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Independence, OR


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Independence, Oregon

Introduction to Independence, Oregon

Independence, Oregon, in Polk county, is 9 miles SW of Salem, Oregon and 52 miles SW of Portland, Oregon. The city has a population of 6,035.

Independence History

Independence was founded in the 1840s. It was named after Independence, Missouri, from where the early settlers migrated. Elvin A. Thorp arrived in the city in 1845 and platted a small town site here, which he called Thorp's Town of Independence. The city was incorporated in 1884. In its early years, Independence served as an important river landing.

Independence and nearby Attractions

  • Independence Heritage Museum
  • Thrill-Ville U.S.A. Amusement Park
  • Enchanted Forest
  • Hallie Ford Museum of Art
  • Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
  • A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village

Things To Do In Independence

Riverview City Park, Pfaff Park, Henry Hill Park, Mountain Fir Park and Pioneer Park offer facilities for outdoor recreation to the residents of Independence. The Independence Heritage Museum provides insight into the area;s history. The city also offers easy access to the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, the Willamette Mission State Park, the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge and the Maud Williamson State Park.

Independence Transportation

Portland International is the nearest major airport.

Independence Higher Education

Western Oregon University, Oregon State University and Willamette University offer courses in higher education.

High Points

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

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 19%Independence Racial Diversity

Comparative Profile of Independence, OR

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

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Children Under 5 Years Old98
Male Share of the Population86
Racial Diversity69
Female Share of the Population35
Senior Citizens22
Well-Paid Single Men22
Age of the Population11

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Average Household Size109
Portion of People Married65

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Median Family Income35
People Above Poverty33
College Educated Adults35
People in Middle Class or Better23

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work97
Public Transportation Use67
Working at Home62
Short Commute Times43

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Housing Recently Built86
Affordability of Property Taxes54
Seasonal and Vacation Housing55
Affordability of Rents43
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals44
People Living Alone22

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Property Crime34
Low Violent Crime31
Detailed pages on related topics: Independence mortgage and property

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Additional Details

Independence MortgageIndependence Mortgage
Independence property, mortgage, and real estate.

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