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Independence, MO

Frequently asked questions

Independence, MO

Independence is the 5th most populous city in Missouri, United States, and the county seat of Jackson County. Independence is a satellite city of Kansas City, Missouri, and is the largest suburb on the Missouri side of the Kansas City metropolitan area. In 2020, it had a total population of 123,011.

Independence is known as the "Queen City of the Trails" because it was a point of departure for the California, Oregon, and Santa Fe Trails. It is the hometown of U.S. President Harry S. Truman, with the Truman Presidential Library and Museum, and the gravesites of Truman and First Lady Bess Truman. The city is sacred to the Latter Day Saint movement, as the home of Joseph Smith's 1831 Temple Lot, and the headquarters of several Mormon denominations.

Independence was originally inhabited by Missouri and Osage Native Americans, followed by the Spanish and a brief French tenure. It became part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Lewis and Clark recorded in their journals that they stopped in 1804 to pick plums, raspberries, and wild apples at a site that would later form part of the city. Independence was also a stopping point for the "Donner Party", an ill-fated group of 19th-century wagon train emigrants whose westward journey along the California Trail ended in disaster; spawning one of the most well-known and taboo stories of pioneer-era America.

Named after the Declaration of Independence, Independence was founded on March 29, 1827, and quickly became an important frontier town. Independence was the farthest point westward on the Missouri River where the steamboats or other cargo vessels could travel, due to the convergence of the Kansas River with the Missouri River approximately six miles west of town, near the current Kansas-Missouri border. Independence immediately became a jumping-off point for the emerging fur trade, accommodating merchants and adventurers beginning the long trek westward on the Santa Fe Trail.

Independence is located on the south bank of the Missouri River, near the western edge of the state. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 78.25 square miles (202.67 km2), of which 77.57 square miles (200.91 km2) is land and 0.68 square miles (1.76 km2) is water.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Independence, with the city prioritizing the well-being of its residents. Residents have access to healthcare services through facilities like the Centerpoint Medical Center, ensuring that medical needs are met comprehensively. Drumm Farm Golf Club offers a beautifully maintained course perfect for a relaxing round of golf. Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area provides serene trails for hiking and bird watching. For a more structured workout, Planet Fitness offers state-of-the-art gym facilities. The Yoga Patch offers yoga classes for all skill levels, promoting relaxation and flexibility. Herman Community Center features fitness classes and recreational activities for all ages. For those interested in martial arts, Integrity Martial Arts Academy provides excellent training programs.
 

Top sites in Independence, MO include the Harry S Truman National Historic Site, National Frontier Trails Museum, Cable Dahmer Arena, and Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum.
 

Population: 121,202 (2022). Elevation: 1,040 ft (317 m). Area: 78.42 sq mi (203.10 km2). ZIP Code: 64050-64058. Area code(s): 816.

FAQs

What is Independence, MO known for?

Independence is known as the "Queen City of the Trails" because it was a point of departure for the California, Oregon, and Santa Fe Trails. It is the hometown of U.S. President Harry S. Truman, with the Truman Presidential Library and Museum, and the gravesites of Truman and First Lady Bess Truman. The city is sacred to the Latter Day Saint movement, as the home of Joseph Smith's 1831 Temple Lot, and the headquarters of several Mormon denominations.

Is Independence, MO a good place to live?

Independence is in Jackson County. Living in Independence offers residents a sparse suburban feel; most residents own their homes. In Independence, there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Independence and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Independence are above average.

What is the race population in Independence, MO?

Independence is a city located in Clay County and Jackson County Missouri. Independence has a 2024 population of 119,430. The racial composition of Independence was: White: 75.77%, Black or African American: 10.91%, Two or more races: 6.52%, Other race: 4.25%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 1.13%, Asian: 1.09%, and Native American: 0.31%

Sources

City of Independence 

Wikipedia

World Population Review

Niche

Harry S Truman National Historic Site 

National Frontier Trails Museum 

Cable Dahmer Arena 

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum

Centerpoint Medical Center

Drumm Farm Golf Club 

Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area

Planet Fitness

The Yoga Patch 

Herman Community Center

Integrity Martial Arts Academy

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.