What to know when moving to Independence, OH
TL;DR: Independence at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 39.9% hold a bachelor's degree and just 5% of residents are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- A median household income of $98,838 offers a financially stable community.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median rent of $1,512, housing costs may be steep for some.
- Commute:
- Only 0.2% use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,512 monthly rent, as housing costs are significant here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Independence has a population of about 20,619 with a median household income of $98,838, indicating a relatively affluent area. The education level is high, with nearly 40% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. Renter representation is low at just 5%, which suggests that the housing market may cater more to owners than to those looking to rent.
Probably not your spot if you are seeking affordable rental options, as the median rent is $1,512 per month.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,512, which may be high depending on your budget.
- The median home value stands at $252,400, indicating a solid investment for homeowners.
- 39.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to a highly educated community.
- The poverty rate is low at 3.6%, suggesting economic stability.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Ohio has a property crime rate of 1,461.8 per 100,000 residents, which is slightly lower than the national average of 1,546.9. In terms of violent crime, Ohio's rate is 283.3 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 325.3, indicating a relatively safe environment.
- Violent crime: 283.3 per 100k vs. national 325.3, showing a downward trend of 11.2% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,461.8 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, with a decline of 21.7% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 31.8% since 2022, now at 4.7 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Ohio).
Schools & Higher Ed
Independence provides access to a number of educational institutions in the nearby area, with a total of 27 schools, including:
- Central School of Practical Nursing
- Baldwin Wallace University
- Cleveland State University
- Case Western Reserve University
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES.
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data is unavailable, there are several outdoor spots worth exploring nearby:
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park - 4.8 stars from 14,318 reviews
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - 4.6 stars from 21,858 reviews
- The Cleveland Museum of Art - 4.9 stars from 13,336 reviews
- Lakewood Park - 4.8 stars from 6,420 reviews
Source: Google Places API.