Monroe County, Iowa

Monroe County
The courthouse in Albia is on the NRHP
Location within the U.S. state of Iowa
Iowa's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 41°01′42″N 92°52′12″W / 41.028333333333°N 92.87°W / 41.028333333333; -92.87
Country United States
State Iowa
Founded1843
SeatAlbia
Largest cityAlbia
Area
  Total
434 sq mi (1,120 km2)
  Land434 sq mi (1,120 km2)
  Water0.6 sq mi (2 km2)  0.1%
Population
 (2020)
  Total
7,577
  Estimate 
(2023)
7,504
  Density17/sq mi (6.7/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
  Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district3rd
Websitemonroecounty.iowa.gov

Monroe County is a county located in the south central part of the U.S. state of Iowa. In the early 20th century, it was a center of bituminous coal mining and in 1910 had a population of more than 25,000. As mining declined, people moved elsewhere for work. In the 2020 census, the population was 7,577. The county seat is Albia. The county, originally called Kishkekosh County after a famous chief of the Meskwaki, was renamed for James Monroe, fifth President of the United States.