Living in Independence, California

Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Independence · Census data 2020–2024

Independence has 730 residents with a median age of 54.8. The median household income is $73,850 (25% lower than the California median), the median home value is $295,900, the median rent is $1,203/month.

Independence is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.

Independence at a glance

Population
730
Median age
54.8State: 37.9
Median household income
$73,850State: $99,122
Median home value
$295,900State: $734,700
Median rent
$1,203/moState: $2,036
Homeowners
85%
Bachelor's degree or higher
26.1%
Average commute
15 min

Is Independence a good place to live?

Pros: Home values 60% lower than the state median; an average commute of 15 minutes; unemployment of 6.5%; a poverty rate of 6.5%.

Cons: Median household income 25% lower than the California median.

The weather is best in March to May and October.

Cost of living in Independence

Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Independence the median home value is $295,900, 11% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,203 per month, which is 27.5% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,634 a month in housing costs.

Median home value

Independence$295,900
California$734,700
United States$332,700

Median monthly rent

Independence$1,203
California$2,036
United States$1,413

Independence median household income

The median household income in Independence is $73,850 and the income per person is $36,437. 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).

Median household income

Independence$73,850
California$99,122
United States$80,734

Housing in Independence: homes for sale and rent

Housing units
401
Owner-occupied
85%
Renter-occupied
15%
Vacant
21.9%Includes seasonal homes
Median year built
1956
Average household size
2.21

Independence demographics

Population
730
Median age
54.8
Under 18
22.2%
65 and older
32.1%
Households
313
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans
6.3%Adults 18+

Race and ethnicity

White66.2%
Hispanic or Latino12.1%
Black6.2%
Asian0%

Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Independence ›

Education in Independence

26.1% of adults 25 and older in Independence have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 13.6% have a graduate or professional degree.

Bachelor's degree or higher

Independence26.1%
California37.1%
United States35.7%

Jobs and commute in Independence

Unemployment rate
6.5%State: 6.6%
Average commute
15 minState: 29 min
Work from home
10.9%
Drive alone
64.1%
Public transit
0%
Walk to work
10.4%
Homes with broadband
90.7%

Independence vs nearby towns

TownPopulationMedian incomeHome valueRent
Independence730$73,850$295,900$1,203
Lone Pine1,439$43,284$217,100$797
Big Pine1,615$67,583$307,600$1,202
Wilkerson518$69,519$460,000—
Bishop3,778$83,686$386,400$1,580
West Bishop2,551$114,653$615,600$1,431
Dixon Lane-MeadowCreek3,071$75,745$196,600$2,622
Mesa343$123,333$620,800—
Round Valley548$54,375$695,000$1,357

More for people moving to Independence

Independence ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›

Living in Independence: FAQ

What is the median household income in Independence, CA?

The median household income in Independence is $73,850, 25% lower than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

What is the average home price in Independence?

The median home value in Independence is $295,900, compared with $734,700 in California.

How much is rent in Independence?

The median gross rent in Independence is $1,203 per month, about 27.5% of household income.

Is Independence, CA a good place to live?

Pluses: home values 60% lower than the state median; an average commute of 15 minutes; unemployment of 6.5%; a poverty rate of 6.5%. Minuses: median household income 25% lower than the California median.

What is the median age in Independence?

The median age in Independence is 54.8 years (California: 37.9).

How long is the commute in Independence?

The average commute to work in Independence is 15 minutes; 10.9% of workers work from home.

What is the unemployment rate in Independence?

The unemployment rate in Independence is 6.5% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

How educated is Independence?

26.1% of adults in Independence have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.

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