Cities and Towns in Monroe County, Florida
Founded in 1823, Monroe County is one of 67 counties in the state of Florida. Historically, Monroe County was formed from St. Johns. The city of Key West is the county seat. With FIPS code of 87, Monroe County has a population of 82,170 and area of 997 square miles (2,582 km²).
List of all cities in Monroe County, FL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Big Pine Key, FL | 33043 | 305/786 |
| Big Torch Key, FL | 33042 | 305/786 |
| Conch Key, FL | 33001 | 305/786 |
| 33050 | 305/786 | |
| Cross Key, FL | 33037 | 305/786 |
| Cudjoe Key, FL | 33042 | 305/786 |
| Duck Key, FL | 33050 | 305/786 |
| East Rockland Key, FL | 33040 | 305/786 |
| Fiesta Key, FL | 33001 | 305/786 |
| Fort Jefferson National Mon, FL | 33040 | 305/786 |
| Grassy Key, FL | 33050 | 305/786 |
| Islamorada, FL | 33036 | 305/786 |
| 33070 | 305/786 | |
| Key Colony Beach, FL | 33051 | 305/786 |
| Key Largo, FL | 33037 | 305/786 |
| Key West, FL | 33040 | 305/786 |
| 33041 | 305/786 | |
| 33045 | 305/786 | |
| Key West Naval Air Station, FL | 33040 | 305/786 |
| Layton, FL | 33001 | 305/786 |
| Little Torch Key, FL | 33042 | 305/786 |
| Long Key, FL | 33001 | 305/786 |
| Lower Matecumbe Key, FL | 33036 | 305/786 |
| Lower Sugarloaf Key, FL | 33042 | 305/786 |
| Marathon, FL | 33050 | 305/786 |
| 33051 | 305/786 | |
| 33052 | 305/786 | |
| Marathon Shores, FL | 33050 | 305/786 |
| 33052 | 305/786 | |
| Matecumbe Key, FL | 33036 | 305/786 |
| Middle Torch Key, FL | 33042 | 305/786 |
| Munson Island, FL | 33040 | 305/786 |
| Naval Air Station Unit 2, FL | 33040 | 305/786 |
| No Name Key, FL | 33043 | 305/786 |
| Ocean Reef Club, FL | 33037 | 305/786 |
| Plantation Key, FL | 33036 | 305/786 |
| 33070 | 305/786 | |
| Raccoon Key, FL | 33040 | 305/786 |
| Ramrod Key, FL | 33042 | 305/786 |
| Stock Island, FL | 33040 | 305/786 |
| 33041 | 305/786 | |
| Sugarloaf, FL | 33042 | 305/786 |
| Sugarloaf Key, FL | 33042 | 305/786 |
| Sugarloaf Shrs, FL | 33042 | 305/786 |
| Summerland Key, FL | 33042 | 305/786 |
| 33043 | 305/786 | |
| Tavernier, FL | 33070 | 305/786 |
| Upper Key Largo, FL | 33037 | 305/786 |
| Upper Matecumbe Key, FL | 33036 | 305/786 |
| Upper Sugarloaf Key, FL | 33042 | 305/786 |
| Upr Sugarloaf, FL | 33042 | 305/786 |
| Venetian Shores, FL | 33036 | 305/786 |
| Windley Key, FL | 33036 | 305/786 |
Major Cities and Towns in Monroe County, Florida
Key West
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 7.21 square miles
- Population: Approximately 26,444 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 33040, 33041, 33045
- Latitude: 24.5551° N
- Longitude: 81.7800° W
Location and History
Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States, located at the end of the Florida Keys, about 90 miles north of Cuba. The city was originally inhabited by the Calusa and later became a Spanish territory before being ceded to the United States in 1821. Key West grew rapidly in the 19th century as a hub for shipwreck salvaging, fishing, and cigar manufacturing. Its strategic location made it an important naval base during the Civil War and both World Wars. The city is known for its unique blend of cultural influences, including Caribbean, Cuban, and Spanish elements, which are reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals. Key West’s vibrant history, artistic community, and stunning sunsets have made it a popular tourist destination.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Key West is served by the Monroe County School District, with notable schools including Key West High School and Horace O’Bryant School. The city is also home to the Florida Keys Community College, offering a variety of academic programs. Major landmarks in Key West include the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the famous author lived and wrote many of his works, and the Southernmost Point Buoy, a popular tourist spot marking the southernmost point in the continental United States. The historic Old Town district is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, including the iconic Conch-style houses. The Key West Lighthouse and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum are also significant attractions, showcasing the city’s maritime history. Key West’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and cultural vibrancy makes it the central city in Monroe County.
Marathon
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 9.64 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,297 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 33050, 33052
- Latitude: 24.7260° N
- Longitude: 81.0514° W
Location and History
Marathon is a city located in the middle of the Florida Keys, spanning several islands from Knight’s Key to Long Key. The city was incorporated in 1999, but its history dates back to the early 20th century when it was developed as a base for the construction of the Overseas Railroad by Henry Flagler. The name “Marathon” is believed to have been inspired by the grueling pace of work required to build the railroad across the Keys. Marathon quickly became a center for tourism and fishing, attracting visitors with its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and sportfishing opportunities. Today, Marathon is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, marine conservation efforts, and as a gateway to the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Marathon is served by the Monroe County School District, with Marathon Middle High School being the primary educational institution in the city. Major landmarks in Marathon include the Dolphin Research Center, a non-profit facility that offers interactive programs with dolphins and sea lions, and the Turtle Hospital, dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured sea turtles. The nearby Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, with its white sandy shores and clear waters. The Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world, connects Marathon to the Lower Keys and is an iconic symbol of the Florida Keys. The city’s annual events, such as the Marathon Seafood Festival, celebrate the local culture and cuisine. Marathon’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and natural attractions makes it a key city in Monroe County.
Key Largo
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 12.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 12,447 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 33037
- Latitude: 25.0865° N
- Longitude: 80.4473° W
Location and History
Key Largo is the northernmost of the Florida Keys, located about an hour’s drive from Miami. Known as the “Diving Capital of the World,” Key Largo is famous for its coral reefs and marine life, making it a popular destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and sportfishing. The area was first settled in the early 19th century and developed as a fishing and farming community. The construction of the Overseas Highway in the 1930s transformed Key Largo into a tourist destination, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and proximity to Miami. The name “Key Largo” comes from the Spanish word “Cayo Largo,” meaning “long island,” reflecting its shape and size.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Key Largo is served by the Monroe County School District, with Key Largo School being the primary educational institution in the area. Major landmarks in Key Largo include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States, offering opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours. The nearby Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects the coral reefs and marine habitats that are crucial to the area’s ecology. The African Queen, a historic steamboat made famous by the 1951 movie of the same name, is also located in Key Largo and offers scenic cruises along the canals. The city’s annual events, such as the Key Largo Original Music Festival, celebrate the local culture and music scene. Key Largo’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and natural attractions makes it an important community in Monroe County.
Islamorada
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 6.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,107 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 33036
- Latitude: 24.9247° N
- Longitude: 80.6270° W
Location and History
Islamorada, known as the “Village of Islands,” is a village located in the Upper Florida Keys, spanning five islands: Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, and Indian Key. The village was incorporated in 1997, but its history dates back to the early 20th century when it was a hub for the fishing industry. The name “Islamorada” comes from the Spanish words “Isla Morada,” meaning “purple island,” a reference to the island’s colorful sunsets and coral reefs. Islamorada has long been a popular destination for sportfishing, and it is known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World.” The village’s location along the Overseas Highway makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the Florida Keys.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Islamorada is served by the Monroe County School District, with the Plantation Key School serving the local community. Major landmarks in Islamorada include the Theater of the Sea, a marine mammal park where visitors can swim with dolphins, sea lions, and stingrays, and the History of Diving Museum, which showcases the evolution of underwater exploration. The nearby Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is a preserved tropical forest that offers guided tours and nature trails. The village’s annual events, such as the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, attract fishing enthusiasts from around the world. The Hurricane Monument, dedicated to the victims of the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, is another significant landmark that reflects the village’s history and resilience. Islamorada’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and natural beauty makes it an important village in Monroe County.
Big Pine Key
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 9.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,252 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 33043
- Latitude: 24.6695° N
- Longitude: 81.3545° W
Location and History
Big Pine Key is one of the larger islands in the Lower Florida Keys, located about 30 miles from Key West. The island is known for its natural beauty and is home to the National Key Deer Refuge, a protected area established to preserve the endangered Key deer, a small species of deer unique to the Florida Keys. Big Pine Key developed as a quiet, residential community with a focus on conservation and outdoor recreation. The island’s location near the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge and the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary makes it a popular destination for nature lovers and divers. Big Pine Key’s history is closely tied to its natural environment, and the community has worked to protect its unique ecosystems while welcoming visitors to enjoy its scenic landscapes.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Big Pine Key is served by the Monroe County School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby Marathon or Key West. Major landmarks in Big Pine Key include the National Key Deer Refuge, which offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and educational programs on the conservation of the Key deer and other local species. The Blue Hole, a former limestone quarry, is another popular spot for wildlife observation, attracting alligators, birds, and fish. The nearby Bahia Honda State Park is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and camping. The island’s annual events, such as the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival, celebrate the local culture and cuisine. Big Pine Key’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and natural beauty makes it an important community in Monroe County.
Map of Cities in Monroe County, FL
