Overview

Introduction to Independence, Oregon

Independence, Oregon, in Polk county, is 9 miles SW of Salem, Oregon and 52 miles SW of Portland, Oregon.

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.

Demographics

People

Total Population9,556
Male Share of the Population47.7%
Female Share of the Population52.3%
Senior Citizens8.2%
Employed Population 16+4,237
Age of the Population28

Families

% of people married49.1%
Average household size3

Education and Earnings

Population % with Bachelor Degree or Higher27.9%
Median Earnings25+$30,544
Median Earnings Without High School Qualification$25,814
Median Earnings With High School Degree$29,708

Wealth

Median Family Income$54,983
% Above Poverty Level90%
% Below Poverty Level10%

Commute & Sprawl

Average Commute Time26 minutes
% Working from Home1.2%
% Walking and Biking to Work2.4%
% Using Public Transportation%

Housing

People Living Alone19.2%
Median Gross Rent$980
Median House Value$174,000

Ancestry

Other(often includes Hispanic and African American)39.7%
Irish17.7%
German16.8%
English7.3%
French Except Basque3.2%
Italian3.1%
Norwegian3%
Scottish2.6%
Swedish1.8%
Polish1.4%
Danishn0.9%
Dutch0.7%
West Indian0.7%
Welsh0.7%
Hungarian0.5%
Czech0.5%
US/American0.5%
Russian0.4%
Arab0.2%
Austrian0.2%
Portuguese0.1%
+ Show More

Independence Almanac

CategoryValue
CountyPolk County
Standard Zip Codes97351
Phone Area Codes503
Time ZoneAmerica/Los_Angeles
Approximate Latitude44.83
Approximate Longitude-123.2

Independence Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

Notes:

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

StationDALLAS 2 NE
Distance8.8 miles
Jan Temp33 to 45 F
Apr Temp39 to 60 F
Jul Temp50 to 81 F
Oct Temp41 to 65 F
Annual Precip49.1 inches
StationCORVALLIS STATE UNIV
Distance15.1 miles
Jan Temp34 to 47 F
Apr Temp40 to 61 F
Jul Temp52 to 81 F
Oct Temp42 to 65 F
Annual Precip43.6 inches
StationSTAYTON
Distance18.7 miles
Jan Temp33 to 47 F
Apr Temp41 to 61 F
Jul Temp53 to 80 F
Oct Temp43 to 64 F
Annual Precip53.3 inches

Nearby Cities and Towns

LocationPopulationMedian Family Income
Dallas15,805$66,734
Falls City1,162$50,694
Jefferson3,270$61,597
Monmouth10,131$60,875
Salem166,756$65,430
Turner2,284$84,643

Independence Public Libraries

Independence Public Library
175 MONMOUTH ST
Independence, Oregon
(503) 838-1811

library logo

More Information for Librarians

Independence Public Schools

Central High School
1530 Monmouth St
ZIP: 97351
(503) 838-0480
High
Total Enrollment 986
Independence Elementary School
150 S 4th St
ZIP: 97351
(503) 838-1322
Primary
Total Enrollment 421
Talmadge Middle School
51 16th Street
ZIP: 97351
(503) 606-2252
Middle
Total Enrollment 660
Sources :
Our Partner Listings
Additional Resources
Info for Independence Government Officials


Are you an official in the Independence government or quasi-government agency such as the chamber of commerce, visitors bureau or economic development council? If so, visit our information page for government officials to see how CityTownInfo can support you.