Independence MO vs Washington DC — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Independence, MO
Missouri · Population: 121,944
- Median HH Income$59,480
- Median Home Price$210,384
- Unemployment6.0%
- Bachelor's+20.9%
Washington, DC
District of Columbia · Population: 672,079
- Median HH Income$106,287
- Median Home Price$580,173
- Unemployment6.5%
- Bachelor's+63.6%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Independence
121,944
Washington
672,079
Washington +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Independence
N/A
Washington
N/A
Median Age
Independence
38.4
Washington
34.9
Washington +
Foreign Born
Independence
5.3%
Washington
13.3%
Washington +
White
Independence
72.2%
Independence +
Washington
39.1%
Black
Independence
10.8%
Washington
43.3%
Washington +
Asian
Independence
1.4%
Washington
4.1%
Washington +
Hispanic
Independence
12.4%
Independence +
Washington
11.6%
Spanish at Home
Independence
N/A
Washington
N/A
| Metric | Independence, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 672,079 | Washington + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 38.4 | 34.9 | Washington + |
| Foreign Born | 5.3% | 13.3% | Washington + |
| White | 72.2% | 39.1% | Independence + |
| Black | 10.8% | 43.3% | Washington + |
| Asian | 1.4% | 4.1% | Washington + |
| Hispanic | 12.4% | 11.6% | Independence + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Independence
$59,480
Washington
$106,287
Washington +
Per Capita Income
Independence
$31,683
Washington
$75,253
Washington +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Independence
$58,527
Washington
$101,182
Washington +
Unemployment Rate
Independence
6.0%
Independence +
Washington
6.5%
Poverty Rate
Independence
15.3%
Washington
14.5%
Washington +
Bachelor's Degree+
Independence
20.9%
Washington
63.6%
Washington +
| Metric | Independence, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $59,480 | $106,287 | Washington + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,683 | $75,253 | Washington + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $58,527 | $101,182 | Washington + |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.0% | 6.5% | Independence + |
| Poverty Rate | 15.3% | 14.5% | Washington + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 20.9% | 63.6% | Washington + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Independence
$210,384
Independence +
Washington
$580,173
Homeownership Rate
Independence
61.0%
Independence +
Washington
41.1%
| Metric | Independence, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $210,384 | $580,173 | Independence + |
| Homeownership Rate | 61.0% | 41.1% | Independence + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Independence
501
Washington
398
Washington +
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Independence
2418
Washington
1999
Washington +
| Metric | Independence, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 501 | 398 | Washington + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 2418 | 1999 | Washington + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Independence
37.3%
Washington
24.6%
Washington +
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Independence
12.9%
Washington
7.8%
Washington +
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Independence
19.9%
Washington
14.6%
Washington +
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Independence
11.5%
Washington
6.7%
Washington +
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Independence
16.8%
Independence +
Washington
24.0%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Independence
18.4%
Washington
9.7%
Washington +
| Metric | Independence, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | 37.3% | 24.6% | Washington + |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | 12.9% | 7.8% | Washington + |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | 19.9% | 14.6% | Washington + |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | 11.5% | 6.7% | Washington + |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | 16.8% | 24.0% | Independence + |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | 18.4% | 9.7% | Washington + |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Independence
54.5°F
Washington
N/A
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Independence
43.7 in
Washington
N/A
| Metric | Independence, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 54.5°F | N/A | - |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 43.7 in | N/A | - |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Independence
9.3 µg/m³
Washington
8.8 µg/m³
Washington +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Independence
55.0%
Washington
75.0%
Washington +
| Metric | Independence, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.3 µg/m³ | 8.8 µg/m³ | Washington + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Washington + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Independence
25.5 min
Independence +
Washington
32.8 min
| Metric | Independence, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 25.5 min | 32.8 min | Independence + |
Which City is Right for You?
Washington leads in median household income at $106,287, while independence offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $210,384. On public safety, Washington is safer with a violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 residents, compared to 501 in Independence. Independence has a lower unemployment rate at 6.0%, and Washington has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 8.8 µg/m³). For overall health outcomes, Washington scores better with a lower obesity rate of 24.6%.
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