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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Independence

Independence, MO has 29 affordable and income-based rental properties with 2,708 total units across the city. With a median market rent of $1,109 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), income-based housing can offer meaningful savings for eligible renters. Of the 11 properties with inspection scores on file, 8 rated excellent and 2 rated good.

29
Properties
2,708
Total units
89/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,109/mo

Affordability

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median household income in Independence is $60,339 annually and the median asking rent is $1,109 per month. About 39% of residents rent their homes, reflecting a substantial renter population that income-restricted housing can help serve.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
587 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Independence Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 587 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 54 · Somewhat Walkable

Getting Around Independence

Scores below reflect walkability and transit access in the areas around assisted properties in Independence, according to Walk Score.

  • Walk Score: 54 - Somewhat Walkable. Some errands can be done on foot.
  • Transit Score: 30 - Some Transit. A few transit options are available.
  • Bike Score: 29. Biking is possible but limited in most areas.
Walk Score
🎓 Schools
40 schools · 3 districts

Schools

Independence is served by 40 public schools across 3 districts, including 27 elementary, 6 middle, and 7 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programming vary by school and district, so renters should check which schools are assigned to any specific address they are considering.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$60,339 median income

Cost of Living in Independence, MO

The median household income in Independence is $60,339 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. The median monthly rent across all rentals in the city is $1,109, per the same source.

Income-based and HUD-assisted housing can significantly lower that cost burden. The 1,374 subsidized units tracked across Independence are set at rents tied to your income or to HUD-established limits, not to market rates.

  • Median household income: $60,339/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,109/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Renter households: 39% of occupied housing (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Subsidized units in Independence: 1,374 across 11 properties
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Environment

All 11 HUD-assisted properties in Independence were mapped for flood risk, and none fall in a high-risk flood zone.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 89/100(11 of 29 scored)
90+ (8)70–89 (2)<60 (1)No score (18)

29 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 29 affordable apartments in Independence→

Other cities in MO

› Affordable housing in Branson› Cape Girardeau income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Carthage› Columbia affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Florissant› Affordable housing in Fulton› Jefferson City income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Joplin› Kansas City affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Kirkwood› Affordable housing in Lees Summit› Liberty income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in MO› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Independence, MO

Independence is a city east of Kansas City with a growing stock of income-based and HUD-assisted rental housing. With 11 properties and 1,374 total units tracked by Lease Lantern, renters here have a meaningful range of options to explore.

Of the 11 properties with inspection scores on record, 8 rated excellent and 2 rated good, with none falling into the fair range. That points to a portfolio that is largely well-maintained by HUD standards.

None of the 11 mapped properties sit in a high-risk flood zone, which is a practical consideration for renters weighing long-term stability.

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median gross rent in Independence is $1,109 per month, and the median household income is $60,339 annually. About 39 percent of households in the city rent their homes.

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024), Independence had a violent crime rate of 472 per 100,000 residents, as reported by the Independence Police Department.

According to Walk Score, Independence scores 54 (Somewhat Walkable) for walkability, 30 (Some Transit) for public transit, and 29 for bikeability -- something to keep in mind when thinking about car-free or low-car living.

According to NCES Common Core of Data, Independence is served by 3 school districts with 40 public schools, including 27 elementary, 6 middle, and 7 high schools.

Eligibility & how to apply

Missouri income limits (2026)Missouri public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Missouri

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →