Home Value
$118,000
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
232/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.3%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Independence Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population106
Median Age75.8 yrs
Density59/mi²
Male / Female30% / 70%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$20,568
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$807M
Housing
Home Value$118,000
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$243,628
Housing Units55
Rent Burden34.5%
Crime
F
Violent232/100K
Property3,873/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured14.9%
Smoking20.4%
Depression20.6%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain55.9 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation362 ft (110 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.59
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Broadband75.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Independence a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Independence receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Independence faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Independence is $118,000, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Independence is below the national average at 232 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,873 per 100,000, 98% above the national average.
Education
10.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Independence enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 55.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Independence has a population of 106 with a density of 59 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 75.8 years, 95% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 69.8% female and 30.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 48.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
75.8yrs
Median Age
95% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Independence vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Independence vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $20,568 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $840, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 446 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Independence vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $20,568 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $840 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,158 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 446 |
| County GDP | $807M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 83 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,608 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Independence is $118,000, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,628, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 55 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $2,608 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 34.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,000 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $243,628 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 55 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,608 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.21% |
In Independence, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 40.4% have high blood pressure. 20.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.2% report binge drinking. 35.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.6% report depression. 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 14.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,033. The dentist ratio is 1:2,572. 42.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Independence vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.4% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.4% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.0% |
| Depression | 20.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 14.9% |
| 73% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,033 |
| Dentists | 1:2,572 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,174 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 7.1% |
| Premature Death | 14,233/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Independence has a violent crime rate of 232 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,873 per 100,000, 98% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 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 | 232.4/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,873.0/100K |
| 98% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Independence enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 301 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 55.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 362 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 60.0°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 362 ft (110 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 59/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.7078°N, 89.8075°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Tate County County |
| Nearest Airport | Memphis International (MEM)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.9"
47% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.75"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 36.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
85 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
129 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
124 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
138 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
93 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
136 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
123 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
128 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Aug 25, 2015 |
9 km W of Henning, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| Jan 8, 1993 |
6 km WSW of Gosnell, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
137 km |
| Aug 29, 1990 |
9 km WSW of Central, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
121 km |
| Apr 23, 1994 |
7 km W of Gosnell, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Jul 17, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
123 km |
| Aug 19, 1994 |
9 km WSW of Gilt Edge, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
90 km |
| May 10, 2008 |
1 km SSE of Sherman, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Oct 26, 2002 |
3 km SE of Alligator, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Aug 1, 2025 |
3 km SW of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Aug 7, 2015 |
16 km W of Millington, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
77 km |
| Feb 11, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
388 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 129 fatalities, 1,285 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF4 |
16 km |
9 |
| Apr 19, 1970 |
EF4 |
74 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
98 km |
38 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
22 km |
16 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2010 |
EF3 |
57 km |
3 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
3 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
86 km |
6 |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
40 km |
3 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jan 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
52 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
113 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COMP 109 (3,663 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
COMP 109 |
3,663 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
C-55 CHILLI LAKE |
3,555 |
61 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,152 |
45 km |
| 2014 |
C-39 EAST CHEWALLA |
3,107 |
45 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,031 |
62 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 119/90/88 |
2,955 |
45 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,848 |
45 km |
| 2014 |
C-84 BAGLEY BOTTOMS |
2,766 |
44 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,645 |
57 km |
| 2013 |
MIDWAY CEM PRESCRIBED BURN |
2,513 |
46 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,376 |
86 km |
| 2013 |
PUSKUS LAKE |
2,271 |
52 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,248 |
49 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 51/52/53 |
2,182 |
63 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 42 |
2,142 |
45 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
44 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB10 11 12 14 |
1,977 |
73 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,972 |
53 km |
| 2014 |
C-109 |
1,863 |
57 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,841 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
5.8 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
5.6 in |
|
Independence has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 39°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 55.3 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.8") and August the driest (3.2").
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) |
$218 ($131–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$305 ($174–$479) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$305) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,914 ($696–$4,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$218 ($131–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($44–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$522 ($348–$870) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$305) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$131) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($44–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($131–$696) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,090 ($3,480–$10,440) |
| Roof Repair |
$870 ($348–$1,740) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,830 ($4,785–$13,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,305 ($435–$3,045) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,050 ($4,350–$26,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,350 ($1,740–$8,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,305 ($696–$2,610) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$870) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,175 ($870–$4,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$131 ($65–$218) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.57 ($2.61–$4.79) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.05 ($2.18–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.31 ($2.18–$4.79) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.92 ($2.61–$5.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.79 ($3.48–$6.53) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.57) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$218) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$131) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($44–$131) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,740 ($1,044–$3,045) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.96–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$218) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,044 ($522–$2,175) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$870 ($435–$1,740) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$609) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$870 ($348–$2,175) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,875 ($4,350–$26,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($44–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $655 |
| Toddler | $611 |
| Preschool | $559 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Independence
What is the population of Independence?
Independence has a population of 106 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 59 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 75.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 69.8% female and 30.2% male.
Is Independence expensive to live in?
Independence is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $118,000 (58% below the U.S. median).
Is Independence safe?
Independence is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 232 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,873 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 55.9 inches, with 1.6 inches of snow. 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 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $840. There are 446 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Independence?
The median home value in Independence is $118,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,628. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,608.
How are the schools in Independence?
Schools in Independence have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.3% of adults in Independence hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Independence?
The obesity rate in Independence is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.4% of adults are smokers. 35.0% are physically inactive. 20.6% of residents report depression. 14.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 42.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,033.
What are the demographics of Independence?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Independence is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 48.1% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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