Moving from Fort Worth, TX to Independence, MO
The drive from Fort Worth, TX to Independence, MO runs 562 mi β about 9h 47m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
562 mi Β· 9h 47m by car Β· TX β OK β KS β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Irving, Grand Prairie, Carrollton, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Worth | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Independence is 10.2% cheaper than Fort Worth overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Independence is 10.2% below Fort Worth β $298,051 vs $208,158 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Worth -2.8%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Worth | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 44.7" |
Climate cools by 13.5Β°F on the annual average β 67.5Β°F β 54.0Β°F.
Independence averages 13.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Worth | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 941,311 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $76,602 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.39 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 10.2% between Fort Worth and Independence (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Fort Worth to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 562 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Fort Worth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $48,440 in the Fort Worth MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Fort Worth vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $76,602 in Fort Worth β a 22.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Independence more expensive than Fort Worth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 10.2% lower than Fort Worth (92.543 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Fort Worth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $298,051 in Fort Worth β a 30.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Independence, MO from Fort Worth, TX?
The driving distance is 562 mi and the route typically takes 9h 47m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Worth.
City profiles: Fort Worth, TX Β· Independence, MO.