Independence, Montgomery County, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,422
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,069/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,511
-3.0% year-over-year change

Independence population

How many people live in Independence

Independence is home to 8,422 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of Independence locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
8,422
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
4,276
Female
49.2%
4,146
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,276 50.8% 0.5%
Female 4,146 49.2% -1.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Independence is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 13.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.9% of the population, while another 21.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
13.6%
25 to 44
25.9%
45 to 64
21.6%
Over 65
18.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,698 20.2% -0.9%
15 to 24 1,141 13.6% 5.7%
25 to 44 2,178 25.9% 6.2%
45 to 64 1,816 21.6% -2.0%
Over 65 1,589 18.9% -10.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Independence, 96.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 9.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.3%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,110 96.3% -0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 192 2.3% 9.7%
Non-citizens 120 1.4% 8.1%
Racial breakdown
White
84.8%
Black or African American
2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.8%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.1%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 7,144 84.8%
Black or African American 179 2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 149 1.8%
Two or more races 767 9.1%
Other 183 2.2%

Households in Independence

A peek inside Independence households

Independence has 3,665 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.9% are families, while the remaining 43.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,665
-2.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,580
Family households
2,085
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,580 43.1% -5.4%
Family households 2,085 56.9% -0.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Independence

The housing landscape of Independence

Independence's housing consists of 4,511 units, with 80.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,511
-3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,627 80.4%
1 unit, attached 46 1%
2 units 67 1.5%
3 or 4 units 87 1.9%
5 to 9 units 97 2.2%
10 to 19 units 147 3.3%
20 to 49 units 119 2.6%
50 or more units 137 3%
Mobile home 184 4.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Independence

In Independence, the median construction year is 1954. About 37.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,709 37.9% 0.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 334 7.4% -35.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 518 11.5% 5.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 519 11.5% 22.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 586 13% -11.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 481 10.7% 11.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 143 3.2% -33.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 147 3.3% 13.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 74 1.6% 5.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Independence occupancy rates

Out of the 3,665 occupied housing units in Independence, 69.6% are owner-occupied, while 30.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,665
-2.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,113
Owner occupied
2,552
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,113 30.4% -1.9%
Owner occupied 2,552 69.6% -3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
18.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Independence housing costs

Housing costs in Independence come to a median of $790 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $789.

Median housing costs per month
$790/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Independence
$789/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Independence

Independence education at a glance

About 39.5% of the population in Independence went to high school, while 19.9% pursued college studies. Another 12.8% earned an associate degree and 15% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 121 1.9% -14.2%
High school diploma 2,517 39.5% 6.8%
College diploma 1,269 19.9% -14.7%
Associate degree 819 12.8% -11.8%
Bachelor's degree 957 15% 1.2%
Graduate degree 696 10.9% 14.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Independence

How much people earn in Independence

The average annual household income in Independence was $64,430 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,069, reflecting a +3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Independence
$64,430/year
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Independence
$51,069/year
3.9% year-over-year change

Independence income by age

In Independence, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $54,366. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $59,306 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $45,660, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,115 in earnings. Overall, 81.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $45,660 N/A
25 - 44 $54,366 12.0%
45 - 64 $59,306 -5.7%
Over 65 $47,115 1.3%
Above poverty level
6,653
Below poverty level
1,502
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,653 81.6% -2.6%
Below poverty level 1,502 18.4% 13.1%

Average renter income in Independence

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Independence, their median household income was $28,287 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,287
Rent-to-income ratio
33.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Independence

Workforce and job types in Independence

The job market in Independence is powered by 3,835 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.5% run their own businesses, 54.5% are employed by private companies, and 24.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,835
-2.1% year-over-year change
White collar
2,617
Blue collar
1,218
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,617 68.2% -1.1%
Blue collar 1,218 31.8% -4.1%
Employer type
Self employees
10.5%
Private companies
54.5%
Governmental workers
24.4%
Not for profit companies
10.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 403 10.5% -31.4%
Private companies 2,090 54.5% -5.0%
Governmental workers 937 24.4% 20.4%
Not for profit companies 405 10.6% 15.1%
Unemployment rate
7.0%
88.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Independence stands at 7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Independence

How people get around in Independence

In Independence, the average commute time is 17 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 92.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
17 min
10.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,432 92.8% -2.5%
Walk 59 1.6% -53.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Independence by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
67301 12,953 5,367 $54,950 $74,323

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FAQs about Independence demographics 

What is the total population of Independence?

Independence has a total population of 8,422 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Independence?

The gender ratio in Independence is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (4,276 residents)
  • 49.2% females (4,146 residents)

What is the median age in Independence?

The median age in Independence is 38.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Independence?

The age distribution in Independence is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (1,698 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.6% (1,141 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.9% (2,178 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.6% (1,816 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.9% (1,589 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Independence?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Independence is as follows:
  • White: 84.8% (7,144 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.1% (179 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.8% (149 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.1% (767 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (183 residents)

What percentage of the population in Independence are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.3% of the population in Independence.

How many housing units are there in Independence?

There are 4,511 housing units in Independence, reflecting a -3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Independence and what is the average household size?

Independence has a total of 3,665 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Independence?

Independence has a median household income of $51,069, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Independence?

The employment rate is 93% in Independence, with a workforce of 3,835 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.2% (2,617 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.8% (1,218 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.5% (403 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.5% (2,090 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24.4% (937 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.6% (405 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025