Cities and Towns in Monroe County, Iowa

Founded on Feb 17, 1843, Monroe County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Monroe County was formed from Wapello County. The city of Albia is the county seat. With FIPS code of 135, Monroe County has a population of 7,610 and area of 433 square miles (1,121 km²).

List of all cities in Monroe County, IA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Albia, IA	52531	641
Avery, IA	52531	641
Georgetown, IA	52531	641
Hiteman, IA	52531	641
Lovilia, IA	50150	641
Melrose, IA	52569	641
Weller, IA	50150	641

Major Cities and Towns in Monroe County, Iowa

Albia

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 3.19 square miles
• Population: Approximately 3,700 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 52531
• Latitude: 41.0264° N
• Longitude: 92.8056° W

City Location and History

Albia, the county seat of Monroe County, is located in southeastern Iowa, along the Chariton River. Founded in 1846, the city became a key center for coal mining in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Albia grew rapidly due to its position near coal deposits, with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad playing a vital role in transporting coal from the mines to larger markets. In its heyday, the city was home to a thriving coal industry, and this history is still reflected in many of the city’s preserved historic buildings. Today, Albia maintains its small-town charm, with agriculture and local industries forming the backbone of its economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Albia is served by the Albia Community School District, which includes Albia High School. Notable landmarks in Albia include the historic Monroe County Courthouse, an impressive Romanesque Revival structure built in 1902 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Albia Public Library and the Monroe County Historical Museum preserve the city’s rich history. The city is also known for its well-preserved Victorian homes and the annual Albia Restoration Days festival, which celebrates the town’s historical heritage with parades, live music, and community events.

Lovilia

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.36 square miles
• Population: Approximately 530 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 50150
• Latitude: 41.1253° N
• Longitude: 92.9006° W

City Location and History

Lovilia is a small town located in the northern part of Monroe County. Established in the late 1800s, Lovilia grew primarily as a coal mining town, with the industry playing a significant role in its early development. The town’s location along the rail lines helped transport coal to other parts of Iowa and beyond. Lovilia experienced population growth during the peak of the coal mining era but has since become a quieter rural community. Today, Lovilia is known for its agricultural surroundings, with farming being the mainstay of its local economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lovilia is part of the Albia Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Albia. One of the town’s key landmarks is the St. Peter’s Catholic Church, which has served as a religious and social center for the community for over a century. Lovilia City Park provides recreational spaces for residents, and the town hosts annual events such as the Lovilia Labor Day Celebration, which includes parades, games, and local vendors. The town’s close-knit community, rural charm, and deep historical ties to Iowa’s coal mining past make it a welcoming place to live.

Eddyville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.93 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,000 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 52553
• Latitude: 41.1606° N
• Longitude: 92.6347° W

City Location and History

Eddyville is a town located on the northeastern border of Monroe County, extending into neighboring Wapello and Mahaska counties. Founded in 1840, Eddyville is one of the older settlements in the region, having originally developed as a river town along the Des Moines River. The river played a critical role in the town’s early growth, facilitating trade and transportation. Over time, Eddyville transitioned into an agricultural community, with corn, soybeans, and livestock farming becoming its economic foundation. The town also benefited from its proximity to railroads, which helped establish it as a trading hub in the late 19th century.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Eddyville is part of the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District, with Eddyville-Blakesburg High School serving local students. Notable landmarks in Eddyville include the Des Moines River, which provides recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. The town’s historical district features several well-preserved 19th-century buildings that reflect its past as a river trading town. Nearby, the Eveland Access offers camping, hiking, and scenic views along the river. Eddyville’s rich history, combined with its agricultural setting and outdoor recreational opportunities, makes it a vibrant and scenic community.

Melrose

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.20 square miles
• Population: Approximately 110 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 52569
• Latitude: 40.9803° N
• Longitude: 93.0461° W

City Location and History

Melrose is a small town located in the southwestern part of Monroe County. Founded in the 1860s, Melrose has a rich Irish heritage, with many of its early settlers coming from Ireland. Known as “Iowa’s Little Ireland,” the town has maintained its cultural ties to its Irish roots, which are reflected in its community traditions and festivals. Historically, Melrose developed as a farming community, and agriculture continues to play a significant role in the town’s economy. Although small, Melrose is known for its strong community spirit and historical significance.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Melrose is part of the Albia Community School District, with students attending schools in Albia. A key landmark in the town is St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, a central gathering place for the community and a symbol of its Irish heritage. The town celebrates its Irish roots with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which draws visitors from the surrounding area. Melrose also features several historic homes and buildings that date back to its founding. The town’s small size, close-knit community, and strong cultural identity make it a unique and welcoming place to live.

Georgetown

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 50 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 52531 (shares with Albia)
• Latitude: 41.0350° N
• Longitude: 92.9631° W

City Location and History

Georgetown is an unincorporated community located in western Monroe County. It was established in the mid-19th century by Irish immigrants who brought their Catholic faith and traditions with them. Georgetown quickly became a religious and cultural center for Irish settlers in the region. The town has remained small, but its history is rich, particularly due to the presence of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, which has stood as the heart of the community for over 150 years. Farming and livestock have traditionally been the main economic activities for the area surrounding Georgetown.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Georgetown is also served by the Albia Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Albia. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, built in 1860, is the central landmark of the community and is known for its Gothic Revival architecture. The church hosts an annual pilgrimage, drawing visitors from across the state to celebrate Mass and reflect on the area’s history. The adjacent cemetery holds the graves of many of the town’s early Irish settlers. Though small, Georgetown’s historical and cultural significance, particularly within Iowa’s Irish-Catholic community, is still deeply felt today.