Independence, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $59,480

21% lower than US avg

Home Value $166,400

41% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 406/100K

7% higher than US avg

Bachelor's+ 20.9%

38% lower than US avg

Median Rent $1,061

9% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 37.6%

17% higher than US avg

Unemployment 3.8%

6% higher than US avg

Poverty Rate 11.5%

7% lower than US avg

How Independence Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population121,944

Median Age38.4 yrs

Density1,564/mi²

Male / Female49% / 51%

Largest GroupWhite 72%

Veterans7.7%

Economy

B+

Median Income$59,480

Per Capita$31,683

Unemployment3.8%

Poverty11.5%

Commute24 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$166,400

Rent$1,061

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$203,383

Housing Units55,913

Rent Burden29.8%

Crime

Violent406/100K

Property5,610/100K

Murder2.6/100K

Assault259/100K

Burglary961/100K

Health

Obesity37.6%

Uninsured12.0%

Smoking18.9%

Depression27.8%

Heart Disease6.0%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain39.6 in/yr

Sunny Days264/yr

Elevation1,050 ft (320 m)

Education

C+

Bachelor's+20.9%

High School+90.2%

Graduate+6.7%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute24 min

Broadband88.4%

EV Stations12

Is Independence a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Independence receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. 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 $59,480, 21% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Independence is $166,400, 41% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,061 per month. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

The violent crime rate of 406 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,610 per 100,000, 186% above the national average.

Education

20.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Independence experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 264 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Independence has a population of 121,944 with a density of 1,564 people per square mile, spread across 78.0 square miles. The median age is 38.4 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (72.2%), with 2% Hispanic, 10.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.5% of residents, while 6.5% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.9% have health insurance coverage.

Population

121,944

Total Population

1,564

People / sq mi

38.4yrs

Median Age

1% below US avg

78.0mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.8%

Female 51.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Independence vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	93.5%
	19% above US avg
Spanish	6.5%
	51% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Independence vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Independence is $59,480, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,683 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 10.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Independence vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$59,480
	21% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$31,683

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	3.8%
	6% above US avg
Poverty Rate	11.5%
	7% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	23.6 min
Drive Alone	81.2%
Public Transit	0.3%
Work from Home	10.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Independence is $166,400, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $203,383, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,061 (9% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 55,913 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. 29.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$166,400
	41% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$203,383
Median List Price	$220,000

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price	$220,000
$/Sq Ft	$132
Homes Sold	104
Sale-to-List Ratio	0.0%
Price Drops	30.6%

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$1,061
	9% below US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)	$1,313
Rent Burden	29.8%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$732
1 Bedroom	$775
2 Bedrooms	$970
3 Bedrooms	$1,265
4 Bedrooms	$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	61.0%
Housing Units	55,913
Median Year Built	1967

Property Tax

In Independence, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 32.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 12.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Independence vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	37.6%
	17% above US avg
Diabetes	11.0%
Heart Disease	6.0%
High Blood Pressure	33.2%
Asthma	10.8%
COPD	8.0%
Cancer	7.0%
Stroke	3.4%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	18.9%
	35% above US avg
Binge Drinking	18.5%
Physical Inactivity	32.6%
Depression	27.8%
Mental Distress	21.2%
Physical Distress	15.0%
Short Sleep	35.8%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	86.9%
Uninsured	12.0%
	40% above US avg
Checkup Rate	74.6%
Dental Visits	57.8%

Food & Exercise

Independence has a violent crime rate of 406 per 100,000 residents, 7% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 259.1 per 100,000, robbery at 107.4, rape at 36.7. The murder rate is 2.6 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 5,610 per 100,000, 186% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,935, burglary at 961, vehicle theft at 714 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Independence receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Independence vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent	405.7/100K
	7% above US avg
Murder	2.6/100K
	59% below US avg
Rape	36.7/100K
Robbery	107.4/100K
Assault	259.1/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	5,610.3/100K
	186% above US avg
Burglary	961.5/100K
Theft	3,934.5/100K
Vehicle Theft	714.3/100K
Arson	21.3/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety Grade	F
Safety Score	1.0 / 5.0

Independence experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 264 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches. The area receives 4.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,050 feet.

Temperature

27°F Jan (-3°C) 79°F Jul (26°C)

Annual Average	54.7°F
	1% above US avg
January Average	27°F (-3°C)
July Average	79°F (26°C)
Sunny Days	264 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	39.6 inches
	4% above US avg
Snowfall	4.3 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	1,050 ft (320 m)
Area	78.0 sq mi (202.0 km²)
Population Density	1,564/sq mi
Coordinates	39.0911°N, 94.4155°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	27°F (-3°C)	1.2 in	Coldest, Driest
February	34°F (1°C)	1.3 in
March	44°F (7°C)	2.6 in
April	55°F (13°C)	3.7 in
May	65°F (18°C)	5.1 in	Wettest
June	74°F (23°C)	5.0 in
July	79°F (26°C)	4.1 in	Warmest
August	77°F (25°C)	3.7 in
September	69°F (20°C)	4.9 in
October	57°F (14°C)	3.5 in
November	43°F (6°C)	2.6 in
December	33°F (0°C)	1.8 in

Independence has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F — from 27°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (1.2").

20.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 38% below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 88.4% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 12 EV charging stations. 81.2% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	20.9%
	38% below US avg
High School+	90.2%
Graduate Degree+	6.7%
School Test Score	5.51

C+ Education Grade (2.7/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	1,564/sq mi
Total Area	78.0 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	88.4%
EV Charging Stations	12
Alt Fuel Stations	18

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	23.6 min
Drive Alone	81.2%
Public Transit	0.3%
Work from Home	10.1%

Frequently Asked Questions About Independence

What is the population of Independence?

Independence has a population of 121,944 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,564 people per square mile, spread across 78.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.4 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.

Is Independence expensive to live in?

Independence is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $59,480, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $166,400 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,061 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Independence safe?

The violent crime rate in Independence is 406 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,610 per 100,000 (above 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 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 264 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.6 inches, with 4.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Independence?

Independence has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 10.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Independence?

The median home value in Independence is $166,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $203,383. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,061. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Independence?

Schools in Independence score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.9% of adults in Independence hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Independence?

The obesity rate in Independence is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 32.6% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 12.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Independence?

The average commute in Independence is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Independence?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Independence is 72.2% White, 10.8% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 93.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.5% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 86.9% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Sugar Creek, MO 3,261 pop · 2.0 mi Blue Summit, MO 1,145 pop · 3.8 mi Raytown, MO 29,593 pop · 6.3 mi North Kansas City, MO 4,758 pop · 8.3 mi Claycomo, MO 1,994 pop · 8.7 mi Kansas City, MO 508,233 pop · 8.8 mi Blue Springs, MO 59,416 pop · 8.8 mi Pleasant Valley, MO 2,744 pop · 9.1 mi Liberty, MO 30,446 pop · 10.7 mi Gladstone, MO 27,069 pop · 10.8 mi Westwood, KS 1,851 pop · 11.3 mi Buckner, MO 2,917 pop · 12.0 mi Mission Hills, KS 3,556 pop · 12.1 mi Riverside, MO 4,153 pop · 12.2 mi

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