Moving from Independence, MO to Waco, TX
A move from Independence, MO to Waco, TX covers 602 mi and around 11h 24m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
602 mi · 11h 24m by car · TX → OK → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, US 75, I 49 |
| Major cities en route | Grand Prairie, Arlington, Dallas, Mesquite, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Waco and Independence are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.543 vs 92.55); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.0% lower in Waco than Independence as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Independence | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 37.5" |
Waco runs 12.6°F warmer on the annual average (54.0°F vs 66.6°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Waco sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.68 |
Median household income in Waco is 0.0% below Independence ($59,480 → $51,468, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Waco average 95°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (12.6°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Independence vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $59,480 in Independence — a 13.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $208,158 in Independence — a 6.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Waco, TX from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 602 mi and the route typically takes 11h 24m via US 69 and US 75. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Independence and Waco?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Waco vs 54.0°F in Independence (12.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 13.2 in. Annual precipitation: 37.5 in vs 44.7 in.
When is the best time to move from Independence to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 602 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Waco compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 125,640 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO · Waco, TX.