Median Income
$72,250
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$156,900
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
361/100K
5% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.0%
29% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$769
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.6%
47% lower than US avg
How Independence Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,149
Median Age41.2 yrs
Density1,020/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,250
Per Capita$36,517
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty6.6%
County GDP$1,087M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$156,900
Rent$769
Ownership70.8%
Zillow$211,726
Housing Units2,847
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent361/100K
Property1,314/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault329/100K
Burglary329/100K
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking15.1%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation915 ft (279 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.0%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute22 min
Broadband87.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Independence a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Independence receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Independence offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Independence is $72,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Independence is $156,900, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $769 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Independence is below the national average at 361 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,314 per 100,000, 33% below the national average.
Education
24.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Independence experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Independence has a population of 6,149 with a density of 1,020 people per square mile, spread across 6.2 square miles. The median age is 41.2 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.4%), with 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.2yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Independence vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Independence vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Independence is $72,250, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,517. The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 638 business establishments, including 37 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Independence vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,250 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,517 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,868 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 638 |
| County GDP | $1,087M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 44 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Independence is $156,900, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,726, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $769 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,847 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $3,750. 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $156,900 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $211,726 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $769 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,847 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.39% |
In Independence, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 23.9% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 21.5% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,582. The dentist ratio is 1:2,959. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Independence vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,582 |
| Dentists | 1:2,959 |
| Mental Health | 1:690 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 70.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,284/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 44 |
Independence has a violent crime rate of 361 per 100,000 residents, 5% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 328.6 per 100,000, robbery at 32.9, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,314 per 100,000, 33% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 871, burglary at 329, vehicle theft at 115 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Independence receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Independence vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 361.5/100K |
| 5% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 32.9/100K |
| Assault | 328.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,314.5/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| Burglary | 328.6/100K |
| Theft | 870.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 115.0/100K |
| Arson | 16.4/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 45 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Independence experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 915 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 915 ft (279 m) |
| Area | 6.2 sq mi (16.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,020/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4622°N, 91.9032°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buchanan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
600 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 497 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
81 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
23 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
30 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
53 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
73 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
73 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Independence has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Independence. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $687 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $592 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $464 |
| Toddler | $456 |
| Preschool | $456 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Independence
What is the population of Independence?
Independence has a population of 6,149 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,020 people per square mile, spread across 6.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Independence expensive to live in?
Independence is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $72,250, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $156,900 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $769 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Independence safe?
Independence is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 361 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,314 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Independence receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Independence?
Independence has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Independence?
The job market in Independence is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 638 business establishments in the area, including 37 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Independence?
The median home value in Independence is $156,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,726. For renters, the median monthly rent is $769. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,750.
How are the schools in Independence?
Schools in Independence score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.0% of adults in Independence hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Independence?
The obesity rate in Independence is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,582.
What is transportation like in Independence?
The average commute in Independence is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Independence?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Independence is 95.4% White, 1.6% Black or African American. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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