Independence, IA

Independence, Iowa

Introduction to Independence, Iowa

Independence, Iowa, in Buchanan county, is located 23 miles E of Waterloo, Iowa (center to center) and 181 miles S of St. Paul, Minnesota. The city has a population of 6,014.

Independence History

Independence was established on July 4, 1847. Hence, the city was so named. In the same year, it became the county seat of Buchanan County, which was formed on December 21, 1837 and was incorporated in 1864. The first grist mill of the area was established in 1867 and the first court house was constructed in 1857. The city was nationally renowned as a horse - racing center in the late 1880s. The city was also nicknamed as the “Lexington of the North”.

Independence and nearby Attractions

• DeSoto Lake
• Wapsipinicon Mill
• Cedar Rock State Park
• Perrys Wilderness Ranch and Zoo
• Buffalo Creek County Park
• Hickory Hills Park

Things To Do In Independence

While in Independence tourists can visit the River Walk Park. Boating and fishing can be enjoyed on the Wapsipinicon River. The Independence Motor Speedway is also a major attraction, especially for the racers. You can also take a look around the Independence Public Library. The city is also home to numerous houses of worship. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Assembly of God Church, and Independence United Methodist Church are a few to name.

Independence Transportation

Waterloo Municipal Airport provides facilities for air transportation.

Independence Higher Education

Kirkwood Community College, Upper Iowa University, and University of Northern Iowa are some of the nearest colleges and universities.

High Points

Independence strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Iowa):

Category	Trophy
Low Violent Crime (vs. Peers)	Top 3%
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 8%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 15%

Comparative Profile of Independence, IA

Comparing Independence to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Iowa (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Senior Citizens
Female Share of the Population
Age of the Population
Well-Paid Single Women
Well-Paid Single Men
Children Under 5 Years Old
Male Share of the Population
Racial Diversity

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Above Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income
College Educated Adults

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Walking and Biking to Work
Working at Home
Short Commute Times
Public Transportation Use

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Affordability of Rents
People Living Alone
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Property Taxes
Housing Recently Built
Seasonal and Vacation Housing

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Independence Almanac

Independence Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Independence Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Independence, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Independence Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Independence Hospitals

BUCHANAN COUNTY HEALTH CENTER
(Voluntary non-profit - Other)
1600 FIRST ST E
(319) 334-6071
Emergency Service: Yes

Wal-Mart in Independence

Independence High Schools (2004)

INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL
500 5TH AVE SE
319-334-7405
Serves 549 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 13.3

Independence Colleges

(List of All Iowa Colleges)

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