Independence ZIP Code List — Buchanan County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Independence, Iowa and it is 50644. Area code: 319.

ZIP codes

144.97

sq mi land

1.03

sq mi water

319

area code

Independence, IA ZIP code map

About Independence, IA

Independence, Iowa, is a charming city located in Buchanan County. Known for its friendly atmosphere and small-town charm, it provides a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. The city proudly utilizes the ZIP code 50644 and has a unique blend of history and modern amenities.

Location & geography

Independence is strategically positioned in northeast Iowa, making it easily accessible to several neighboring cities. It is approximately 16 miles from the city of Vinton, 20 miles from Waverly, and about 25 miles from both Waterloo and Cedar Falls. The city's total land area is 144.97 square miles, complemented by a water area of 1.03 square miles, contributing to its scenic rural landscape.

Community & economy

The community in Independence is characterized by a strong sense of togetherness and pride in local traditions. The economy here is diverse, with industries ranging from manufacturing to agriculture playing a vital role. Daily life in the city offers various recreational activities, community events, and local services that enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Transportation

Independence is accessible via several highways, including U.S. Route 20 and Iowa Highway 150, facilitating travel to surrounding areas. The nearest major airport is the Waterloo Regional Airport, located about 25 miles to the southwest, offering regional air travel options. Public transit services are limited, so most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation.

History

Independence was founded in the mid-19th century and has a rich history linked to its development in the railroad industry. Over the years, the city has grown and adapted, maintaining a balance between its historical roots and modern advancements. Significant events, such as local fairs and festivals, celebrate its history and culture, fostering a sense of community pride.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Independence is its prominent role in the production of poultry and agricultural products in the region. Additionally, the city is home to the national headquarters for the nonprofit organization called the Independence Public Library Foundation.

ZIP codes for Independence, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
50644	Independence	Buchanan	View map

Demographics & statistics

8,705

Population

42.5

Median age

$72,893

Median household income

$38,495

Per capita income

$178,200

Median home value

$795

Median monthly rent

76.4%

Home ownership

9.2%

Poverty rate

1.2%

Unemployment

3,173

Housing units

23.8%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

271

Under 5

289

166

5–9

176

310

10–14

331

271

15–19

289

171

20–24

183

494

25–34

526

556

35–44

592

534

45–54

569

282

55–59

300

246

60–64

263

508

65–74

541

290

75–84

309

115

85+

123

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,894	21.8%
18 and over	6,811	78.2%
65 and over	1,886	21.7%
Median age	42.5 years

Race & ethnicity

White 96%

Two or more races 1.9%

Black or African American 1.6%

Hispanic or Latino 0.3%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	8,383	96%
Two or more races	168	1.9%
Black or African American	142	1.6%
Hispanic or Latino	23	0.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native	8	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 3.3%

$10k–$15k 4.9%

$15k–$25k 10.5%

$25k–$35k 6.6%

$35k–$50k 10.5%

$50k–$75k 15.7%

$75k–$100k 16.6%

$100k–$150k 20.7%

$150k–$200k 6.4%

$200k+ 4.6%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.3%
$10k–$15k	4.9%
$15k–$25k	10.5%
$25k–$35k	6.6%
$35k–$50k	10.5%
$50k–$75k	15.7%
$75k–$100k	16.6%
$100k–$150k	20.7%
$150k–$200k	6.4%
$200k+	4.6%
Median income	$72,893

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 6.0%

$50k–$100k 10.5%

$100k–$150k 19.3%

$150k–$200k 20.7%

$200k–$300k 25.7%

$300k–$500k 15.1%

$500k–$1M 2.6%

$1M+ 0.2%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$178,200
Median rent / month	$795
Owner occupied	76.4%
Renter occupied	23.6%
Vacant	8.8%
Single-family detached	77.0%
Large apartment buildings	3.9%
Mobile homes	3.5%
Median rooms	6.1
Avg household size (owned)	2.52

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.4%
2010–2019	5.9%
2000–2009	7.7%
1990–1999	15.5%
1980–1989	11.0%
1970–1979	12.5%
1960–1969	9.7%
1950–1959	7.2%
1940–1949	3.4%
1939 or earlier	26.6%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.8%
1 bedroom	9.6%
2 bedrooms	24.0%
3 bedrooms	38.9%
4 bedrooms	18.1%
5+ bedrooms	7.7%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	9.0%
1 vehicle	25.4%
2 vehicles	32.8%
3 or more	32.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	58.6%
Electricity	19.2%
Propane / LP gas	19.1%
Wood	1.6%
No fuel used	1.0%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	1,913	51.9%
Cohabiting couple	241	6.5%
Male householder, no spouse	738	20.0%
Female householder, no spouse	792	21.5%
Households with children under 18	1,017	27.6%
Households with seniors (65+)	1,215	33.0%
Average household size	2.31

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	28.2%	22.2%
Married	56.9%	53.2%
Separated	0.8%	0.8%
Widowed	4.6%	11.4%
Divorced	9.5%	12.3%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.7%

Some HS, no diploma 2.4%

HS graduate 35.3%

Some college, no degree 24.4%

Associate's degree 11.4%

Bachelor's degree 15.8%

Graduate / professional 8.0%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	94.9%
Bachelor's or higher	23.8%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	95	5.7%
Kindergarten	66	4.0%
Elementary school	854	51.2%
High school	462	27.7%
College / grad school	191	11.5%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 25.5%

Manufacturing 17.1%

Retail trade 12.6%

Professional & management 6.7%

Construction 6.5%

Agriculture & mining 6.1%

Finance & real estate 5.9%

Public administration 5.1%

Arts, food & hospitality 4.5%

Transportation & utilities 3.8%

Other services 3.5%

Wholesale trade 1.7%

Information 1.1%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	34.2%
Service	19.8%
Sales & office	18.9%
Natural resources & construction	8.2%
Production & transportation	18.8%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	76.7%
Government	15.3%
Self-employed	8.1%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	80.6%
Carpool	7.4%
Public transit	0.4%
Walk	3.2%
Other means	0.2%
Avg commute (minutes)	21.9

Poverty

All people 9.2%

Under 18 years 11.6%

18 and over 8.5%

Married-couple families 0.4%

Female-led households 37.2%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	33.4%
Retirement income	23.0%
Supplemental Security	3.7%
Cash public assistance	1.9%
Food stamps / SNAP	8.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	34.1%
High cholesterol	33.9%
Heart disease	6.8%
Stroke	3.1%
Asthma	9.2%
Arthritis	27.0%
Kidney disease	2.9%
Pulmonary disease	6.7%
Cancer	7.6%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	22.0%
No physical activity	24.8%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	31.2%
Fair or poor health	12.2%
Poor mental health	12.9%
Poor physical health	9.4%
No health insurance	8.8%
Visited doctor (checkup)	76.6%
Visited dentist	69.0%
Cholesterol screening	89.2%
Teeth loss	12.4%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	507	7.4%

Disability	%
Any disability	12.0%
Under 18	1.7%
18–64 years	7.7%
65 and over	34.5%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	74.4%
Public insurance	36.7%
Uninsured under 19	3.3%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	8,145	93.6%
Spanish	101	1.2%
Other Indo-European	72	0.9%
Asian & Pacific Islander	29	0.4%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	8,482	97.4%
Born in same state	8,482	97.4%
Born in different state	7,185	82.5%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	223	2.6%
Not a US citizen	7	3.1%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	1,294	14.9%
French	923	10.6%
Polish	706	8.1%
Arab	694	8%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	251	2.9%
Dutch	143	1.6%
Irish	15	0.2%
German	10	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	42.3%
Internet access	90.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Independence, IA?

Independence, IA has one ZIP code: 50644.

What is the main ZIP code for Independence, IA?

The primary ZIP code for Independence, IA is 50644. The city uses area code 319 for phone service.

What county is Independence, IA in?

Independence is located in Buchanan County, Iowa.

How many ZIP codes are in Independence, IA?

Independence, IA has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code covers the downtown Independence area near the Buchanan County Courthouse?

Downtown Independence, including the historic courthouse square, is located in ZIP code 50644.

What ZIP code should I use for mailing packages to businesses in the Independence Industrial Park?

All businesses in Independence, including those in the Industrial Park area, use ZIP code 50644.