Independence, MO Census Data
The 5th largest city in Missouri by population · 13 cities ranked
Independence is the 5th largest city in Missouri by population and ranks 9th of 13 for median household income. With 121,944 residents, its poverty rate of 15.3% ranks among the higher rates in Missouri. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
121,944
48.8% male · 51.2% female
Median Age
38.4
0.3 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$59,480
$19,058 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
20.9%
14.1% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 90.2%
Poverty Rate
15.3%
2.9% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 13.1%
Broadband Access
94.0%
4.3% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$166,400
Median rent: $1,061 · 61% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
Labor force participation: 59.2%
Per Capita Income
$39,290
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
7.7%
Disability rate: 16.4%
How Independence Compares to Other Missouri Cities
Rankings among all 13 Missouri cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 5th of 13 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 9th of 13 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 8th of 13 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 13th of 13 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 9th of 13 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Independence, MO Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Independence, MO?
The population of Independence, MO is 121,944 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 38.4 years.
What is the median household income in Independence?
The median household income in Independence, MO is $59,480, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $39,290.
What is the poverty rate in Independence?
The poverty rate in Independence, MO is 15.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 13.1% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Independence residents have a college degree?
20.9% of adults (25+) in Independence hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.2% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Independence?
The median home value in Independence, MO is $166,400. Median rent is $1,061 per month, with 61% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Independence?
Independence's population is 72.2% White, 10.8% Black, 12.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.4% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Independence rank among Missouri cities?
Independence is the 5th largest city in Missouri by population, the 9th highest for median household income, the 8th lowest for poverty rate, the 13th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 13 ranked Missouri cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Independence?
The unemployment rate in Independence, MO is 6.0%, with a labor force participation rate of 59.2%. Per capita income is $39,290.
Cities Similar to Independence
Other Missouri cities with comparable population and income levels.