Iowa
Independence is a small city in Iowa with a population of 6,149. Residents earn $72,250 per year, which is 4% below the national average.
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, low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Independence offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
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.
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.
Independence is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 34 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 653 per 100,000, 67% below the national average.
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.
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. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 96.4% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 3.6% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $72,250 |
| 4% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $36,517 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,868 |
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 6.6% |
| 47% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 638 |
| County GDP | $1,087M |
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 44 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.39% |
| Commute Time | 21.8 min |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
| Census Median | $156,900 |
| 44% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $211,726 |
| Census Median Rent | $769 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.39% |
| 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% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,284/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 44 |
| Total Violent | 33.5/100K |
| 91% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 33.5/100K |
| Total Property | 653.3/100K |
| 67% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 184.3/100K |
| Theft | 452.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 16.8/100K |
| Arson | 16.8/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg | |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 39.2 inches |
| 3% above US avg |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 915 ft (279 m) |
| Area | 6.0 sq mi (15.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,020/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4622°N, 91.9032°W |
| County FIPS | 19019 |
Winner: Republican by 28.2 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 24.0% |
| 29% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 96.6% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 6 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent |
| Population Density | 1,020/sq mi |
| Total Area | 6.0 sq mi |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 6 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 44 |
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Retail Stores | 72 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 21.8 min |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |