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Independence, Iowa

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Current weather forecast for Independence, IA

Population in 2022: 6,179 (92% urban, 8% rural).
Population change since 2000: +2.7%
 
Males: 3,018  (48.9%)
Females: 3,161  (51.1%)
Median resident age:

41.8 years
Iowa median age:

38.9 years

Zip codes: 50644.

Estimated median household income in 2022: $62,164 (it was $36,554 in 2000)
Independence:

$62,164
IA:

$69,588

Estimated per capita income in 2022: $34,813 (it was $20,683 in 2000)

Independence city income, earnings, and wages data

Estimated median house or condo value in 2022: $166,096 (it was $76,600 in 2000)
Independence:

$166,096
IA:

$194,600

Mean prices in 2022: all housing units: $203,286; detached houses: $209,031; townhouses or other attached units: $220,637; in 2-unit structures: $340,521; in 3-to-4-unit structures: $186,902; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $157,103; mobile homes: $49,129

Median gross rent in 2022: $779.

March 2022 cost of living index in Independence: 76.2 (low, U.S. average is 100)
Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2022: 11.7%
(11.5% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 0.8% for Black residents, 6.3% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 34.9% for two or more races residents)

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  • Races in Independence, IA (2022)
    • 5,51490.0%White alone
    • 2874.7%Hispanic
    • 1582.6%Two or more races
    • 1352.2%Black alone
    • 40.07%American Indian alone

Races in Independence detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth



According to our research of Iowa and other state lists, there were 16 registered sex offenders living in Independence, Iowa as of May 05, 2024.
The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Independence is 379 to 1.


Crime rates in Independence by year

Type

2009

2010

2011

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022
Murders
(per 100,000)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)
Rapes
(per 100,000)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		1
(16.8)		0
(0.0)		2
(33.8)		1
(16.6)		1
(16.6)		1
(16.5)		5
(82.2)		2
(32.6)		8
(128.5)		1
(16.0)
Robberies
(per 100,000)		2
(32.7)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		1
(16.8)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		1
(16.6)		2
(33.2)		1
(16.5)		2
(32.9)		3
(48.9)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)
Assaults
(per 100,000)		6
(98.0)		4
(67.0)		9
(150.1)		2
(33.5)		2
(33.5)		4
(67.5)		8
(132.4)		7
(116.1)		11
(181.5)		19
(312.2)		8
(130.3)		13
(208.8)		8
(128.3)
Burglaries
(per 100,000)		28
(457.1)		18
(301.7)		46
(767.1)		4
(67.0)		11
(184.3)		9
(152.0)		31
(513.2)		43
(713.5)		28
(461.9)		21
(345.1)		26
(423.4)		14
(224.8)		10
(160.4)
Thefts
(per 100,000)		99
(1,616)		62
(1,039)		67
(1,117)		14
(234.5)		27
(452.3)		35
(591.0)		67
(1,109)		76
(1,261)		86
(1,419)		56
(920.1)		63
(1,026)		39
(626.3)		51
(817.8)
Auto thefts
(per 100,000)		11
(179.6)		4
(67.0)		9
(150.1)		1
(16.8)		1
(16.8)		2
(33.8)		3
(49.7)		6
(99.6)		4
(66.0)		7
(115.0)		9
(146.6)		2
(32.1)		10
(160.4)
Arson
(per 100,000)		2
(32.7)		2
(33.5)		1
(16.7)		1
(16.8)		1
(16.8)		0
(0.0)		1
(16.6)		1
(16.6)		2
(33.0)		1
(16.4)		1
(16.3)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)
City-Data.com crime index140.481.5140.440.539.077.5129.0154.8148.8208.2149.2187.995.3

The City-Data.com crime index weighs serious crimes and violent crimes more heavily. Higher means more crime, U.S. average is 246.1. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities.

Click on a table row to update graph
City-data.com crime index in Independence, IA

Crime rate in Independence detailed stats: murders, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, arson

Full-time law enforcement employees in 2021, including police officers: 12 (11 officers - 10 male; 1 female).
Officers per 1,000 residents here:

1.77
Iowa average:

1.76
Recent articles from our blog. Our writers, many of them Ph.D. graduates or candidates, create easy-to-read articles on a wide variety of topics.
Independence, IA forum
Recent posts about Independence, Iowa on our local forum with over 2,400,000 registered users. Independence is mentioned 62 times on our forum:
As educated Iowans decline, Iowa goes red  (103 replies)
Need Answers  (5 replies)
Tell Me About Iowa, Please.  (26 replies)
Town Suggestions - Northern Iowa  (12 replies)
Iowa Accent  (134 replies)
Waterloo Area  (8 replies)

Latest news from Independence, IA collected exclusively by city-data.com from local newspapers, TV, and radio stations

Ancestries: German (31.2%), American (16.2%), Irish (6.8%), English (6.5%), African (6.0%), European (4.4%).

Current Local Time: CST time zone

Incorporated on 10/15/1864

Elevation: 950 feet

Land area: 3.71 square miles.

Population density: 1,666 people per square mile   (low).

Independence, Iowa map

219 residents are foreign born (2.1% Africa, 1.2% Latin America).

This city:

3.6%
Iowa:

5.6%

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2022: $2,674 (1.6%)
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2022: $2,779 (1.7%)

Nearest city with pop. 50,000+: Waterloo, IA (23.1 miles , pop. 68,747).

Nearest city with pop. 200,000+: Madison, WI (133.6 miles , pop. 208,054).

Nearest city with pop. 1,000,000+: Chicago, IL (220.4 miles , pop. 2,896,016).

Nearest cities:

Rowley, IA (2.7 miles ),
Winthrop, IA (2.8 miles ),
Jesup, IA (2.9 miles ),
Quasqueton, IA (2.9 miles ),
Hazleton, IA (3.2 miles ),
Brandon, IA (3.5 miles ),
Stanley, IA (3.5 miles),
Aurora, IA (3.6 miles)

Latitude: 42.47 N, Longitude: 91.89 W

Daytime population change due to commuting: +901 (+14.7%)
Workers who live and work in this city: 1,723 (54.9%)

Area code: 319

Distribution of median household income in Independence, IA in 2022
Distribution of house value in Independence, IA in 2022
Independence satellite photo by USGS

Single-family new house construction building permits:

  • 2022: 14 buildings, average cost: $283,200
  • 2021: 6 buildings, average cost: $300,000
  • 2020: 4 buildings, average cost: $246,000
  • 2019: 4 buildings, average cost: $246,000
  • 2018: 4 buildings, average cost: $246,000
  • 2017: 11 buildings, average cost: $165,300
  • 2016: 5 buildings, average cost: $178,000
  • 2015: 7 buildings, average cost: $174,100
  • 2014: 12 buildings, average cost: $166,900
  • 2013: 11 buildings, average cost: $167,700
  • 2012: 8 buildings, average cost: $173,300
  • 2011: 11 buildings, average cost: $180,000
  • 2010: 9 buildings, average cost: $158,300
  • 2009: 7 buildings, average cost: $133,000
  • 2008: 11 buildings, average cost: $177,800
  • 2007: 9 buildings, average cost: $162,100
  • 2006: 9 buildings, average cost: $164,800
  • 2005: 8 buildings, average cost: $137,500
  • 2004: 13 buildings, average cost: $155,700
  • 2003: 20 buildings, average cost: $126,600
  • 2002: 11 buildings, average cost: $137,800
  • 2001: 25 buildings, average cost: $104,500
  • 2000: 28 buildings, average cost: $111,300
  • 1999: 28 buildings, average cost: $114,300
  • 1998: 15 buildings, average cost: $139,600
  • 1997: 18 buildings, average cost: $86,900
Number of permits per 10,000 Independence, IA residents
Average permit cost in Independence, IA
Unemployment in December 2023:
Here:

2.6%
Iowa:

2.7%
Historical population in Independence, IA
Historical housing units in Independence, IA
Most common industries in Independence, IA (%)
Both Males Females
Most common industries in 2000
  • Health care (13.2%)
  • Educational services (8.8%)
  • Food (6.7%)
  • Public administration (5.4%)
  • Construction (5.1%)
  • Metal & metal products (4.8%)
  • Social assistance (4.5%)
Most common industries for males in 2000
  • Food (10.7%)
  • Construction (8.2%)
  • Machinery (7.4%)
  • Public administration (5.8%)
  • Metal & metal products (5.7%)
  • Educational services (4.9%)
  • Truck transportation (4.6%)
Most common industries for females in 2000
  • Health care (23.1%)
  • Educational services (12.9%)
  • Social assistance (8.9%)
  • Finance & insurance (5.2%)
  • Public administration (5.1%)
  • Accommodation & food services (4.4%)
  • Metal & metal products (3.8%)
Most common occupations in Independence, IA (%)
Both Males Females
Most common occupations in 2000
  • Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (6.0%)
  • Metal workers and plastic workers (4.5%)
  • Other production occupations, including supervisors (3.8%)
  • Nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides (3.7%)
  • Laborers and material movers, hand (3.4%)
  • Child care workers (3.2%)
  • Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (3.2%)
Most common occupations for males in 2000
  • Metal workers and plastic workers (7.0%)
  • Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (6.8%)
  • Other production occupations, including supervisors (6.5%)
  • Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (6.1%)
  • Electrical equipment mechanics and other installation, maintenance, and repair workers, including supervisors (6.0%)
  • Laborers and material movers, hand (5.0%)
  • Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (4.6%)
Most common occupations for females in 2000
  • Nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides (6.5%)
  • Child care workers (6.2%)
  • Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (5.1%)
  • Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers (4.2%)
  • Customer service representatives (4.0%)
  • Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (3.8%)
  • Registered nurses (3.5%)

Average climate in Independence, Iowa

Based on data reported by over 4,000 weather stations

Independence, Iowa average temperatures Independence, Iowa average precipitation Independence, Iowa humidity Independence, Iowa wind speed Independence, Iowa snowfall Independence, Iowa sunshine Independence, Iowa clear and cloudy days

Independence, Iowa environmental map by EPA

Map Legend

Air pollution and air quality trends
(lower is better)
AQI NO2 PM2.5
Air Quality Index

Air Quality Index (AQI) level in 2023 was 95.4. This is worse than average.

City:

95.4
U.S.:

72.6
Nitrogen Dioxide Level

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) [ppb] level in 2004 was 3.43. This is significantly better than average. Closest monitor was 22.9 miles away from the city center.

City:

3.43
U.S.:

5.11
Particulate Matter Level

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) [µg/m3] level in 2023 was 12.1. This is significantly worse than average. Closest monitor was 20.2 miles away from the city center.

City:

12.1
U.S.:

8.1

Tornado activity:

Independence-area historical tornado activity is near Iowa state average. It is 98% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 5/15/1968, a category F5 (max. wind speeds 261-318 mph) tornado 13.9 miles away from the Independence city center killed 5 people and injured 156 people and caused between $5,000,000 and $50,000,000 in damages.

On 8/26/1965, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 18.5 miles away from the city center killed one person and injured 17 people and caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity:

Independence-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Iowa state average. It is 119% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.4 (5.1 MB, 4.8 MS, 5.4 MW, 5.2 MW, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 348.8 miles away from Independence center
On 6/10/1987 at 23:48:54, a magnitude 5.1 (4.9 MB, 4.4 MS, 4.6 MS, 5.1 LG) earthquake occurred 328.5 miles away from the city center
On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.2 (5.2 MW, Depth: 8.9 mi) earthquake occurred 348.8 miles away from Independence center
On 6/28/2004 at 06:10:52, a magnitude 4.2 (4.2 MW, Depth: 6.2 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 169.1 miles away from the city center
On 7/9/1975 at 14:54:15, a magnitude 4.6 (4.6 MB) earthquake occurred 302.3 miles away from the city center
On 9/3/2016 at 12:02:44, a magnitude 5.8 (5.8 MW, Depth: 3.5 mi) earthquake occurred 496.9 miles away from the city center
Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters:

The number of natural disasters in Buchanan County (24) is greater than the US average (15).
Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 20
Emergencies Declared: 1

Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 21, Storms: 17, Tornadoes: 10, Winds: 3, Heavy Rains: 2, Hurricane: 1, Winter Storm: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).
Independence topographic map

Hospitals and medical centers in Independence:

  • BUCHANAN COUNTY HEALTH CENTER (Voluntary non-profit - Other, provides emergency services, 1600 FIRST ST EAST)
  • MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE (P O BOX 111)
  • ABCM REHABILITATION CENTERS OF INDEPENDENCE WEST C (1610 THIRD STREET NE)
  • BUCHANAN COUNTY HEALTH CENTER (1600 FIRST STREET EAST)
  • BUCHANAN COUNTY DIALYSIS (1600 1ST STREET EAST)

Airports located in Independence:

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Independence:

  • Hawkeye Community College (about 23 miles; Waterloo, IA; Full-time enrollment: 7,160)
  • Upper Iowa University (about 27 miles; Fayette, IA; FT enrollment: 5,275)
  • University of Northern Iowa (about 30 miles; Cedar Falls, IA; FT enrollment: 10,816)
  • Kirkwood Community College (about 41 miles; Cedar Rapids, IA; FT enrollment: 11,503)
  • Northeast Iowa Community College-Calmar (about 49 miles; Calmar, IA; FT enrollment: 3,365)
  • Luther College (about 59 miles; Decorah, IA; FT enrollment: 2,700)
  • University of Iowa (about 59 miles; Iowa City, IA; FT enrollment: 24,735)

Public high school in Independence:

Private high school in Independence:

Public elementary/middle schools in Independence:

  • EAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Location: 1103 FIRST STREET WEST, Grades: KG-2)
  • WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Location: 1301 1ST ST W, Grades: 3-6)
  • PERRY #1 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Location: 1726 FAIRBANK AMISH BLVD, Grades: KG-8)

Private elementary/middle school in Independence:

See full list of schools located in Independence

Library in Independence:

  • INDEPENDENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $173,897; Location: 805 1ST ST E; 27,698 books; 1,286 audio materials; 1,146 video materials; 1 local licensed databases; 25 state licensed databases; 83 print serial subscriptions)

Points of interest:

Click to draw/clear city borders

Notable locations in Independence: Buchanan County Fairgrounds (A), Independence Motor Speedway (B), Independence (C), Buchanan County Jail (D), Independence City Police Department (E), Area Ambulance Service Buchanan County (F), Buchanan County Sheriff Department (G), Independence Public Library (H), Independence Fire Department (I), Buchanan County Courthouse (J), Independence City Hall (K). Display/hide their locations on the map

Churches in Independence include: First Presbyterian Church (A), Freedom Baptist Church (B), Saint John's Catholic Church (C), Bethel Baptist Church (D), Saint James Episcopal Church (E), Living Water Church (F), Assembly of God Church (G), Our Redeemer Church (H), Hope Wesleyan Church (I). Display/hide their locations on the map

Cemeteries: Oakwood Cemetery (1), Saint Johns Cemetery (2). Display/hide their locations on the map

Hotels: Rush Park Motel (1810 1st Street West), Super 8 Motel Independence (2000 1st Street West).

Courts: Buchanan County - Clerk Of District Court (210 5th Avenue Northeast Suite C), Buchanan County of Clerk of District Court (210 5th Avenue Southeast).

Birthplace of: Leonard Eugene Dickson - Mathematician, Dan Rasmussen - Politician, Harry E. Yarnell - Navy admiral, Ulysses Prentiss Hedrick - Botanist, George Cobb (baseball) - Baseball player, Louis Bowem Lawton - Army Medal of Honor recipient, Murray Joslin - Electrical engineer.

Buchanan County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Highest Potential

Drinking water stations with addresses in Independence and their reported violations in the past:

INDEPENDENCE WATER DEPT (Address: 331 1ST ST E , Population served: 5,971, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
  • One regular monitoring violation
RIVER RIDGE GOLF CLUB (OKOBOJI GRILL) (Address: 1749 GOLF COURSE BLVD #53 , Population served: 160, Groundwater):
Past health violations:
  • MCL, Monthly (TCR) - Between APR-2007 and JUN-2007, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Violation/Reminder Notice (JUN-29-2007), St Public Notif requested (JUL-12-2007), St Formal NOV issued (JUL-12-2007), St Public Notif received (MAR-24-2008), St Compliance achieved (AUG-05-2008)
Past monitoring violations:
  • One routine major monitoring violation
  • One minor monitoring violation
  • 3 regular monitoring violations
THREE ELMS GOLF COURSE (Population served: 28, Groundwater):
Past health violations:
  • MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In JUL-2010, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Violation/Reminder Notice (JUL-29-2010), St Public Notif requested (AUG-02-2010), St Formal NOV issued (AUG-02-2010), St Public Notif received (AUG-03-2010), St Compliance achieved (SEP-22-2010)
  • MCL, Monthly (TCR) - Between JUL-2009 and SEP-2009, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Violation/Reminder Notice (AUG-13-2009), St Public Notif received (AUG-17-2009), St BCA signed (SEP-09-2009), St Compliance achieved (2 times from MAR-18-2010 to APR-08-2010)
  • MCL, Acute (TCR) - Between JUL-2009 and SEP-2009, Contaminant: Coliform
  • MCL, Monthly (TCR) - Between JUL-2008 and SEP-2008, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Violation/Reminder Notice (JUL-28-2008), St Public Notif received (AUG-01-2008), St Compliance achieved (JAN-23-2009)
  • MCL, Acute (TCR) - Between JUL-2008 and SEP-2008, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Public Notif requested (JUL-29-2008), St Formal NOV issued (JUL-29-2008), St Public Notif received (AUG-01-2008), St Compliance achieved (JAN-23-2009), St No addtl Formal Action needed (JAN-23-2009)
Past monitoring violations:
  • Monitoring, Repeat Major (TCR) - In AUG-2010, Contaminant: Coliform (TCR). Follow-up actions: St Compliance achieved (SEP-14-2010), St Public Notif requested (SEP-20-2010), St Formal NOV issued (SEP-20-2010), St Public Notif received (SEP-23-2010)
Average household size:
This city:

2.3 people
Iowa:

2.4 people

Percentage of family households:
This city:

62.1%
Whole state:

64.7%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners:
This city:

6.5%
Whole state:

6.7%


Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households)
  • Lesbian couples: 0.2% of all households
  • Gay men: 0.0% of all households
152 people in nursing facilities/skilled-nursing facilities in 2010
4 people in local jails and other municipal confinement facilities in 2010

People in group quarters in Independence in 2000:

  • 190 people in nursing homes
  • 52 people in other noninstitutional group quarters
  • 34 people in mental (psychiatric) hospitals or wards
  • 11 people in local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups)

Banks with branches in Independence (2011 data):

  • BankIowa of Cedar Rapids: First Street East Branch, Independence South Office Branch, Drive Up Branch. Info updated 2006/11/03: Bank assets: $464.4 mil, Deposits: $375.8 mil, headquarters in Cedar Rapids, IA, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 11 total offices, Holding Company: Fidelity Ban Corporation
  • Independence Federal Bank For Savings: Independence Federal Bank For Saving at 305 First Street West, branch established on 1935/05/20. Info updated 2011/07/21: Bank assets: $21.9 mil, Deposits: $19.0 mil, local headquarters, negative income in the last year, Mortgage Lending Specialization, 1 total offices
  • Security State Bank: at 231 First Street East, branch established on 1941/10/04. Info updated 2006/11/03: Bank assets: $94.5 mil, Deposits: $75.8 mil, local headquarters, positive income, Agricultural Specialization, 3 total offices, Holding Company: Independence Bancshares, Inc.

For population 15 years and over in Independence:

Marital status in Independence, IA
  • Never married: 29.4%
  • Now married: 47.4%
  • Separated: 1.1%
  • Widowed: 8.9%
  • Divorced: 13.1%

For population 25 years and over in Independence:

  • High school or higher: 95.4%
  • Bachelor's degree or higher: 24.1%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 8.3%
  • Unemployed: 3.0%
  • Mean travel time to work (commute): 18.8 minutes
Educational Attainment in 2022
School Enrollment by Level of School in 2022
Education Gini index (Inequality in education)
Here:

9.2
Iowa average:

10.5

Travel time (in minutes) to work in 2022
Means of transportation to work in 2022 - Independence
Presidential Elections Results

Graphs represent county-level data. Detailed 2008 Election Results

Religion statistics for Independence, IA (based on Buchanan County data)

Religions Adherents in 2010
Religions Adherents - Change between 2000 and 2010
ReligionAdherentsCongregations
Catholic5,1914
Mainline Protestant5,04423
Evangelical Protestant3,07128
Other6-
None7,646-
Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics:

Number of grocery stores: 5
Buchanan County:

2.39 / 10,000 pop.
Iowa:

2.14 / 10,000 pop.
Number of convenience stores (with gas): 14
This county:

6.70 / 10,000 pop.
Iowa:

5.55 / 10,000 pop.
Number of full-service restaurants: 20
Buchanan County:

9.57 / 10,000 pop.
State:

8.01 / 10,000 pop.
Adult diabetes rate:
Buchanan County:

7.7%
Iowa:

7.8%
Adult obesity rate:
Buchanan County:

27.5%
Iowa:

27.3%
Low-income preschool obesity rate:
Here:

13.3%
State:

14.5%

Health and Nutrition:

Healthy diet rate:
Here:

58.6%
State:

49.5%

Average overall health of teeth and gums:
Here:

59.4%
State:

46.1%

Average BMI:
Independence:

27.6
Iowa:

28.6

People feeling badly about themselves:
Independence:

17.1%
State:

21.4%

People not drinking alcohol at all:
Independence:

7.4%
Iowa:

10.4%

Average hours sleeping at night:
Independence:

7.1
State:

6.8

Overweight people:
Independence:

33.2%
Iowa:

33.8%

General health condition:
Here:

64.5%
State:

55.9%

Average condition of hearing:
Independence:

80.6%
Iowa:

77.7%

More about Health and Nutrition of Independence, IA Residents
Local government employment and payroll (March 2022)
Function Full-time employees Monthly full-time payroll Average yearly full-time wage Part-time employees Monthly part-time payroll
Electric Power 17$76,752$54,1780$0
Police Protection - Officers 11$59,022$64,3880$0
Parks and Recreation 5$23,870$57,28811$5,441
Sewerage 5$23,235$55,7640$0
Streets and Highways 4$19,377$58,1310$0
Financial Administration 3$11,729$46,9160$0
Firefighters 3$15,312$61,2482$259
Local Libraries 3$14,597$58,3888$6,997
Police - Other 1$3,459$41,5080$0
Airports 1$4,852$58,2240$0
Solid Waste Management 1$4,801$57,6120$0
Other and Unallocable 1$5,673$68,0760$0
Water Supply 1$2,011$24,1320$0
Other Government Administration 1$9,652$115,8248$1,362
Totals for Government 57$274,340$57,75629$14,058

Independence government finances - Expenditure in 2021 (per resident):

  • Construction - General - Other: $2,624,000 ($424.66)
    Electric Utilities: $525,000 ($84.97)
  • Current Operations - Electric Utilities: $7,375,000 ($1193.56)
    Water Utilities: $1,542,000 ($249.55)
    Police Protection: $1,303,000 ($210.88)
    Sewerage: $1,076,000 ($174.14)
    Parks and Recreation: $1,020,000 ($165.08)
    Regular Highways: $881,000 ($142.58)
    Solid Waste Management: $586,000 ($94.84)
    Libraries: $486,000 ($78.65)
    General - Other: $436,000 ($70.56)
    Local Fire Protection: $428,000 ($69.27)
    Financial Administration: $268,000 ($43.37)
    Air Transportation: $192,000 ($31.07)
    Judicial and Legal Services: $174,000 ($28.16)
    Natural Resources - Other: $95,000 ($15.37)
    Protective Inspection and Regulation - Other: $94,000 ($15.21)
    General Public Buildings: $76,000 ($12.30)
    Central Staff Services: $71,000 ($11.49)
    Miscellaneous Commercial Activities - Other: $5,000 ($0.81)
    Health - Other: $3,000 ($0.49)
  • General - Interest on Debt: $310,000 ($50.17)
  • Intergovernmental to Local - Other - Electric Utilities: $156,000 ($25.25)
    Other - Police Protection: $127,000 ($20.55)
    Other - Solid Waste Management: $18,000 ($2.91)
    Other - General - Other: $13,000 ($2.10)
    Other - Health - Other: $1,000 ($0.16)
  • Total Salaries and Wages: $1,142,000 ($184.82)

Independence government finances - Revenue in 2021 (per resident):

  • Charges - Sewerage: $752,000 ($121.70)
    Solid Waste Management: $550,000 ($89.01)
    Parks and Recreation: $249,000 ($40.30)
    Other: $7,000 ($1.13)
  • Federal Intergovernmental - General Local Government Support: $164,000 ($26.54)
    Other: $112,000 ($18.13)
  • Local Intergovernmental - Other: $116,000 ($18.77)
  • Miscellaneous - Rents: $1,709,000 ($276.58)
    General Revenue - Other: $316,000 ($51.14)
    Special Assessments: $129,000 ($20.88)
    Interest Earnings: $121,000 ($19.58)
    Fines and Forfeits: $88,000 ($14.24)
    Sale of Property: $17,000 ($2.75)
  • Revenue - Electric Utilities: $8,351,000 ($1351.51)
    Water Utilities: $1,179,000 ($190.81)
  • State Intergovernmental - Highways: $1,298,000 ($210.07)
    Other: $158,000 ($25.57)
    General Local Government Support: $107,000 ($17.32)
  • Tax - Property: $4,186,000 ($677.46)
    General Sales and Gross Receipts: $824,000 ($133.35)
    Public Utilities Sales: $382,000 ($61.82)
    Other License: $102,000 ($16.51)
    Other Selective Sales: $89,000 ($14.40)

Independence government finances - Debt in 2021 (per resident):

  • Long Term Debt - Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $13,821,000 ($2236.77)
    Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $12,211,000 ($1976.21)
    Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $2,998,000 ($485.19)
    Issue, Unspecified Public Purpose: $1,388,000 ($224.63)
  • Short Term Debt Outstanding - Beginning: $1,000 ($0.16)

Independence government finances - Cash and Securities in 2021 (per resident):

  • Other Funds - Cash and Securities: $18,199,000 ($2945.30)
Businesses in Independence, IA
NameCountNameCount
Advance Auto Parts1La-Z-Boy1
Burger King1McDonald's1
Chevrolet1Pizza Hut1
Curves1RadioShack1
Dairy Queen1Subway1
FedEx2Super 81
Ford1True Value1
Goodwill1UPS1
H&R Block1Walmart1

Strongest AM radio stations in Independence:

  • KQMG (1220 AM; 0 kW; INDEPENDENCE, IA; Owner: KEENE OF IOWA, INC.)
  • KXEL (1540 AM; 50 kW; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: KXEL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.)
  • KKHQ (950 AM; 5 kW; OELWEIN, IA; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)
  • KWLO (1330 AM; 5 kW; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: KXEL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.)
  • KCNZ (1250 AM; 10 kW; CEDAR FALLS, IA; Owner: FIFE COMMUNICATION COMPANY, L.C.)
  • KDNZ (1650 AM; 10 kW; CEDAR FALLS, IA; Owner: FIFE COMMUNICATIONS CO., LLC)
  • WMT (600 AM; 5 kW; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)
  • WHO (1040 AM; 50 kW; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)
  • KNWS (1090 AM; daytime; 1 kW; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE)
  • KCRG (1600 AM; 5 kW; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: CEDAR RAPIDS TELEVISION CO.)
  • WTMJ (620 AM; 50 kW; MILWAUKEE, WI; Owner: JOURNAL BROADCAST CORPORATION)
  • WSCR (670 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)
  • WGN (720 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: WGN CONTINENTAL BROADCASTING CO.)

Strongest FM radio stations in Independence:

  • KQMG-FM (95.3 FM; INDEPENDENCE, IA; Owner: KEENE OF IOWA, INC.)
  • KFMW (107.9 FM; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: KXEL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.)
  • KNWS-FM (101.9 FM; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE)
  • KUNI (90.9 FM; CEDAR FALLS, IA; Owner: UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA)
  • KOKZ (105.7 FM; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: KXEL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.)
  • KOEL-FM (92.3 FM; OELWEIN, IA; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)
  • KDAT (104.5 FM; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)
  • KZIA (102.9 FM; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: KZIA, INC.)
  • KHKE (89.5 FM; CEDAR FALLS, IA; Owner: UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA)
  • KOEL (98.5 FM; CEDAR FALLS, IA; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)
  • KMCH (94.7 FM; MANCHESTER, IA; Owner: FIFE COMMUNICATION COMPANY, L.C.)

TV broadcast stations around Independence:

  • KWWL (Channel 7; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: RAYCOM AMERICA, INC.)
  • KGAN (Channel 2; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: KGAN LICENSEE, LLC)
  • KCRG-TV (Channel 9; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: CEDAR RAPIDS TELEVISION CO.)
  • KRIN (Channel 32; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: IOWA PUBLIC BROADCASTING BOARD)
  • KPXR (Channel 48; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: PAXSON COMMUNICATIONS LICENSE COMPANY, LLC)
  • KFXA (Channel 28; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: SECOND GENERATION OF IOWA, LTD.)
  • K44FK (Channel 44; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK)

Medal of Honor Recipients

Medal of Honor Recipient born in Independence: Louis B. Lawton.

Independence fatal accident statistics for 1975 - 2021
Fatal road traffic accident statistics for 1975 - 2021

Independence fatal accident list:

Jul 21, 2017 01:25 AM, Us-20, Lat: 42.450672, Lon: -91.861175, Vehicles: 1, Persons: 1, Fatalities: 1
Oct 3, 2015 10:48 PM, 5th St Ne, 4th Ave, Lat: 42.472458, Lon: -91.889761, Vehicles: 2, Persons: 1, Fatalities: 1, Drunk persons involved: 1
Sep 6, 2002 10:54 PM, Sr-150, Lat: 42.484469, Lon: -91.889441, Vehicles: 2, Persons: 2, Fatalities: 1
May 26, 1997 05:06 PM, 150, Vehicles: 2, Persons: 3, Fatalities: 1
Jan 5, 1982 08:25 PM, 2ave Ne/Rr, Vehicles: 1, Persons: 1, Fatalities: 1, Drunk persons involved: 1
Sep 18, 1979 08:23 AM, Vehicles: 1, Persons: 1, Fatalities: 1
Oct 25, 1979 01:45 PM, Vehicles: 2, Persons: 2, Fatalities: 1
  • National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics
  • 50Number of bridges
  • 499ft / 152mTotal length
  • 112,160Total average daily traffic
  • 16,096Total average daily truck traffic
New bridges in Independence, IA - historical statistics
  • New bridges - historical statistics
  • 11910-1919
  • 31920-1929
  • 11950-1959
  • 81960-1969
  • 111970-1979
  • 91980-1989
  • 11990-1999
  • 102000-2009
  • 62010-2019
See full National Bridge Inventory statistics for Independence, IA
FCC Registered Cell Phone Towers: 2 (See the full list of FCC Registered Cell Phone Towers in Independence)
FCC Registered Antenna Towers: 50 (See the full list of FCC Registered Antenna Towers)
FCC Registered Commercial Land Mobile Towers: 2 (See the full list of FCC Registered Commercial Land Mobile Towers in Independence, IA)
FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers: 26 (See the full list of FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers)
FCC Registered Microwave Towers: 7 (See the full list of FCC Registered Microwave Towers in this town)
FCC Registered Paging Towers: 1 (See the full list of FCC Registered Paging Towers)
FCC Registered Maritime Coast & Aviation Ground Towers: 4 (See the full list of FCC Registered Maritime Coast & Aviation Ground Towers)
FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses: 37 (See the full list of FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses in Independence)

FAA Registered Aircraft: 19 (See the full list of FAA Registered Aircraft in Independence)

2002 - 2018 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) incidents

    Fire incident distribution by year Based on the data from the years 2002 - 2018 the average number of fires per year is 19. The highest number of fire incidents - 36 took place in 2007, and the least - 2 in 2006. The data has a declining trend.
    Fire incident types in Independence, IA When looking into fire subcategories, the most incidents belonged to: Structure Fires (46.4%), and Outside Fires (36.1%).

    • Fire incident types reported to NFIRS in Independence, IA
    • 14846.4%Structure Fires
    • 11536.1%Outside Fires
    • 4514.1%Mobile Property/Vehicle Fires
    • 113.4%Other
See full National Fire Incident Reporting System statistics for Independence, IA

Fire-safe hotels and motels in Independence, Iowa:

  • Super 8 Motel, 2000 1st St W, Independence, Iowa 50644 , Phone: (319) 334-7041, Fax: (319) 334-4088
  • Comfort Inn & Suites, 2100 Swan Lake Blvd, Independence, Iowa 50644 , Phone: (319) 334-6400, Fax: (319) 334-2733
All 2 fire-safe hotels and motels in Independence, Iowa
Most common first names in Independence, IA among deceased individuals
NameCountLived (average)
Mary8079.2 years
John7377.0 years
William5679.8 years
Robert4470.1 years
Charles4277.7 years
James4071.3 years
Donald3871.1 years
Harold3874.5 years
George3576.7 years
Richard3169.1 years
Most common last names in Independence, IA among deceased individuals
Last nameCountLived (average)
Miller3580.7 years
Smith3479.7 years
Weber2775.4 years
Johnson2678.8 years
Brown2379.5 years
Williams1875.3 years
Rasmussen1775.9 years
Nelson1479.6 years
Obrien1279.9 years
Scott1267.0 years
Houses and condos Apartments
Most commonly used house heating fuel in houses and condos in Independence, IA
  • 87.1%Utility gas
  • 10.3%Electricity
  • 1.5%Bottled, tank, or LP gas
  • 0.6%Wood
  • 0.5%No fuel used
Most commonly used house heating fuel in apartments in Independence, IA
  • 55.5%Utility gas
  • 39.4%Electricity
  • 2.2%Bottled, tank, or LP gas
  • 1.6%Other fuel
  • 1.3%No fuel used


Independence compared to Iowa state average:

  • Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.
  • Foreign-born population percentage below state average.
  • Length of stay since moving in significantly above state average.
  • Number of college students below state average.

Independence on our top lists:

  • #44 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the largest city-data.com crime index decrease from 2002 to 2012 (population 5,000+)"
  • #49 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the smallest percentage of likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households) (population 5,000+)"
There are 15 pilots and 11 other airmen in this city.
Cost of Living Calculator
Top Patent Applicants
Top Patent Applicants
  • Michael J. Pipho (2)
  • Dustin W. Ridenour (2)
  • Steven C. Gibbs (1)
  • Cuong T. Huynh (1)
  • Robert Franz (1)
  • Marc E. Cabalka (1)

Total of 7 patent applications in 2008-2024.

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