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.
Crime
This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.
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.
Schools
A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this 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.
Independence, Iowa is a smaller city with a population of 6,286 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 97% of Independence residents are White, 0% Black and 0% Asian.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Independence, Iowa could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, health & safety, education, housing, 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 Iowa and the national average.
Independence has a livability score of 76 out of 100 and is ranked #188 in Iowa and #3,374 in the USA. Clearly, Independence is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Independence has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (A), education (A-), employment (B) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Independence does not rank well for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 161 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Independence boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Independence has an unemployment rate of 1.5% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Independence, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 69%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
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.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Independence is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Independence come in at $229,057, which is 4.6% lower than the Iowa 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 2.6, which is 13.3% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Independence | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.2% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.8% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.4% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.2% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.4% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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