| Admin District | Male | Male % | Female | Female % | Total | % of County |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paynesville Township | 298,858 | 48.4% | 318,634 | 51.6% | 617,492 | 32.1% |
| St. Paul River | 85,174 | 49.4% | 87,210 | 50.6% | 172,384 | 9.0% |
| Greater Monrovia | 81,659 | 50.4% | 80,232 | 49.6% | 161,891 | 8.4% |
| Gardnersville Township | 62,270 | 48.8% | 65,296 | 51.2% | 127,566 | 6.6% |
| Garglohn Township | 63,432 | 50.2% | 62,849 | 49.8% | 126,281 | 6.6% |
| Johnsonville Township | 54,642 | 48.4% | 58,285 | 51.6% | 112,927 | 5.9% |
| Caldwell Township | 54,055 | 48.2% | 58,111 | 51.8% | 112,166 | 5.8% |
| New Georgia Township | 49,017 | 49.1% | 50,828 | 50.9% | 99,845 | 5.2% |
| Congo Town Township | 44,161 | 48.2% | 47,471 | 51.8% | 91,632 | 4.8% |
| Borough of New Kru Town | 35,724 | 49.8% | 36,015 | 50.2% | 71,739 | 3.7% |
| Barnersville Township | 31,254 | 47.7% | 34,239 | 52.3% | 65,493 | 3.4% |
| Careysburg | 27,611 | 49.9% | 27,673 | 50.1% | 55,284 | 2.9% |
| Todee | 25,754 | 52.2% | 23,607 | 47.8% | 49,361 | 2.6% |
| West Point Township | 15,915 | 51.6% | 14,932 | 48.4% | 30,847 | 1.6% |
| Louisana Township | 13,033 | 50.1% | 13,024 | 49.9% | 26,057 | 1.4% |
| Total | 942,559 | 49.1% | 978,406 | 50.9% | 1,920,965 | 100.0% |
Source: 2022 Liberia Population and Housing Census — LISGIS Final Results as published on LiberiaData.com. All figures verified: 942,559 + 978,406 = 1,920,965 ✓.
Source: LISGIS 2022 Census via liberiadata.com. County total: 1,920,965. Paynesville alone holds 32.1% of the county population.
| County | Montserrado |
| Year Established | 1847 — one of Liberia’s three original counties at independence |
| Capital | Monrovia — national capital of Liberia |
| Largest City | Paynesville (617,492 — largest city in Liberia by population) |
| Population (2022) | 1,920,965 — 942,559 males (49.1%) / 978,406 females (50.9%) |
| Area | 1,908km² (737 sq mi) |
| Population Density | 1,007 persons/km² — most densely populated county in Liberia |
| Admin. Districts | 15 — Paynesville Twp., St. Paul River, Greater Monrovia, Gardnersville Twp., Garglohn Twp., Johnsonville Twp., Caldwell Twp., New Georgia Twp., Congo Town Twp., New Kru Town, Barnersville Twp., Careysburg, Todee, West Point Twp., Louisana Twp. |
| Electoral Districts | 17 — the highest of any county in Liberia |
| % of National Population | 36.6% of 5,250,187 — more than 1 in 3 Liberians lives in Montserrado |
| Sex Ratio | 96.3 males per 100 females — one of the lowest in Liberia (female majority) |
| Population Growth (2008–2022) | +71.8% (from 1,118,241) |
| Urbanization Rate | >95% — the most urban county in Liberia |
| Senators (2024) | Abraham Z. Darius Dillon (Senior); Fomba Kanneh (Junior) |
| Bordered By | Bomi (NW), Grand Bassa (E), Margibi (E/SE), Atlantic Ocean (S/W) |
| Primary Data Source | LISGIS 2022 Population and Housing Census via liberiadata.com/district/montserrado-districts-administrative/ |
All population figures are from the 2022 LISGIS Census as published on LiberiaData.com. Montserrado’s defining demographic feature is its extreme female majority across most districts: 12 of 15 districts have female majorities, with only Greater Monrovia (50.4% male), Todee (52.2% male), and West Point Township (51.6% male) having male majorities. Barnersville Township has the strongest female majority (52.3%).
Paynesville is not only the largest administrative district in Montserrado but the largest city in Liberia by population, holding 32.1% of the county’s total alone — and 11.8% of Liberia’s entire national population. An urban municipality northeast of Monrovia connected to the capital via Red Light junction, Paynesville has grown from a suburban overflow area to a dense urban sprawl encompassing communities like Red Light, Salvation Army, Somalia Drive, GSA Road, and ELWA Junction. Female majority: 51.6% female / 48.4% male. Covered by EDs 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Paynesville’s extraordinary population — 617,492 in 2022 — reflects decades of rapid urbanisation driven by civil war displacement, post-war rural-to-urban migration, and natural population growth. Red Light market, one of West Africa’s busiest open-air commercial markets, is the economic heart of the eastern Paynesville corridor. The township spreads from the ELWA Junction area in the west to the ST border with Margibi County in the east. Multiple electoral districts cover Paynesville: ED 2 (Red Light north), ED 3 (ELWA/Kpelle Town area), ED 4 (central Paynesville), ED 5 (S.D. Cooper/GSA Road/Rehab corridor), and ED 6 (S.D. Cooper/GSA/ELWA south). Paynesville City Council is the governing body for the municipal zone.
A large peri-urban and suburban district extending along the St. Paul River corridor to the northwest of Monrovia. Includes major communities such as Duport Road, Chocolate City, LPRC, Smell No Taste, and other rapidly growing urban settlements. Female majority: 50.6% female / 49.4% male. Covered entirely by Electoral District 17. Had a 2023 electorate of 73,153 — the largest single electoral district in Montserrado County.
St. Paul River District follows the course of the St. Paul River northward from Monrovia, taking in one of the fastest-growing periurban corridors in Liberia. The district’s communities have expanded rapidly since the 2003 peace, driven by urban migrants who could not afford inner-city housing. The Duport Road corridor is one of Monrovia’s principal radial arteries. ED 17 Representative: Bernard Blue Benson (CDC, 2023). The St. Paul River itself is Liberia’s longest river (563 km), rising in Guinea and entering the Atlantic northwest of Monrovia — it forms the northwestern boundary of Montserrado County with Bomi County.
The urban core of Monrovia — Liberia’s capital city and the seat of national government. The only district in Montserrado (excluding rural Todee and West Point) with a male majority: 50.4% male / 49.6% female — reflecting the concentration of government workers, professionals, and migrants in central Monrovia. Contains Capitol Hill (seat of the Legislature), the Mamba Point diplomatic quarter, Sinkor residential areas, and Monrovia’s central business district. Covered by EDs 7, 8 and 9.
Monrovia was founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society and named after U.S. President James Monroe. It has been the capital of Liberia since independence in 1847. The city sustained severe damage during both civil wars (1989–1996 and 1999–2003), including the August 2003 LURD shelling of civilian areas. Post-war reconstruction, supported by UNMIL and international donors, has progressively rebuilt Monrovia’s infrastructure. Greater Monrovia District encompasses the original Monrovia peninsula and its inner urban communities. ED 7 covers Sinkor and adjacent areas (Representative: Clarence Massaquoi, IND 2023). ED 8 covers central Monrovia communities including Capitol Hill and Bassa Community (Representative: Prince A. Toles, UP 2023). ED 9 covers eastern inner-city Monrovia (Representative: Frank Saah Foko Jr., CDC 2023).
A major suburban township east of Monrovia along the Robertsfield Highway corridor. Home to the Chicken Soup Factory, Stephen Tolbert Estate, Kesselly Boulevard, and Shoe Factory communities. Female majority: 51.2% female / 48.8% male. Covered by parts of ED 11, ED 12, and ED 13.
Also written Garwolon in some sources. A large township west of central Monrovia, encompassing communities including Vai Town, Clara Town, Logan Town, and Blamo Town. Near gender parity: 50.2% male / 49.8% female. Covered by ED 13 (Stockton Creek and Jamaica Road), ED 14 (southern half: Vai Town A, B, Clara Town communities), and ED 15 (northern half: Logan Town, Blamo Town, Gbandi Town).
Located northeast of Monrovia along the Monrovia–Gbarnga highway. A rapidly growing peri-urban township with communities including Johnsonville, Smell No Taste, and other highway-corridor settlements. Female majority: 51.6% female / 48.4% male. Covered by parts of ED 11 and ED 12.
Located north of central Monrovia. Includes communities such as Caldwell Market, Upper Caldwell, Dixville, Samukai Town, and Cassava Hill. Female majority: 51.8% female / 48.2% male. Split between ED 11 (eastern: Caldwell Market, Upper Caldwell, Dixville Water Side, Samukai Town, Cassava Hill) and ED 15 (western: Caldwell Community, New Georgia Road, Central Caldwell, Lower Caldwell A).
Located east of central Monrovia near the Duala market corridor. Includes New Georgia, Old Road, and adjacent communities. Female majority: 50.9% female / 49.1% male. Covered primarily by Electoral District 13 (New Georgia Township + St. Michael community of Gardnersville + Stockton Creek and Jamaica Road communities of Garglohn).
A densely populated residential township west of central Monrovia, encompassing the communities around Congo Town, Pagos Island (excluded from ED 10), and Swankamore. Female majority: 51.8% female / 48.2% male — joint strongest female majority alongside Caldwell Township. Covered by Electoral District 10 (all Congo Town communities except Pagos Island and Swankamore). ED 10 Representative: Yekeh Kolubah (IND, re-elected 2023).
A coastal borough west of central Monrovia, home to a large Kru fishing community and one of Monrovia’s most historically significant townships. Female majority: 50.2% female / 49.8% male. Covered entirely by Electoral District 16. ED 16 Representative: Dixon W. Seboe (CDC, re-elected 2023). New Kru Town sits on a tidal flat west of the Bushrod Island area and has been populated by Kru seafarers and fishermen for generations.
Located northeast of Monrovia. The district with the strongest female majority in Montserrado County: 52.3% female / 47.7% male. Communities include Barnersville, Johnsonville Road, and other peri-urban settlements. Covered by parts of ED 11 (all Barnersville communities except Johnsonville Road A) and ED 12 (Johnsonville Road A community).
The only non-urban administrative district in Montserrado County’s central zone — Careysburg is a peri-urban town approximately 35 km north of Monrovia. Near gender parity: 50.1% female / 49.9% male. Covered by Electoral District 1 (together with Todee District). ED 1 Representative: Rugie Yatu Barry (CPP, 2023). Careysburg is notable as a historically significant ACS settlement.
The most rural administrative district in Montserrado County, located in the interior north. One of only three districts with a male majority: 52.2% male / 47.8% female — the highest male proportion in Montserrado. Covered by Electoral District 1 alongside Careysburg. Todee borders Bomi County to the northwest and has historically Kpelle-speaking rural communities engaged in farming and forest activities.
West Point is one of West Africa’s most densely populated urban slums — a narrow peninsula of reclaimed land at the northwestern tip of Monrovia, home to approximately 30,000 residents in severely cramped conditions. Male majority: 51.6% male / 48.4% female. West Point gained international attention during the 2014 Ebola crisis when it was placed under quarantine. Covered by Electoral District 7 as part of the broader Greater Monrovia zone.
West Point Township’s 30,847 residents (2022) live in a settlement estimated at less than 0.25 km² — making it one of the most densely occupied urban zones in Africa. The community is overwhelmingly composed of urban poor, many displaced to the location during and after the civil wars. West Point has limited formal infrastructure and relies on informal markets, fishing, and casual labour. During the August 2014 Ebola crisis, the Liberian government placed West Point under military quarantine for ten days — a controversial measure that intensified international attention on conditions in the settlement. Community organisations have been active in advocating for improved sanitation, water access, and housing rights.
The smallest administrative district in Montserrado County. Near-perfect gender parity: 49.9% male / 50.1% female. Located west of Monrovia along the Atlantic coast, adjacent to the Freeport of Monrovia zone. The township is part of the Bushrod Island complex of communities.
Montserrado has 17 Electoral Districts — the most of any county in Liberia. All 17 EDs were created in 2011 (Montserrado previously had only 9 EDs prior to 2011 expansion). See also: District Types.
| ED | AD Coverage | Male | Female | Total | Representative (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ED 1 | Todee + Careysburg | 29,057 | 27,557 | 56,614 | Rugie Yatu Barry (CPP) |
| ED 2 | Parts of Paynesville Twp. | 29,149 | 32,346 | 61,495 | Roland Tamba Weah (CDC) |
| ED 3 | Parts of Paynesville Twp. | 23,591 | 27,473 | 51,064 | Musa Bility (IND) |
| ED 4 | Parts of Paynesville Twp. | 34,575 | 40,942 | 75,517 | Henry Yallah (CDC) |
| ED 5 | Parts of Paynesville / ELWA | 21,916 | 23,479 | 45,395 | Ivar Jones (CDC) |
| ED 6 | Parts of Paynesville Twp. | 29,132 | 32,826 | 61,958 | Samuel R. Enders (IND) |
| ED 7 | Parts of Greater Monrovia (Sinkor) | 24,412 | 19,899 | 44,311 | Clarence Massaquoi (IND) |
| ED 8 | Parts of Greater Monrovia (Capitol Hill, Bassa Comm.) | 20,332 | 16,567 | 36,899 | Prince A. Toles (UP) |
| ED 9 | Parts of Greater Monrovia (ICA Camp, Matadi) | 22,771 | 21,267 | 44,038 | Frank Saah Foko Jr. (CDC) |
| ED 10 | Congo Town Twp. (excl. Pagos Island & Swankamore) | 28,674 | 28,445 | 57,119 | Yekeh Kolubah (IND) |
| ED 11 | Parts of Caldwell + Barnersville + Gardnersville | 26,927 | 32,974 | 59,901 | Richard Koon (UP) |
| ED 12 | Parts of Gardnersville + Barnersville Road A | 25,913 | 28,483 | 54,396 | Jerry K. Yogboh (IND) |
| ED 13 | New Georgia + parts of Gardnersville + Garglohn | 24,782 | 24,686 | 49,468 | Edward P. Flomo (CDC) |
| ED 14 | Southern Garglohn (Vai Town, Clara Town) | 21,712 | 18,147 | 39,859 | Kerkula Muka Kamara (CDC) |
| ED 15 | Northern Garglohn + western Caldwell | 20,666 | 21,007 | 41,673 | Abu Bana Kamara (CDC) |
| ED 16 | Borough of New Kru Town | 24,393 | 23,909 | 48,302 | Dixon W. Seboe (CDC) |
| ED 17 | St. Paul River District | 36,111 | 37,042 | 73,153 | Bernard Blue Benson (CDC) |
| County Total | 17 EDs | 444,113 | 457,049 | 901,162 | 17 Representatives |
Presidential appointee. Montserrado County is unique in that Greater Monrovia is governed separately by the Mayor of Monrovia — a position with its own mandate for the capital city. The County Superintendent governs the broader county territory outside the municipal zone.
The City of Monrovia is governed by an elected mayor. Jefferson T. Koijee has served as Mayor of Monrovia and is one of Liberia’s most prominent local government figures.
Montserrado sends the most representatives to the House of Representatives of any county. CDC holds the majority of seats as of the 2023 elections, with notable independents including Yekeh Kolubah (ED 10) and Samuel R. Enders (ED 6).
Abraham Z. Darius Dillon (Senior Senator) and Fomba Kanneh (Junior Senator) represent Montserrado County in the Liberian Senate. Senator Dillon is known for vocal opposition politics.
Appointed by the President for each of Montserrado’s 15 administrative districts. Handle administrative governance, tax collection, and development coordination.
Paynesville, as Liberia’s largest city, has its own city council and mayor structure. The city’s governance capacity has grown with its population, though infrastructure delivery challenges remain significant.
Montserrado County was one of Liberia’s three original counties at independence in 1847, alongside Grand Bassa and Sinoe. Monrovia, the county’s capital and Liberia’s national capital, was founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society and named after U.S. President James Monroe.
Montserrado County is the most ethnically diverse county in Liberia — virtually all 16 of Liberia’s ethnic groups are represented, alongside significant Mandingo, Lebanese, Indian, and other communities. The county has a female majority (50.9% female, sex ratio 96.3 males per 100 females) — reflecting the disproportionate impact of civil war casualties on male populations and the feminisation of urban migration flows.
Monrovia and Paynesville are predominantly Liberian English-speaking with Kpelle and Bassa as the largest indigenous language communities. The Mandingo are prominent as traders throughout the urban markets. The Lebanese community, present since the early 20th century, plays a significant role in retail trade. Monrovia’s population is overwhelmingly Christian (~85%), with a substantial Muslim minority (~12%) concentrated in communities like Duala (Congo Town) and Bushrod Island. West Point and New Kru Town maintain strong Kru fishing community identities. The University of Liberia, Stella Maris Polytechnic, United Methodist University, and numerous international school campuses make Montserrado the centre of Liberia’s higher education system.
Spanning 1,908 km² — one of Liberia’s smallest counties by area — Montserrado is bordered by Bomi (NW), Grand Bassa (E), Margibi (E/SE), and the Atlantic Ocean (S/W). Its 1,007 persons/km² population density is the highest in Liberia by a very large margin.
| Indicator | Montserrado County | Liberia National |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population (2022) | 1,920,965 | 5,250,187 |
| % of National Population | 36.6% | 100% |
| Land Area | 1,908 km² | 97,098 km² |
| Population Density | 1,007 persons/km² | 54.1 persons/km² |
| Male Population | 942,559 (49.1%) | 2,648,553 (50.4%) |
| Female Population | 978,406 (50.9%) | 2,601,634 (49.6%) |
| Sex Ratio | 96.3 males per 100 females | 101.8 males per 100 females |
| Population Growth (2008–2022) | +71.8% (from 1,118,241) | +51.0% |
| Administrative Districts | 15 | 136 (national) |
| Electoral Districts | 17 — most of any county | 73 (national) |
| Largest District | Paynesville Township — 617,492 (32.1% of county; 11.8% of Liberia) | — |
| Smallest District | Louisana Township — 26,057 (1.4% of county) | — |
| Year Established | 1847 — one of three original counties at independence | — |
Source: LISGIS 2022 Population and Housing Census via liberiadata.com/district/montserrado-districts-administrative/. Published June 2023.
Republic of Liberia — Ministry of Internal Affairs
Liberian Government Gazette (1847 County Establishment)
National Archives of Liberia; Montserrado County Development Agenda
2022 Housing and Population Census: Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) — Final Results as published on liberiadata.com/district/montserrado-districts-administrative/. County total: 1,920,965 (M: 942,559 / F: 978,406). 15 districts verified: 942,559 + 978,406 = 1,920,965 ✓. Published June 2023. lisgis.gov.lr
2008 National Population and Housing Census: LISGIS — Montserrado County Total: 1,118,241
National Elections Commission (NEC), Republic of Liberia — Electoral Districts & Eligible Voter Registrants Summary Report, July 28, 2023. necliberia.org
LiberiaData.com — Montserrado County
Wikipedia — Montserrado County; Montserrado-1 through Montserrado-17; Paynesville; Monrovia; West Point entries
Grokipedia — Montserrado County (January 2026)