Cities and Towns in Monroe County, Missouri

Founded in 1831, Monroe County is one of 114 counties in the state of Missouri. Historically, Monroe County was formed from Ralls County. The city of Paris is the county seat. With FIPS code of 137, Monroe County has a population of 8,712 and area of 646 square miles (1,673 km²).

List of all cities in Monroe County, MO alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Ash, MO	65263	660
Florida, MO	65283	573
Goss, MO	65275	660
Granville, MO	65275	660
Hassard, MO	63456	573
Holliday, MO	65258	660
Indian Creek, MO	63456	573
Madison, MO	65263	660
Middle Grove, MO	65263	660
Monroe City, MO	63456	573
Paris, MO	65275	660
Santa Fe, MO	65282	573
Stoutsville, MO	65283	573
Strother, MO	65275	660
Woodlawn, MO	65263	660

Major Cities and Towns in Monroe County, Missouri

Paris

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.89 sq mi
• Population: 1,300 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 65275
• Latitude: 39.3271° N
• Longitude: 91.9181° W

Location and History

Paris, the county seat of Monroe County, Missouri, is located in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 30 miles south of Hannibal. Established in 1820, the city was named after Paris, France, due to the early settlers’ admiration for the French capital. Paris became a significant trading post and settlement as settlers moved westward during the early 19th century. The city’s location along the Salt River contributed to its growth as an agricultural hub, with corn, tobacco, and hemp being major crops in the area. Throughout the Civil War, Paris was divided in its loyalties, with local tensions between Unionists and Confederate sympathizers. Post-war, Paris developed as a quiet rural town, but with a strong emphasis on education, commerce, and agriculture. Today, the town remains a charming, small rural community with a population that largely supports the surrounding farming economy. It retains much of its historical architecture and is known for its close-knit community and scenic rural landscapes.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Paris is served by the Paris R-II School District, which includes Paris High School and Paris Elementary School. The district focuses on providing a high-quality education with both academic programs and extracurricular activities, including athletics. The Monroe County Historical Society Museum in Paris preserves the rich history of the area, including artifacts from the Civil War era and local agricultural history. One of the most notable landmarks in Paris is the Monroe County Courthouse, a beautiful structure that was built in 1896 and is still in use today. Additionally, the nearby Salt River offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as fishing and canoeing, attracting nature enthusiasts to the region. The town also hosts the annual Paris Fair, a celebration of local agriculture, crafts, and community traditions.

Maddox

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.21 sq mi
• Population: 100 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 65275
• Latitude: 39.2114° N
• Longitude: 91.7792° W

Location and History

Maddox is a small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Monroe County. Established in the 19th century, Maddox was originally a rural farming settlement. It developed during the same time that railroads were expanding across Missouri, although the town never grew as large as some of the nearby cities. The name “Maddox” is believed to have been derived from one of the early settlers in the area, though the full history of the name is uncertain. In its prime, Maddox had a post office, general store, and a few homes, but over the years, it became more of a rural outpost. Its location along the southern portion of Monroe County allowed it to stay relatively isolated, but it has always remained a part of the region’s agricultural community. Today, Maddox remains a small, quiet village with a few homes, and while it no longer has the bustling businesses it once had, it still holds historical significance as part of the county’s early development.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Maddox is part of the Monroe City R-I School District, which provides educational opportunities to the surrounding rural areas. The nearest schools to Maddox are Monroe City High School and Monroe City Elementary. The community’s small size means there are fewer specific landmarks, but it is in close proximity to the larger city of Paris, where people from Maddox typically travel for shopping, services, and events. The Salt River, located nearby, is a major recreational feature of the region and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and outdoor activities. Though Maddox itself has few prominent landmarks, it is steeped in the agricultural traditions of Monroe County, with the rolling hills and farmland around it reflecting the rural charm of the area. The nearby city of Monroe City offers a more vibrant community with parks, local businesses, and cultural landmarks.

Stoutsville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.64 sq mi
• Population: 200 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 65283
• Latitude: 39.3655° N
• Longitude: 91.8767° W

Location and History

Stoutsville is a small village located in the western part of Monroe County, about 12 miles southwest of Paris. The town was founded in the early 19th century and was named after an early settler, Daniel Stout, who established a farm in the area. As a farming community, Stoutsville has long been known for its rich agricultural lands, particularly for the cultivation of crops like corn and soybeans. During its early years, Stoutsville served as a trading post for the surrounding farming communities. Like many small towns in Missouri, it grew slowly over time, benefiting from its proximity to the larger city of Paris. However, Stoutsville has maintained a more rural character, with a small population and a focus on farming as the primary economic activity. The town saw a slow decline in population in the mid-20th century as many young residents moved to larger cities for work, but it remains a peaceful rural community with strong ties to its agricultural heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Stoutsville is served by the Monroe City R-I School District, and students typically attend schools in nearby Monroe City. Monroe City High School and Monroe City Elementary School are the primary institutions for students in the area. Stoutsville itself does not have many major landmarks, but the town is situated near the scenic Salt River, which provides a natural resource for outdoor recreation. The local countryside, with its gently rolling hills and expansive farmland, is a major feature of the area. Visitors to Stoutsville can enjoy the peaceful, rural atmosphere, with local farms offering opportunities to experience traditional Missouri agriculture. Stoutsville remains an integral part of Monroe County’s agricultural economy, with its historical roots firmly planted in the rural lifestyle. Though the town is small and quiet, it plays an important role in the broader community fabric of Monroe County, which is known for its rich farming heritage.