| Feb record low F = -8.6

| Mar record low F = -0.5

| Apr record low F = 14.3

| May record low F = 27.1

| Jun record low F = 36.4

| Jul record low F = 42.6

| Aug record low F = 38.0

| Sep record low F = 29.8

| Oct record low F = 19.8

| Nov record low F = 6.1

| Dec record low F = -7.1

| year record low F = -18.0

| Jan precipitation inch = 3.40

| Feb precipitation inch = 2.97

| Mar precipitation inch = 3.64

| Apr precipitation inch = 4.11

| May precipitation inch = 4.43

| Jun precipitation inch = 4.48

| Jul precipitation inch = 4.52

| Aug precipitation inch = 4.41

| Sep precipitation inch = 4.97

| Oct precipitation inch = 4.77

| Nov precipitation inch = 4.02

| Dec precipitation inch = 4.09

| year precipitation inch = 49.81

| Jan snow inch = 11.8

| Feb snow inch = 8.5

| Mar snow inch = 8.8

| Apr snow inch = 2.1

| 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 = 0.1

| Nov snow inch = 2.2

| Dec snow inch = 7.1

| year snow inch = 40.6

| humidity colour = green

| Jan humidity = 69.1

| Feb humidity = 64.3

| Mar humidity = 59.6

| Apr humidity = 57.4

| May humidity = 61.8

| Jun humidity = 68.9

| Jul humidity = 68.9

| Aug humidity = 71.7

| Sep humidity = 72.8

| Oct humidity = 71.0

| Nov humidity = 69.4

| Dec humidity = 70.5

| year humidity = 67.1

| Jan dew point F = 18.2

| Feb dew point F = 19.3

| Mar dew point F = 25.1

| Apr dew point F = 34.8

| May dew point F = 46.2

| Jun dew point F = 57.4

| Jul dew point F = 61.6

| Aug dew point F = 61.3

| Sep dew point F = 54.6

| Oct dew point F = 42.8

| Nov dew point F = 33.0

| Dec dew point F = 23.4

| year dew point F = 39.9

|source 1 = PRISM}}

Long Pond is an inland freshwater wetland.{{cite web|url=https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/StateGameLands/Documents/SGL%20Maps/SGL__038.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929145319/https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/StateGameLands/Documents/SGL%20Maps/SGL__038.pdf |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |url-status=live|title = Error}}{{Cite web |title=A Natural Areas Inventory of Monroe County, Pennsylvania |url=https://www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us/cnai_pdfs/monroe%20county%20nai%201991_1999.pdf |access-date=September 1, 2023 |website=www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us}}

The Nature Conservancy's Hauser Nature Center is a destination for hiking and ecological tourism in Long Pond.{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/long-pond-preserve-and-hauser-nature-center/|title = Long Pond Preserve and Hauser Nature Center}}

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, the higher elevation Pocono Plateau Region of Monroe County would have a dominant vegetation type of Northern Hardwood (106) with a dominant vegetation form of Northern hardwood forest (26).{{cite web|url=https://databasin.org/datasets/1c7a301c8e6843f2b4fe63fdb3a9fe39|access-date= September 9, 2019|title=U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions)}} The peak spring bloom typically occurs in early-May and peak fall color usually occurs in early-October. The plant hardiness zone is 5b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of {{convert|-11.2|°F|1}}.

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, the lower elevation Ridge and Valley section of Monroe County would have a dominant vegetation type of Appalachian Oak (104) with a dominant vegetation form of Eastern Hardwood Forest (25). The peak spring bloom typically occurs in late-April and peak fall color usually occurs in mid-October. The plant hardiness zone is 6a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of {{convert|-5.4|°F|1}}.

Located in the vicinity of Big Pocono State Park, Blakeslee, and Long pond. The Glacial Till Barrens are best exeplified by the Long Pond Conservation Easement. Which has public access trail systems. Glacial Till Barrens are found in Dixon Miller State Forest, and within the Bethlehem Authority property. One of the only such ecosystems in the entire state of Pennsylvania. The Glacial till barrens are mesic (meaning moist), and yet have species that are more typical of far northern climates.{{Cite web |title=Barrens Habitat |url=https://www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/HabitatManagement/Documents/Barrens_Chapter.pdf |access-date=September 1, 2023 |website=www.pgc.pa.gov}}

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Monroe County, Pennsylvania

{{Notelist}}{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{commons category}}

{{Geographic Location

|Centre = Monroe County, Pennsylvania

|North = Wayne County

|Northeast = Pike County, Sussex County, New Jersey

|East = Warren County, New Jersey

|South = Northampton County

|West = Carbon County

|Northwest = Luzerne County, Lackawanna County

}}

{{Monroe County, Pennsylvania}}

{{New York metropolitan area}}

{{Pennsylvania}}

{{Authority control}}

{{coord|41.06|-75.34|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-PA_source:UScensus1990}}

Category:1836 establishments in Pennsylvania

Category:Counties in the New York metropolitan area

Category:Northeastern Pennsylvania

Category:Pocono Mountains

Category:Populated places established in 1836