The Region

Located in the most southeastern corner of Michigan with the state’s only commercial port on Lake Erie, Monroe County is supported by a diversified economy, serving as home to many industries and a mix of retail, agricultural and commercial businesses.

Established in July, 1817, Monroe County is situated directly between Detroit to the north and Toledo, Ohio to the south, with close proximity to cities like Ann Arbor and Windsor, Ontario.  Nearly 160,000 people reside in the county; the regional population is about 5 million. The lakeshore offers many fishing and boating opportunities and harbors North America’s only International Wildlife Refuge.  

Monroe County is characterized by urban and industrial development along its eastern shoreline, and agriculture in its western sector. It has two coal-fired power plants and one nuclear power plant.  It is home to the world headquarters of La-Z-Boy Inc. and Tenneco Automotive. 

Safety, nationally acclaimed schools and friendly neighbors are some of the reasons people want to raise their families in Monroe County, which is known for its small-town atmosphere with easy access to the metropolitan markets.  It offers a pleasant mix of urban and rural surroundings, and its well-defined transportation system of roads, freeways, airports, rail lines and the port make it ideal for economic development.