Independence, Iowa

About Independence

Set in the eastern part of Iowa, Independence is a close-knit town with an estimated population of 6,266.

Officially, Independence is an incorporated city with its own municipal government. The community covers 6.03 square miles, giving it a balanced suburban layout with room to breathe at roughly 1,039 residents per square mile.

📰 Independence News Today

• Nurses sue Iowa DHHS after violent attacks at mental health facility The Des Moines Register · Aug 12
• ‘Gross negligence’ alleged at Iowa mental health facility KCRG · Aug 12
• Lainey Lynn Williams Obituary | Reiff Family Center, Inc. | Independence, IA Tribute Archive · Jul 30
• Northeast Missouri driver, passenger injured in head-on crash in northeast Iowa KTVO · Jul 28
• RAGBRAI brings road closures to Independence starting tonight KWWL · Jul 22

Live headlines via Google News — updates through the day.

What Makes Independence Unique

• One of 14 places in the US named Independence — but the Iowa one has a character all its own.
• Positioned in eastern Iowa, convenient to the region's corridors and crossings.
• Part of the fabric of Iowa — one of 1,026 recognized communities statewide.

Why People Love It Here

• The sweet spot: real amenities without big-city congestion.
• Local businesses and schools anchored by a stable resident base of 6,266.
• Well connected: 3+ neighboring communities within 9 miles.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Independence

• First Street Deli — sandwich
• Choung Garden — chinese
• Del Rio — mexican
• Lucky Buffet — chinese
• Mr Pete's Mexican Grill — mexican
• Pizza Ranch — pizza

Local spots mapped by the OpenStreetMap community.

🎡 Fun Things to Do

• Heatland Acres Exhibition Center · Museum

Attractions mapped by the OpenStreetMap community.

🏞️ Parks & Outdoors in Independence

• 3rd Ward Park reviews ★
• 4th Ward Park reviews ★
• 5th Ward Park reviews ★
• Bathing Beach Park reviews ★
• Brimmer Park reviews ★
• Crumbacher Wildlife Area · Nature reserve reviews ★
• Ham Marsh · Nature reserve reviews ★
• Independence Skate Park reviews ★
• Lion's Club Park reviews ★
• Orchard Park reviews ★
• Otterville Wildlife Area · Nature reserve reviews ★
• Riverwalk Park reviews ★

Parks mapped by the OpenStreetMap community · "reviews" opens each park's live Google reviews.

🏫 Schools in Independence

• Early Childhood Center
• East Elementary School
• Independence Junior Senior High School
• Perry #1 Elementary School
• West Elementary School

Public schools, U.S. Dept. of Education (NCES) 2023–24 directory.

🏥 Hospitals & Healthcare

• Buchanan County Health Center · 24/7 ER · Critical Access Hospitals
• Mental Health Institute · Psychiatric

Medicare-registered hospitals with official CMS star ratings.

⚡ Quick Facts

🗺️ Map of Independence

🏘️ Nearby Communities