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).
Independence city, MO Climate
Independence city, MO has an average annual temperature of 12.4°C (54°F) and receives about 999 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.4°C
Avg Temp
999
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 27° | 31 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 34 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 67 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 93 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 129 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 124 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 104 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 95 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 124 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 87 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 66 mm |
| December | 0° / 32° | 45 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Independence city, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Independence city, MO are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Independence
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Statewide data for Missouri
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Missouri
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.