Moving from Waco, TX to Independence, MO
A move from Waco, TX to Independence, MO 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
| Waco | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Waco (92.55) and Independence (92.543) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Independence at $208,158 is 0.0% above Waco at $194,245.
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Waco | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 44.7" |
Independence is 12.6°F cooler on the annual average (66.6°F vs 54.0°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.2 in of snowfall annually at Independence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Independence is 0.0% above Waco ($51,468 → $59,480, 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 — 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
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.6°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 — 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 far is Independence, MO from Waco, TX?
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.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $194,245 in Waco — a 7.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Independence?
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 Independence compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Waco and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 66.6°F in Waco (12.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 37.5 in.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $51,468 in Waco — a 15.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX · Independence, MO.