Moving from Hillsboro, OR to Independence, MO
It is 1823 mi and 31h 34m from Hillsboro to Independence β a cross-country move across 6 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1823 mi Β· 31h 34m by car Β· MO β NE β WY β UT β ID β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β NE β WY β UT β ID β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hillsboro | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 12.2% moving from Hillsboro to Independence β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $522,557 in Hillsboro to $208,158 in Independence, a 12.2% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Hillsboro -3.7%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hillsboro | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 44.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.5Β°F vs 54.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Independence sees 13.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND-HILLSBORO AP, OR US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hillsboro | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,050 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $103,207 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.39 |
Expect median household income to fall 12.2% β $103,207 β $59,480 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Oregon 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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.
- 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
How does household income compare in Hillsboro vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $103,207 in Hillsboro β a 42.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Independence, MO from Hillsboro, OR?
The driving distance is 1823 mi and the route typically takes 31h 34m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Hillsboro to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1823 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Hillsboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $522,557 in Hillsboro β a 60.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Hillsboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $55,940 in the Hillsboro MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Independence more expensive than Hillsboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 12.2% lower than Hillsboro (92.543 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hillsboro.
City profiles: Hillsboro, OR Β· Independence, MO.