About

Independence is the fifth-largest city in Missouri and one of the principal communities within the Kansas City metropolitan area. The City serves as a regional employment, healthcare, retail and transportation hub while maintaining a diverse residential and commercial tax base. The City encompasses 78 square miles and provides a full range of municipal services, including police, fire protection, public works, parks and recreation, water, electric, sanitary sewer, and stormwater utilities. Independence maintains an extensive network of parks, trails, recreational amenities and public facilities that contribute to the quality of life and support long-term community investment.

Located immediately east of Kansas City, Independence benefits from exceptional regional connectivity through Interstate 70, Interstate 435, U.S. Highway 24, Missouri Highway 291 and multiple freight rail corridors. This strategic location provides the community with convenient access to the broader metro labor market, Kansas City International Airport, regional distribution networks and major Midwestern markets.

Founded in 1827, Independence served as the primary departure point for the Oregon, California and Santa Fe Trails. The City is also the hometown of President Harry S. Truman and remains an important center for history and heritage tourism through its museums, historic districts, Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum and other nationally recognized cultural attractions.