Independence, Salem, OR
Independence — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Independence, Salem, Oregon. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Independence Neighborhood Overview
Independence is a historic city in Polk County, Oregon, with the ZIP code 97351. It offers a distinct community atmosphere separate from, yet conveniently close to, the larger Salem metropolitan area. The city provides a mid-range market with a blend of small-town charm and modern accessibility.
Lifestyle & Amenities
The city fosters a community-focused lifestyle with local events and riverside parks along the Willamette River. Its walkability score of 11.0 indicates most errands require a car, but the compact downtown area is pedestrian-friendly. The nearby city of Monmouth, just under two miles away, provides additional dining and retail options.
Real Estate Market
Independence features a stable mid-range real estate market with a median home value of $316,900. The median household income is $76,385, and the median gross rent is $1,436 per month. Strong mortgage activity in 2023, with 806 originations primarily conventional loans, indicates a healthy and active housing sector.
Schools & Education
Families are served by the Central School District, with Independence Elementary School located within the city. Nearby options include Talmadge Middle School and Central High School, both less than a mile away. Additional elementary schools like Ash Creek and Monmouth Elementary are also within a short commute.
Transportation & Connectivity
While car-dependent, Independence is well-connected via Highway 51 and Highway 99W, providing quick access to Salem and the broader Willamette Valley. The low walkability score underscores the need for personal vehicle use for most daily needs. Its location offers a balance of rural tranquility and urban convenience.
Why Choose Independence
Independence is ideal for those seeking an affordable, community-oriented lifestyle near Salem with its own historic identity. The strong local real estate market and proximity to well-rated schools make it attractive for families and first-time buyers. It represents a value-conscious choice in the mid-range tier with a high quality of life.
Independence Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $317K |
| Median Gross Rent | $1K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $76K |
| Homeownership Rate | 61.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.7% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 3.2% |
| Market Type | Seller's |
| Market Tier | Mid-Range |
| Primary ZIP Code | 97351 |
| Mortgage Originations (2023 HMDA) | |
| Total Mortgage Originations | 806 |
| VA Loan Originations | 41 |
| VA Loan Share | 5.1% |
| Conventional Loan Originations | 642 |
| FHA Loan Originations | 119 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Independence, Salem
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Independence, Salem, OR. Explore the available cited neighborhood data on this page.
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Data Provenance
- State Licensing: Oregon Real Estate Agency (OREA) — nightly license verification
- Consumer Ratings: Zillow Consumer Reviews — 24-month rolling window
- Transaction Records: MLS Transaction Data — 3-year performance window
- Housing & Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2022
- Mortgage Data: FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) Data, 2023
- Neighborhood Catalog: Top10Lists.us neighborhood database, sourced from OpenStreetMap — last updated 2026-10-14