Independence, OR

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):

Category	Trophy
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 19%

Comparative Profile of Independence, OR

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

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

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

Families

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

Wealth

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

Commute & Sprawl

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

Housing

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

Crime

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

Nearby Cities and Towns

Independence Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Independence High Schools (2004)

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
1530 MONMOUTH ST
503-838-0480
Serves 834 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 24.2

Independence Colleges

(List of All Oregon Colleges)

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