Living in Independence, Missouri
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Independence · Census data 2020–2024
Independence has 121,740 residents with a median age of 39. The median household income is $60,339 (15% lower than the Missouri median), the median home value is $172,900, the median rent is $1,109/month.
Independence at a glance
- Population
- 121,740
- Median age
- 39State: 39
- Median household income
- $60,339State: $70,702
- Median home value
- $172,900State: $230,300
- Median rent
- $1,109/moState: $1,033
- Homeowners
- 60.9%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 21.9%
- Average commute
- 24 min
Is Independence a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 25% lower than the state median.
Cons: Median household income 15% lower than the Missouri median; an average commute of 24 minutes; unemployment of 5.6%; a poverty rate of 15.8%.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in Independence
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Independence the median home value is $172,900, 48% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,109 per month, which is 31.9% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,387 a month in housing costs.
Independence median household income
The median household income in Independence is $60,339 and the income per person is $32,713. 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line (Missouri: 12.6%).
Housing in Independence: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 56,084
- Owner-occupied
- 60.9%
- Renter-occupied
- 39.1%
- Vacant
- 8.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1967
- Average household size
- 2.34
Independence demographics
- Population
- 121,740
- Median age
- 39
- Under 18
- 22.8%
- 65 and older
- 18.7%
- Households
- 51,477
- Foreign-born
- 5.7%
- Veterans
- 7.3%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Independence ›
Education in Independence
21.9% of adults 25 and older in Independence have a bachelor's degree or higher (Missouri: 32.4%), and 7.4% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Independence
- Unemployment rate
- 5.6%State: 4%
- Average commute
- 24 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 12.3%
- Drive alone
- 77.7%
- Public transit
- 0.5%
- Walk to work
- 0.9%
- Homes with broadband
- 89.7%
Independence vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence | 121,740 | $60,339 | $172,900 | $1,109 |
| Lake Tapawingo | 706 | $104,821 | $365,100 | — |
| Sugar Creek | 3,249 | $62,165 | $136,600 | $1,155 |
| Blue Springs | 59,965 | $88,920 | $263,100 | $1,277 |
| Blue Summit | 1,156 | $58,813 | $33,500 | $1,149 |
| Birmingham | 189 | $62,000 | $134,900 | $963 |
| Raytown | 29,445 | $68,840 | $182,900 | $1,218 |
| Grain Valley | 16,271 | $89,649 | $283,800 | $1,398 |
| Buckner | 2,914 | $87,350 | $197,600 | $986 |
More for people moving to Independence
Independence ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Independence: FAQ
What is the median household income in Independence, MO?
The median household income in Independence is $60,339, 15% lower than the Missouri median of $70,702 (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 $172,900, compared with $230,300 in Missouri.
How much is rent in Independence?
The median gross rent in Independence is $1,109 per month, about 31.9% of household income.
Is Independence, MO a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 25% lower than the state median. Minuses: median household income 15% lower than the Missouri median; an average commute of 24 minutes; unemployment of 5.6%; a poverty rate of 15.8%.
What is the median age in Independence?
The median age in Independence is 39 years (Missouri: 39).
How long is the commute in Independence?
The average commute to work in Independence is 24 minutes; 12.3% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Independence?
The unemployment rate in Independence is 5.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Independence?
21.9% 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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