Which is the least populated city in the U.S.? Check History, Map and More

The United States is home to sprawling metropolises like New York City and Los Angeles, but hidden in its vast rural heartlands are towns that barely register on the population chart. While many cities boast millions of residents, some places are on the brink of becoming ghost towns, with only a handful or even just one resident keeping the town alive. These ultra-small towns often make headlines not for their size, but for their resilience, unique history, and the sheer willpower of those who choose to remain behind when everyone else has left.

Among all the incorporated cities and villages across the nation, one holds a particularly extraordinary distinction: it has only one official resident, who serves not only as the town’s mayor but also its librarian, bartender, and treasurer. This living symbol of endurance and independence has turned her remote village into a local curiosity and a national icon.

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What is the name of the least populated city in America?

The title of the least populated incorporated city in the United States goes to Monowi, a tiny village located in Boyd County, Nebraska. Despite being home to just one person, it remains an officially incorporated village, complete with a functioning government and public services, which are all run by the same person: Elsie Eiler.

How did Monowi come into existence?

Monowi was officially platted in 1903 when the Mason, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad expanded into the area. The village was named “Monowi,” believed to mean "flower" in an unidentified Native American language, due to the abundance of wildflowers in the region. A post office was established in 1902 and served the town until it shut down in 1967.

At its peak during the 1930s, Monowi was home to around 150 residents. However, like many small towns in rural America, it gradually lost its population as younger generations moved to cities in search of better job opportunities and urban lifestyles.

Who lives in Monowi today?

Elsie Eiler, born in 1933, is the sole resident of Monowi. She lived in the town with her husband, Rudy Eiler, until he died in 2004. Since then, she has remained the only resident. Despite being alone, Elsie continues to keep Monowi alive by performing all the functions of a municipal government. She renews her liquor license, files annual paperwork, and submits road plans to qualify for state funding to maintain the village’s four streetlights.

She also runs the Monowi Tavern, a local bar that serves as a gathering spot for travelers and curious tourists. Adjacent to the bar is Rudy’s Library, a collection of over 5,000 books established in memory of her late husband.

What made Monowi famous?

Monowi gained national and international attention after the 2010 census confirmed it had a population of just one. It has since been featured in commercials for brands like Arby’s and Prudential Financial. In 2018, the village was used as the starting point for creating the largest advertisement poster in the world.

The story of Monowi and Elsie Eiler has been widely covered by media outlets and remains a fascinating example of resilience, devotion to heritage, and the quirks of census data. Interestingly, the 2020 census listed Monowi’s population as two, but officials later clarified that this was a result of “differential privacy”, a technique used to protect respondent anonymity by slightly altering the data.

What are the geographical details of Monowi?

Monowi spans just 0.21 square miles (0.54 square kilometers) and is located in northeastern Nebraska, between the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers. The nearest town, Lynch, is about 7 miles away, while Omaha, the state’s largest city, is nearly 195 miles to the southeast. Despite its small size and population, Monowi remains an incorporated village and continues to hold its place on the map.

Source: worldatlas.com

Is Monowi still part of a school district?

Yes, the area falls under the Boyd County Public Schools district, following the 2017 consolidation of the Lynch Public Schools district. However, given that there are no school-aged children in Monowi, the village does not contribute any students to the district.

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Conclusion

Monowi’s story is a unique chapter in the broader narrative of America’s rural towns. Though nearly deserted, it survives through the determination of one woman who refuses to let it fade into obscurity. While the rest of the country grows and changes, Monowi stands still, quiet, persistent, and proud.