Independence, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,676
-9.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,321/yr
10.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
677
-7.9% year-over-year change

Independence population

How many people live in Independence

Independence is home to 1,676 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.7% of Independence locals are male, and 57.3% are female.

Total population
1,676
-9.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.7%
716
Female
57.3%
960
Value Percent YoY change
Male 716 42.7% -13.6%
Female 960 57.3% -6.7%
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 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.6% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.4% of the population, while another 16.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.6%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
24.4%
45 to 64
16.7%
Over 65
27.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 328 19.6% -15.5%
15 to 24 194 11.6% -9.3%
25 to 44 409 24.4% 0.5%
45 to 64 280 16.7% -0.4%
Over 65 465 27.7% -18.1%
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, 99.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 3.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,668 99.5% -9.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8 0.5% -20.0%
Racial breakdown
White
96.2%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,612 96.2%
Black or African American 10 0.6%
Two or more races 54 3.2%

Households in Independence

A peek inside Independence households

Independence has 650 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 83.7% are families, while the remaining 16.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
650
-8.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
106
Family households
544
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 106 16.3% -15.2%
Family households 544 83.7% -6.7%
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 677 units, with 73.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.7% 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 23.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
677
-7.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 496 73.3%
1 unit, attached 18 2.7%
Mobile home 159 23.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
6
-71.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Independence

In Independence, the median construction year is 1983. About 12.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 82 12.1% 17.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 37 5.5% -11.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5 0.7% -50.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 53 7.8% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 126 18.6% -26.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 115 17% -19.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 127 18.8% 11.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 62 9.2% -12.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 64 9.4% 64.1%
Built in 2020 or later 6 0.9% -71.4%
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 650 occupied housing units in Independence, 87.8% are owner-occupied, while 12.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
650
-8.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
79
Owner occupied
571
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 79 12.2% 259.1%
Owner occupied 571 87.8% -16.8%
Unoccupied housing units
4.0%
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 $467 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $634.

Median housing costs per month
$467/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
$634/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 49.6% of the population in Independence went to high school, while 15% pursued college studies. Another 4.3% earned an associate degree and 18.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 11 0.9% -45.0%
High school diploma 632 49.6% -25.7%
College diploma 191 15% -2.0%
Associate degree 55 4.3% -3.5%
Bachelor's degree 241 18.9% 30.3%
Graduate degree 145 11.4% 39.4%
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 $87,218 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,321, reflecting a +10.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Independence
$87,218/year
12.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Independence
$57,321/year
10.1% 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 $69,732. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,792 overall. Overall, 97.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $69,732 4.6%
45 - 64 $69,792 6.5%
Over 65 $41,792 -20.0%
Above poverty level
1,527
Below poverty level
43
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,527 97.3% -7.6%
Below poverty level 43 2.7% -50.6%

Employment in Independence

Workforce and job types in Independence

78.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13% run their own businesses, 50.1% are employed by private companies, and 24.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
552
Blue collar
149
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 552 78.7% 18.2%
Blue collar 149 21.3% -29.7%
Employer type
Self employees
13%
Private companies
50.1%
Governmental workers
24.2%
Not for profit companies
12.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 91 13% -18.8%
Private companies 351 50.1% 0.3%
Governmental workers 170 24.2% 16.4%
Not for profit companies 89 12.7% 25.4%

Transportation in Independence

How people get around in Independence

Commuting methods vary: 98.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 643 98.8% 6.3%
Walk 8 1.2% -52.9%
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
26374 1,676 650 $57,321 $87,218

Explore more communities

FAQs about Independence demographics 

What is the total population of Independence?

Independence has a total population of 1,676 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 -9.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Independence?

The gender ratio in Independence is as follows:
  • 42.7% males (716 residents)
  • 57.3% females (960 residents)

What is the median age in Independence?

The median age in Independence is 41.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Independence?

The age distribution in Independence is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.6% (328 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (194 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.4% (409 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.7% (280 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.7% (465 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Independence?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Independence is as follows:
  • White: 96.2% (1,612 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (10 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.2% (54 residents)
  • Other: 0% ( residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.5% of the population in Independence.

How many housing units are there in Independence?

There are 677 housing units in Independence, reflecting a -7.9% 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 650 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Independence?

Independence has a median household income of $57,321, representing a +10.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Independence?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.7% (552 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.3% (149 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13% (91 residents)
  • Private companies: 50.1% (351 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24.2% (170 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.7% (89 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