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.
Employment
This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.
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.
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.
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.
Located in the state of Ohio, Independence is a smaller city with a population of 7,346 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (94% White). Given that fact, Independence could be considered less diverse than other cities. With an average age of 50 years, Independence residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Independence your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 23 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving 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 Ohio 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. The best areas in Independence and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from commute, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Ohio and national averages.
Independence, OH receives 76 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #185 in Ohio and #2,941 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Independence ranks well in multiple categories! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Independence has higher than average grades for the following: crime (B), cost of living (B), education (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Independence ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Independence shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 160 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Independence has an unemployment rate of 0.7% 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.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Independence, the average school test scores reached an impressive 85%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Independence an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Independence excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
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 $423,735, which is 80.4% higher than the Ohio 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 2.7, which is 12.9% lower than the Ohio average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Independence | Ohio | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.8% | 83.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.0% | 7.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.7% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.6% | 2.3% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.9% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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