MissouriPop. 121,740Mid-size cities
Is Independence a Good Place to Live? Independence, Missouri: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Independence ranks #953 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #177 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($172,900, #20 of 256) and high graduation rates (93.4%, #24 of 205), and trails on low household income ($60,339, #209 of 256) and high violent crime (560 per 100,000, #178 of 235).
Independence by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Independence's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Independence?
Independence's cost of living index is 92.5, 7% below the US level of 100 and #337 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,109/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $212,613, 21% below the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
| Measure | Independence | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 92.5#337 of 1,308 | 90.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $212,613#147 of 1,187 | $267,879 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,385/mo#241 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $172,900#150 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,109/mo#342 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.1%#689 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Independence housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Independence is in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro.
Missouri housing market →Is Independence safe?
Independence recorded 560 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 71% above the US rate of 328 and 34% above Missouri's 418. That ranks #888 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #178 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Independence Police Department. Property crime runs 3,007 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Independence | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 560#888 of 1,085 | 418 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,007#953 of 1,085 | 1,644 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Independence?
The median household in Independence earns $60,339, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Independence | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $60,339#1040 of 1,312 | $71,589 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.7%#760 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 15.8%#910 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Independence?
The median resident of Independence is 39 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 21.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1099 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Independence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 39 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 21.9%#1099 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 60.9% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Independence's schools and health?
Independence's 35 public schools graduate 93.4% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $12,427 spent per pupil. 37.3% of adults are obese and 12.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Independence | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 93.4%#159 of 1,063 | 89.8% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $12,427#888 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 37.3%#964 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.9%#933 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.9%#1156 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.5%#827 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 17,565 students are enrolled in Independence's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Independence?
The average commute in Independence is 23.9 minutes (Missouri 24); 0.5% of workers take transit and 12.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Independence scores 11.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #545 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77°F and winters 33.5°F, with 38.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Independence | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 23.9 min#672 of 1,312 | 24 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 77.7% | 74.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.9% | 1.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 12.3% | 11.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.4#545 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39 | 22.1 | 1 |
| Feb | 44.3 | 25.9 | 1.4 |
| Mar | 55.4 | 35.4 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 65.5 | 45.5 | 4.2 |
| May | 74.8 | 55.9 | 5.7 |
| Jun | 84 | 65.4 | 5 |
| Jul | 88.3 | 69.7 | 4.6 |
| Aug | 86.9 | 67.6 | 4.5 |
| Sep | 79 | 59 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 67.1 | 47.2 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 54 | 36.2 | 2.1 |
| Dec | 43.2 | 26.3 | 1.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lees Summit Muni Airport.
| Measure | Independence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 55.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 77°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 33.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 38.3 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lees Summit Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Independence?
Jackson County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 57% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jackson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Independence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#344 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Jackson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Jackson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.014% | 89% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.017% | 79% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 34% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.068% | 33% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0011% | 31% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Independence compare with similar-size cities?
Independence is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #177 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 121,740.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #953 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 | 23.9 min |
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #296 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 | 26.1 min |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #283 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 | 17.4 min |
| West Palm Beach, FLPop. 122,290 | #732 | 54.4 | $73,446 | $1,772/mo | 493 | 23.4 min |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #194 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 | 20 min |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #1195 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 | 20 min |
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #1090 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 | 23.1 min |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #233 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data | 27 min |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #656 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 | 18.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Independence compare with the rest of Missouri?
Independence ranks #14 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 50.8 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 16% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 34% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical Missouri home.
| City | Rank in MO | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesterfield, MOPop. 49,574 | #1 | 70.5 | $133,037 | $1,644/mo | 120 |
| Wildwood, MOPop. 35,133 | #2 | 67.6 | $161,060 | $1,661/mo | no data |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #3 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #4 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #5 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #6 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 |
| University City, MOPop. 34,685 | #7 | 63.2 | $80,694 | $1,319/mo | 319 |
| St. Charles, MOPop. 71,508 | #8 | 63.0 | $85,937 | $1,251/mo | 184 |
| Oakville, MOPop. 35,333 | #9 | 61.4 | $106,362 | $1,091/mo | no data |
| Blue Springs, MOPop. 59,965 | #10 | 61.0 | $88,920 | $1,277/mo | 228 |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #11 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #12 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #13 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #14 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #15 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 |
| Cape Girardeau, MOPop. 40,344 | #16 | 49.4 | $55,658 | $876/mo | 467 |
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #17 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 |
| Joplin, MOPop. 52,593 | #18 | 47.5 | $52,097 | $962/mo | 559 |
| Springfield, MOPop. 169,954 | #19 | 46.4 | $49,311 | $964/mo | 1,233 |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #20 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 |
All 20 Missouri cities we track, by overall score. Missouri statewide: median income $71,589, violent crime 417.8 per 100,000.
How is Independence's score calculated?
Independence scores 50.8 out of 100, #953 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Missouri's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Independence. Similar-size median 52.9.
42.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Independence's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
49.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Independence. Similar-size median 53.8.
41.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Independence's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
60.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Independence's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
81.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Independence. Similar-size median 51.2.
37.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Independence. Similar-size median 42.1.
36.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Independence. Similar-size median 50.1.
46.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Independence's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
54.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
61.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Independence's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Independence has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Independence
Is Independence, MO a good place to live?
Independence ranks #953 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #177 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($172,900, #20 of 256) and high graduation rates (93.4%, #24 of 205), and trails on low household income ($60,339, #209 of 256) and high violent crime (560 per 100,000, #178 of 235).
What is the cost of living in Independence?
Independence's cost of living index is 92.5, 7% below the US level of 100 and #337 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,109/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $212,613, 21% below the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
What is the crime rate in Independence?
Independence recorded 560 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 71% above the US rate of 328 and 34% above Missouri's 418. That ranks #888 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #178 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Independence Police Department. Property crime runs 3,007 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Independence?
The median household in Independence earns $60,339, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Independence?
Median rent in Independence is $1,109/mo (Census), #342 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,385/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Independence?
The typical home value in Independence is $212,613, up 3.6% in a year, against $267,879 for Missouri and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $172,900.
How are the public schools in Independence?
Independence's 35 public schools graduate 93.4% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $12,427 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Independence?
The average commute is 23.9 minutes, #672 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across Missouri. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Independence?
Independence averages 55.7°F over the year, 77°F in summer and 33.5°F in winter, with 38.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Independence walkable?
Independence scores 11.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #545 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Independence at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jackson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Independence?
Jackson County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 57% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Independence?
Independence has 121,740 residents. The median resident of Independence is 39 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 21.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1099 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Independence compare with the rest of Missouri?
Independence ranks #14 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 50.8 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 16% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 34% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical Missouri home.
What cities are similar in size to Independence?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Independence's population of 121,740 are Arvada, CO (#296 overall), Rochester, MN (#283 overall), West Palm Beach, FL (#732 overall), Ann Arbor, MI (#194 overall), and Lafayette, LA (#1195 overall). Independence is #953.