Monroe county is in the Pennyrile region of Kentucky. The elevation in the county ranges from 495 to 1141 feet above sea level.

It was formed in 1820 from Barren and Cumberland counties. Monroe county was a source of Metcalfe (1860) county. The county seat is Tompkinsville.

In 2020 the county population was 11,338 in a land area of 329.37 square miles, an average of 34.4 people per square mile.

The equine population was 1,300 in the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey.

Monroe county is in the Barren River Area Development District. It is in the Appalachian region according to the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Monroe county was named for James Monroe, who was President of the United States when it was formed.

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© 2025 David C. Elbon