Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

Independence, MO Population, Income & Demographics 2026

Showing latest census year. Full demographic history available with a paid plan. View plans →

Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

7,534

Median Agei

48.4

Race & Ethnicityi

White

92.4%6,958

Two or More

3.1%235

Black

1.8%135

Asian

1.4%108

Hispanic/Latino

1.3%98

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

1%56

High School Diploma

25.3%1,412

Some College (<1 yr)

7.8%436

Some College (1+ yr)

11.9%666

Associate's Degree

4.8%268

Bachelor's Degree

28%1,564

Master's Degree

14.9%832

Professional Degree

3.7%206

Doctorate

0.8%43

HS or Higher

98.2%

BA or Higher

47.4%

Graduate+

19.4%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$309,900

Median Renti

$1,383

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

90.4%2,822

Renter-Occupied

9.6%299

Total Units

3,217

Homeownership

90.4%

Vacancy Rate

Home Values

Under $50K

1.8%50

$50K–$100K

0.9%25

$100K–$150K

6.4%180

$150K–$200K

4.7%133

$200K–$300K

34.5%974

$300K–$500K

29.9%844

$500K–$1M

20.8%588

$1M+

1%28

Rent Distribution

Under $500

$500–$750

$750–$1,000

$1,000–$1,250

$1,250–$1,500

$1,500–$2,000

$2,000+

Year Built

2010–2019

6.6%211

2000–2009

6%192

1990–1999

15%484

1980–1989

8%258

1970–1979

6.2%201

1960–1969

8.4%269

1950–1959

30.7%988

1940–1949

8.3%268

1939 or earlier

10.8%346

Heating Fuel

Utility Gas

93.5%2,919

Electricity

5.2%163

No Fuel

0.7%21

Bottled/LP Gas

0.6%18

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$115,733

Mean Household Incomei

$142,587

Per Capita Incomei

$58,711

Poverty Ratei

2.4%

Unemploymenti

1.5%

Labor Forcei

4,068

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

1.7%54

$10K–$15K

1.5%47

$15K–$20K

3%95

$20K–$25K

3.6%111

$25K–$30K

0.9%28

$30K–$35K

1.8%55

$35K–$40K

2.8%87

$40K–$45K

1%30

$45K–$50K

1.9%58

$50K–$60K

3.7%115

$60K–$75K

6.1%190

$75K–$100K

16.6%518

$100K–$125K

11.3%354

$125K–$150K

8.9%279

$150K–$200K

13.6%426

$200K+

21.6%674

Commute & Transportationi

Workersi

4,009

Avg. Commutei

22.6 min

How People Get to Work

Travel Time to Work

Workforce

Total Employed

4,009

Occupations

Industries

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

395(6.5% of civilian adults)