Living in Independence, Kansas
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Independence · Census data 2020–2024
Independence has 8,422 residents with a median age of 38.3. The median household income is $51,069 (31% lower than the Kansas median), the median home value is $88,800, the median rent is $789/month.
Independence at a glance
- Population
- 8,422
- Median age
- 38.3State: 37.4
- Median household income
- $51,069State: $74,275
- Median home value
- $88,800State: $217,200
- Median rent
- $789/moState: $1,060
- Homeowners
- 69.6%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 28.7%
- Average commute
- 17 min
Is Independence a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 59% lower than the state median; an average commute of 17 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 31% lower than the Kansas median; unemployment of 7%; a poverty rate of 18.4%.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Independence
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Independence the median home value is $88,800, 73% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $789 per month, which is 27.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,286 a month in housing costs.
Independence median household income
The median household income in Independence is $51,069 and the income per person is $28,742. 18.4% of residents live below the poverty line (Kansas: 11.3%).
Housing in Independence: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 4,511
- Owner-occupied
- 69.6%
- Renter-occupied
- 30.4%
- Vacant
- 18.8%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1954
- Average household size
- 2.24
Independence demographics
- Population
- 8,422
- Median age
- 38.3
- Under 18
- 24.3%
- 65 and older
- 18.9%
- Households
- 3,665
- Foreign-born
- 2%
- Veterans
- 8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Independence ›
Education in Independence
28.7% of adults 25 and older in Independence have a bachelor's degree or higher (Kansas: 35.6%), and 12.4% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Independence
- Unemployment rate
- 7%State: 3.9%
- Average commute
- 17 minState: 20 min
- Work from home
- 3.9%
- Drive alone
- 80.6%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 1.6%
- Homes with broadband
- 89.1%
Independence vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence | 8,422 | $51,069 | $88,800 | $789 |
| Liberty | 110 | $45,625 | $44,200 | — |
| Cherryvale | 2,096 | $50,288 | $62,400 | $668 |
| Elk City | 245 | $46,250 | $27,500 | $929 |
| Dearing | 279 | $62,500 | $80,700 | $618 |
| Neodesha | 2,503 | $50,792 | $91,400 | $752 |
| Coffeyville | 8,662 | $45,670 | $60,800 | $716 |
| Mound Valley | 341 | $36,917 | $42,600 | $435 |
| South Coffeyville | 684 | $56,875 | $102,700 | $968 |
More for people moving to Independence
Independence ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Independence: FAQ
What is the median household income in Independence, KS?
The median household income in Independence is $51,069, 31% lower than the Kansas median of $74,275 (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 $88,800, compared with $217,200 in Kansas.
How much is rent in Independence?
The median gross rent in Independence is $789 per month, about 27.7% of household income.
Is Independence, KS a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 59% lower than the state median; an average commute of 17 minutes. Minuses: median household income 31% lower than the Kansas median; unemployment of 7%; a poverty rate of 18.4%.
What is the median age in Independence?
The median age in Independence is 38.3 years (Kansas: 37.4).
How long is the commute in Independence?
The average commute to work in Independence is 17 minutes; 3.9% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Independence?
The unemployment rate in Independence is 7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Independence?
28.7% 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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