Independence, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Independence, Missouri is 121,944 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest city in Missouri. The median household income is $59,480, the median home value is $166,400, and the median age is 38.4.
The population has grown 4.1% since 2010 (116,891 → 121,629).
121,944
Population
1564
People / sq mi
$59,480
Median Income
$166,400
Median Home Value
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Independence covers 78.0 sq mi of land at 1564 people per square mile.
About Independence, MO
In Independence, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $166,400. Independence is a city in Missouri with a population of 121,944. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Missouri in the country, at #5 by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $59,480, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.5%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $166,400, with typical rent around $1,061.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 20.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. About 10.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Independence city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Independence city had a population of 116,891 in 2010 and 121,629 in 2024, a 4.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 122,845 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.29%.
121,629
Population (2024)
116,891
Population (2010)
122,845
Peak (2020)
0.29%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 116,891 |
| 2011 | 116,917 |
| 2012 | 117,318 |
| 2013 | 117,281 |
| 2014 | 117,505 |
| 2015 | 117,260 |
| 2016 | 117,268 |
| 2017 | 117,197 |
| 2018 | 117,017 |
| 2019 | 116,672 |
| 2020 | 122,845 |
| 2021 | 122,149 |
| 2022 | 120,981 |
| 2023 | 121,060 |
| 2024 | 121,629 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.2% |
| Black or African American | 10.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$59,480
Median Household Income
$31,683
Per Capita Income
11.5%
Poverty Rate
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$166,400
Median Home Value
$1,061
Median Rent
61.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
90.2%
High School+
20.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.3%
Drive Alone
81.2%
Public Transit
10.1%
Work From Home
23.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
28.4%
Foreign Born
91.6%
Non-English at Home
7.7%
Veterans
16.4%
With Disability
86.9%
Health Insurance
94.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 21.5% |
| Manufacturing | 11.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.8% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.1% |
| Retail Trade | 8.4% |
| Construction | 8.3% |
| Information | 6.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.3% |
| Public Administration | 4.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
Largest cities in Missouri
Largest counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Independence, Missouri has a population of 121,944 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest city in Missouri.
The median household income in Independence, Missouri is $59,480, with 11.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Independence, Missouri is $166,400, with median monthly rent at $1,061 and a homeownership rate of 61.0%.
The median age in Independence, Missouri is 38.4 years. The population is 48.8% male and 51.2% female.
The population has grown 4.1% since 2010 (116,891 → 121,629).
Where to stay in Independence
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.