Median Income
$54,967
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$152,600
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
77/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.6%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$856
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.2%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.3%
9% lower than US avg
How Independence Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,477
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density355/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,967
Per Capita$30,888
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty11.3%
County GDP$1,889M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$152,600
Rent$856
Ownership46.5%
Zillow$224,277
Housing Units625
Rent Burden24.4%
Crime
F
Violent77/100K
Property232/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault77/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity43.2%
Uninsured13.9%
Smoking16.4%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.6 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation872 ft (266 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.6%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.52
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute21 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Independence a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Independence receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Independence has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Independence is $54,967, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. 11.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Independence is $152,600, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $856 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Independence is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 232 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
Education
12.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Independence has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.6 inches, including 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Independence has a population of 1,477 with a density of 355 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (72.5%), with 5.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.4% of residents, while 16.6% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Independence vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.4%
6% above US avg
Spanish
16.6%
24% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Independence vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Independence is $54,967, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,888 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $984, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 835 business establishments, including 80 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Independence vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,967 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,888 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $984 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,832 |
| Gini Index | 0.398 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.3% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 835 |
| County GDP | $1,889M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 80 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 96 |
| Manufacturing | 57 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,357 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
The median home value in Independence is $152,600, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,277, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $856 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 46.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 625 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $5,357 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.4% 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 Values
| Census Median | $152,600 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $224,277 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $856 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 46.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.5% |
| Housing Units | 625 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,357 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.51% |
In Independence, 43.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 31.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 13.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,840. The dentist ratio is 1:3,433. 79.5% 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 | 43.2% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.0% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.5% |
| Uninsured | 13.9% |
| 62% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,840 |
| Dentists | 1:3,433 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,717 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 62.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,005/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Independence has a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 77.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 232 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 232, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 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 | 77.2/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 77.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 231.7/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 231.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Independence has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 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 35.6 inches. The area receives 41.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 872 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 872 ft (266 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 355/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3098°N, 91.4207°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Trempealeau County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.6"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
321 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 33 fatalities, 323 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
97 km |
21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
69 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
53 km |
4 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
38 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG BURN (1,642 ac, 1997).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
48 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
100 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
RX-UPPER SEVENTEEN |
520 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Independence has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 14°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Independence
What is the population of Independence?
Independence has a population of 1,477 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 355 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Independence expensive to live in?
Independence is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,967, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $152,600 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $856 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Independence safe?
Independence is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 232 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.6 inches, with 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Independence?
The job market in Independence is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $984. There are 835 business establishments in the area, including 80 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Independence?
The median home value in Independence is $152,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,277. For renters, the median monthly rent is $856. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 46.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,357.
How are the schools in Independence?
Schools in Independence score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.6% of adults in Independence hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Independence?
The obesity rate in Independence is 43.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 31.0% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 13.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 79.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,840.
What is transportation like in Independence?
The average commute in Independence is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Independence?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Independence is 72.5% White, 5.3% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 83.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.6% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
