Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Ratings
Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.
Amenities
It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Employment
The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.
Independence, Kansas is a small city with a population of 8,595 people. The majority of Independence residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and American Indian and Alaskan. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Independence offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 13 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Independence could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Kansas if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, commute, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Independence and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Independence to Kansas and the national average.
The livability score in Independence is 65 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 62nd percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Independence ranks very well for housing (B+). There are some categories that Independence ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F), crime (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
Achieving a cost-effective lifestyle can be pivotal in managing your monthly expenditures, especially given the ongoing upward trajectory of everday goods and housing prices. In Independence, residents are fortunate to experience a cost of living that is 22.24% below the national average. This advantageous positioning extends its impact to a wide spectrum of expenses, encompassing not only goods and services but also transportation and health care costs. As a result, this area stands out as a place where your money stretches further, ensuring that you can maintain a more economical and sustainable lifestyle. This affordability becomes increasingly valuable in an era marked by soaring costs, making Independence an attractive choice for those seeking financial prudence without compromising on quality of life.
The Independence unemployment rate of 2.09% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Independence can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Independence real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Independence. Median real estate prices in Independence come in at $72,800, which is 46.2% lower than the Kansas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Independence, the home price to income ratio is 1.9, which is 24% lower than the Kansas average.
| Statistic | Independence | Kansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 13min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.6% | 82.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.2% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.9% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.6% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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