Living in Independence, Virginia
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Independence · Census data 2020–2024
Independence has 1,132 residents with a median age of 58.4. The median household income is $39,286 (58% lower than the Virginia median), the median home value is $122,400, the median rent is $668/month.
Independence is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Independence at a glance
- Population
- 1,132
- Median age
- 58.4State: 39
- Median household income
- $39,286State: $93,170
- Median home value
- $122,400State: $383,700
- Median rent
- $668/moState: $1,579
- Homeowners
- 66.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 19.6%
- Average commute
- 19 min
Is Independence a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 68% lower than the state median; an average commute of 19 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 58% lower than the Virginia median; unemployment of 4.8%; a poverty rate of 23.6%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Independence
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Independence the median home value is $122,400, 63% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $668 per month, which is 34.3% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,019 a month in housing costs.
Independence median household income
The median household income in Independence is $39,286 and the income per person is $29,934. 23.6% of residents live below the poverty line (Virginia: 9.9%).
Housing in Independence: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 568
- Owner-occupied
- 66.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 33.9%
- Vacant
- 16.9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1967
- Average household size
- 2.07
Independence demographics
- Population
- 1,132
- Median age
- 58.4
- Under 18
- 19.2%
- 65 and older
- 31.7%
- Households
- 472
- Foreign-born
- 1.3%
- Veterans
- 9.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Independence ›
Education in Independence
19.6% of adults 25 and older in Independence have a bachelor's degree or higher (Virginia: 42.2%), and 5.2% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Independence
- Unemployment rate
- 4.8%State: 4.3%
- Average commute
- 19 minState: 27 min
- Work from home
- 10.2%
- Drive alone
- 79.2%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 5.1%
- Homes with broadband
- 81.1%
Independence vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence | 1,132 | $39,286 | $122,400 | $668 |
| Sparta | 1,928 | $42,454 | $209,600 | $563 |
| Fries | 330 | $33,056 | $121,600 | $333 |
| Galax | 6,726 | $38,675 | $141,300 | $743 |
| Troutdale | 178 | $35,000 | $109,400 | — |
| Sugar Grove | 563 | $45,676 | $56,400 | $744 |
| Lowgap | 264 | $60,368 | $163,500 | $763 |
| Ivanhoe | 540 | $51,406 | $95,500 | — |
| Woodlawn | 2,250 | $78,405 | $146,700 | — |
More for people moving to Independence
Independence ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Independence: FAQ
What is the median household income in Independence, VA?
The median household income in Independence is $39,286, 58% lower than the Virginia median of $93,170 (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 $122,400, compared with $383,700 in Virginia.
How much is rent in Independence?
The median gross rent in Independence is $668 per month, about 34.3% of household income.
Is Independence, VA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 68% lower than the state median; an average commute of 19 minutes. Minuses: median household income 58% lower than the Virginia median; unemployment of 4.8%; a poverty rate of 23.6%.
What is the median age in Independence?
The median age in Independence is 58.4 years (Virginia: 39).
How long is the commute in Independence?
The average commute to work in Independence is 19 minutes; 10.2% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Independence?
The unemployment rate in Independence is 4.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Independence?
19.6% 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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