Living in Independence, MO
Independence is the 251st-largest city in the US, home to about 122,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (92.5 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 121,675-1% since 2020
- Median home value
- $172,9002.9 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,109/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $60,339median, per year
- Price level
- 92.5US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 40° / 90°lows 22° / 72°
- Average commute
- 24 min12% work from home
- State income tax
- 4.7%top rate, graduated
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County: Jackson County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 1,033 ft
Metro area: Kansas City, MO-KS
Cost of living in Independence
The median home in Independence is worth $172,900 and the median household earns $60,339 a year, so a typical home costs about 2.9 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,109 a month, about 22% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area at 92.5, with housing at 86.6 and goods at 94.1 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $69,400 here. Missouri taxes wages at a top rate of 4.7%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Missouri is 8.44%.
What would my salary be worth in Independence?
Independence weather
Average highs run from 40°F in January to 90°F in July, and January nights average 22°F. It gets 38 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 11 inches of snow. Expect about 47 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 93 times a year. The most comfortable months are April and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Independence
People and work
The median resident is 39.0 years old, and 22% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 61% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 24 minutes; 12% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 39.0422nd youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 22%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 61%of households
- People per sq mile
- 1,56078.0 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%1% walk, 0% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.6%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 15.8%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1967median year
Who moves to Independence, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Springfield (Greene County), Columbia (Boone County) and St. Louis County, MO. People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Phoenix (Maricopa County), Chicago (Cook County) and St. Louis County, MO. See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Jackson County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, hail, inland flooding, heat wave.
Home prices
+3.2% in a year
Up 42% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Kansas City, MO-KS area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
49% good days
10 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Kansas City, MO-KS area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Independence
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Kauffman Stadium 5 miles
- Johnson County Community College 21 miles
- University of Missouri-Kansas City 10 miles
- Park University 16 miles
- Rockhurst University 10 miles
- Avila University 16 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Independence
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City International Airport MCI | 21 mi | 5,915,078 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Independence
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson County Community College | 21 mi | 11,332 | $12,359 | 34% |
| Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City | 10 mi | 10,649 | $9,851 | 36% |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | 10 mi | 6,817 | $13,778 | 56% |
| Park University | 16 mi | 4,555 | $19,119 | 36% |
| Rockhurst University | 10 mi | 1,580 | $24,702 | 72% |
| Avila University | 16 mi | 1,312 | $16,675 | 44% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Independence
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 4, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 25 and the first frost comes around November 2.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Kansas City Downtown Airport, MO, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Independence.
Wildfire smoke in Independence
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Independence on about 156 days a year, including about 39 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Independence
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 51,477 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Independence
Downtown Independence is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence 30 School District | Pre-K to 12 | 14,272 | 31 | 14.7 |
Other districts within 10 miles: North Kansas City 74 School District (21,252 students), Lee's Summit R-VII School District (17,870 students), Kansas City 33 School District (15,079 students), Blue Springs R-IV School District (14,657 students), Liberty 53 School District (11,826 students), Raytown C-2 School District (7,676 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Independence's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Independence's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Springfield, IL80% matchCompare
- Evansville, IN79% matchCompare
- Roanoke, VA76% matchCompare
- Louisville, KY76% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Independence
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Independence
- Snow Creek 39 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Independence
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 2.9 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 7% below the US average (BEA).
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Independence report card from locals
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Independence through locals' eyes
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Cities near Independence
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | 9 mi | 521,220 | $242,900 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Lee's Summit, MO | 12 mi | 107,514 | $340,900 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Kansas City, KS | 14 mi | 157,805 | $167,400 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Overland Park, KS | 21 mi | 203,677 | $413,600 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Olathe, KS | 26 mi | 150,025 | $364,700 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Lawrence, KS | 46 mi | 96,367 | $292,700 | 90.2 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Independence ranks 23rd of 24 in our best suburbs of Kansas City ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Independence with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Independence a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income. Compare Independence side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Independence?
The Census Bureau estimates Independence had 121,675 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 122,954 in April 2020 (-1%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Independence?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $69,400 in the Independence area. The median household here earns $60,339.
When is the best time to visit Independence?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 90°F and January 40°F for daytime highs.
What county is Independence in?
Independence is in Jackson County, Missouri. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Independence in?
Independence is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Independence?
About 1,033 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Missouri have a state income tax?
Yes. Missouri has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 4.7% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Independence. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Kansas City Downtown Airport, MO station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.