Independence is home to roughly 8,469 residents. Independence was founded in 1869 and sits in Montgomery County. The median age is 38.3 and the median household income is $49,164. Homes carry a median value of $78,500, and about 70% of residents own where they live. White residents make up the largest share of the population (79.2%). Around 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the typical commute runs about 15 minutes.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (5-year).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (5-year).
Housing
Property report
Median home value
$78,500
Median gross rent
$790/mo
Owner-occupied
69.9%
Median year built
1952
Households
3,765
Avg. household size
2.2
Area-level figures. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS (5-year). Parcel-level records coming next.
Education
Schools
Schools: Below average
Independence has 5 public schools — 2 elementary, 1 middle, 2 high.
Student proficiency · grade 8, 1 school
Reading32%
Math32%
% of students at or above proficient on state assessments.
BRIDGES AcademyHighGrades 6–12
Independence Sr HighHighGrades 9–12
Independence MiddleMiddleGrades 6–8
Eisenhower ElemElementaryGrades -1–2
Jefferson SchoolElementaryGrades 3–5
Public schools + grade-8 proficiency. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education (NCES directory + EDFacts assessments), via Urban Institute.
Safety
Crime
violent crime64% above national
Independence633
Kansas436
United States386
↓ 36% lower than 2019
2019–2023
property crime130% above national
Independence4,499
Kansas2,084
United States1,952
↓ 5% lower than 2019
2019–2023
Rate per 100,000 residents/year, Independence Police Department, 2023. Source: FBI UCR/NIBRS (Crime Data Explorer).
Environment
Environmental hazards
Toxic-release sites and regulated facilities in and around Independence.
Data source being added: U.S. EPA — Toxics Release Inventory (public). We show real, sourced figures only — never estimates.
Risk
Natural disaster risk
Relatively Low
Top hazards · Montgomery County
Ice stormRelatively High
Cold waveRelatively Moderate
DroughtRelatively Moderate
HailRelatively Moderate
Heat waveRelatively Moderate
LightningRelatively Moderate
County-level natural-hazard risk. Source: FEMA National Risk Index.
Context
Neighborhood info
Independence is in Montgomery County — see county-wide risk, demographics, and registry.
Independence was founded in 1869 and sits in Montgomery County. Elevation ~245 m.
Map of Independence
Independence, KS
Where Independence is
Historic places
15 on the National Register of Historic Places.
Brown BarnBooth HotelIndependence Public Carnegie LibraryBooth TheaterUnion Implement and Hardware Building--Masonic TempleBlakeslee Motor Company BuildingMemorial HallCook's Hotel
Source: Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and state registries. Public record. This information is provided for public awareness. Using it to harass, threaten, or discriminate against any registrant, or for any purpose prohibited by law, is illegal. Verify against the official registry record before relying on it.
Common questions
Independence — frequently asked
What is the population of Independence, Kansas?
Independence has a population of about 8,469, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (5-year).
What is the average home value in Independence?
The median home value in Independence is $78,500, and the median gross rent is $790/month (U.S. Census ACS).
Is Independence safe? What is the crime rate?
Independence Police Department reported a violent-crime rate of about 633 per 100,000 residents in 2023 — higher than the U.S. rate of 386. Source: FBI UCR/NIBRS.
What natural-disaster risks does Independence face?
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Montgomery County as "Relatively Low" overall, with top hazards including ice storm, cold wave, drought.
How many schools are in Independence?
Independence has 5 public schools (2 elementary, 1 middle, 2 high). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, NCES.
How many registered sex offenders are in Independence?
Public registry data lists 2 registered sex offenders in or near Independence. This is neighborhood-safety information from the public state registry.