Monowi

Monowi is a unique village in Boyd County, Nebraska, United States, notable for being the smallest incorporated municipality in the country by population. As of the latest data, Monowi has a population of just one, making it the only incorporated town, village, or city in the United States with a single resident. The village covers an area of 0.21 square miles (0.54 km²), all land.
== History ==
Monowi was founded in the early 20th century during a boom period when the nearby railroad brought economic prosperity to the region. The town's population peaked in the 1930s with around 150 residents. Over the decades, the population steadily declined as younger residents moved to larger cities for better opportunities.
== Geography ==
Monowi is located in northern Nebraska, near the South Dakota border. The geography surrounding the village is primarily rural farmland, characteristic of the Great Plains region.
== Economy ==
Historically, Monowi's economy was primarily based on agriculture, like many other rural Midwestern towns. Today, it garners a modest amount of tourism due to its unique status.
== Demographics ==
As of 2020, Monowi’s sole resident is Elsie Eiler, who serves as the mayor, clerk, treasurer, and librarian. Eiler also runs the Monowi Tavern, a local bar that draws visitors and media attention from around the world intrigued by the village’s distinctive character.
== Government ==
Given its population, Monowi's local government is minimal. Elsie Eiler manages all necessary municipal functions, including filing annual taxes, generating a municipal road plan, and maintaining village finances. The village's "city hall" is essentially the Monowi Tavern.
== Infrastructure ==
Monowi maintains basic infrastructure. The village has roads and is connected to local water and power supplies. There is no need for extensive municipal services due to the tiny population.
== Education ==
There are no schools in Monowi. Historically, children from the village attended schools in nearby towns.
== Culture ==
Monowi has gained cultural significance due to its status as the smallest incorporated municipality in the United States. It has been featured in numerous newspapers, television shows, and documentaries, highlighting its singularity and the resilience of its sole resident.
== Notable Events ==
The unique demographic situation of Monowi makes it a frequent subject of curiosity and study regarding rural depopulation and community sustainability. Elsie Eiler’s role as the lone resident and caretaker of Monowi has also brought attention to issues of aging in isolated communities.
Monowi exemplifies the extreme end of rural depopulation in the United States, serving as both a cultural curiosity and a symbol of the changing dynamics in rural America.
Category:Villages
Category:Nebraska