Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Independence, MO
Considering a move to Independence, MO? With a population of 122,230, this affordable city boasts a median home price of just $180,000 and average rent around $1,060, making it budget-friendly compared to national averages. Residents enjoy a reasonable average commute of 24 minutes, 57% sunny days, and access to quality local hospitals and schools. While property crime rates are higher than the U.S. average, Independence offers a relaxed pace of life, diverse neighborhoods, and proximity to Kansas City for big-city amenities.
Demographics - Independence, MO
Demographics - Independence, MO
Independence, Missouri is home to about 122,230 people, with a median age of 39 and a population density of 1,400 residents per square mile. The city is predominantly White (80%), with a notable Black community and smaller Asian and other ethnic groups, and just under 9% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
122,230
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
80.3%
Black:
8.8%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
9.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Independence, MO?
Living in Independence is affordable, with a cost of living index of 86.2, well below national averages. Median home values are around $180,000 and typical rent is $1,060, making housing especially accessible for newcomers. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, helping residents stretch their budgets.
Median House Value:
$180,000
Gross Rent:
$1,060
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,430
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
1.5%
|
High:
5.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.2
Grocery:
94.7
Housing:
71.3
Utilities:
99.2
Transportation:
92.5
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
87.1
Crime
Is Independence, MO a safe place to live?
Independence has a higher crime rate than many U.S. cities, with about 630 violent crimes and 3,840 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of experiencing property crime is roughly 1 in 26, so new residents should consider neighborhood safety when choosing where to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
630
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,840
Crime Index:
4,470
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 159
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 26
Weather
What is the weather like in Independence, MO year-round?
The city experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers reaching highs of 89°F and chilly winters dipping to 23°F. Independence gets about 42 inches of rainfall per year and enjoys sunshine 57% of the time, offering plenty of pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Residents in Independence have a median household income of $59,800 and a poverty rate near 15%. Most adults hold at least a high school diploma, and commute times average 24 minutes, making for a manageable daily routine. Public transportation usage is low, so most people rely on cars.
Median Income:
$34,800
Household Income:
$59,800
Family Income:
$72,600
Per Capita Income:
$29,900
Income Male:
$42,100
Income Female:
$32,700
Poverty Rate:
14.8%
Non English Speakers:
8.6%
Rent:
$1,060
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
23.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.6%
Bachelors or More:
20.7%
Education
How are the schools in Independence, MO?
Families in Independence benefit from a range of public and private schools, including William Chrisman High School and St. Mary’s High School, as well as local higher education options like Metropolitan Community College – Blue River. Student-to-teacher ratios are favorable, supporting a positive learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
William Chrisman High School
Street:
1223 N. Noland Rd
Phone:
816-521-5350
Students:
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Bridger Middle School
Street:
18200 E M 78 Hwy
Phone:
816-521-5375
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary's High School
Street:
621 N. Truman Rd
Phone:
816-252-8649
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
Metropolitan Community College – Blue River
City:
Independence
State:
MO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,700
Name:
University of Missouri – Kansas City
City:
Kansas City
State:
MO
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
16,300
Healthcare
Independence offers access to major hospitals like Centerpoint Medical Center and Truman Medical Center Lakewood, both providing comprehensive emergency and surgical care. The city has approximately 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 90% of the population has health insurance coverage.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Centerpoint Medical Center
Address:
19600 East 39th St S, Independence, MO 64057
Phone:
(816) 698-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Truman Medical Center Lakewood
Address:
7900 Lee's Summit Rd, Kansas City, MO 64139
Phone:
(816) 404-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Independence, MO?
The housing market is attractive, with a median home price of $180,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 59%. Rent for a typical two-bedroom apartment averages $1,060, and the area has a relatively low foreclosure rate, making it a stable option for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$180,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,060
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle and driver services in Independence are managed by the Missouri Department of Revenue, with information and resources available online or at the state office in Jefferson City. Residents can access licensing and registration support via the department’s website or by phone.
State:
Missouri
Department:
Missouri Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing Division
Address:
301 West High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone:
1-573-526-3669
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.