Independence ZIP Codes — Polk County, OR

There is one unique ZIP code in Independence, Oregon and it is 97351. Area code: 503.

ZIP codes

52.25

sq mi land

1.14

sq mi water

503

area code

Independence, OR ZIP code map

About Independence, OR

Independence, Oregon, is a charming city located in Polk County. Known for its small-town feel and close-knit community, it offers a picturesque landscape along the Willamette River. With a rich history and an array of local amenities, Independence attracts both residents and visitors alike.

Location & geography

Independence is situated in the central part of Oregon, approximately 15 miles southwest of Salem and 35 miles northeast of Corvallis. The city encompasses a land area of 52.25 square miles, with an additional 1.14 square miles covered by water, primarily from the Willamette River and nearby waterways. The surrounding terrain is characterized by rolling hills and agricultural land, contributing to the city’s scenic beauty.

Community & economy

The community of Independence is known for its friendly atmosphere and community-driven events, such as the annual Lavender Festival. The local economy is supported by agriculture, education, and retail, with residents enjoying a blend of suburban and rural lifestyles. Daily life in Independence often revolves around local businesses, outdoor activities, and community gatherings.

Transportation

Independence is accessible via Highway 51, which connects to larger roadways, making travel convenient for residents and visitors. The nearest major airport is Salem Municipal Airport, located just 14 miles away. Public transportation options may be limited, but the town's layout promotes walkability in its neighborhoods.

History

Independence was founded in the mid-19th century, with early settlers establishing the town due to its strategic location along the Willamette River. Over the years, the city developed a robust agricultural sector, particularly known for its fruit orchards and berry farming. Notable events in the city's history include its designation as a key agricultural center in the Willamette Valley, which contributed to its growth.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Independence is that it has a rich historical connection to the Oregon Trail, serving as a waypoint for early settlers. Additionally, the city's picturesque Riverfront Park is a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking recreational activities along the Willamette River.

ZIP codes for Independence, OR (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
97351	Independence	Polk	View map

Demographics & statistics

11,144

Population

32.2

Median age

$76,385

Median household income

$29,367

Per capita income

$316,900

Median home value

$1,436

Median monthly rent

61.3%

Home ownership

9.7%

Poverty rate

4.1%

Unemployment

2,224

Housing units

21.7%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

299

Under 5

280

384

5–9

359

440

10–14

411

464

15–19

433

856

20–24

800

614

25–34

573

837

35–44

781

644

45–54

602

301

55–59

282

363

60–64

339

65–74

317

199

75–84

185

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	2,741	24.6%
18 and over	8,403	75.4%
65 and over	1,082	9.7%
Median age	32.2 years

Race & ethnicity

White 60%

Hispanic or Latino 17.3%

Other race 12.1%

Two or more races 8.6%

American Indian / Alaska Native 1%

Black or African American 0.5%

Asian 0.5%

Group	Count	%
White	8,088	60%
Hispanic or Latino	2,339	17.3%
Other race	1,632	12.1%
Two or more races	1,160	8.6%
American Indian / Alaska Native	140	1%
Black or African American	62	0.5%
Asian	62	0.5%

Household income

Under $10k 4.0%

$10k–$15k 2.6%

$15k–$25k 5.9%

$25k–$35k 6.7%

$35k–$50k 12.3%

$50k–$75k 16.0%

$75k–$100k 20.9%

$100k–$150k 16.5%

$150k–$200k 9.1%

$200k+ 6.0%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.0%
$10k–$15k	2.6%
$15k–$25k	5.9%
$25k–$35k	6.7%
$35k–$50k	12.3%
$50k–$75k	16.0%
$75k–$100k	20.9%
$100k–$150k	16.5%
$150k–$200k	9.1%
$200k+	6.0%
Median income	$76,385

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 9.7%

$50k–$100k 2.4%

$100k–$150k 0.9%

$150k–$200k 9.1%

$200k–$300k 23.6%

$300k–$500k 39.3%

$500k–$1M 13.2%

$1M+ 1.8%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$316,900
Median rent / month	$1,436
Owner occupied	61.3%
Renter occupied	38.7%
Vacant	3.3%
Single-family detached	60.8%
Large apartment buildings	8.3%
Mobile homes	5.1%
Median rooms	5.4
Avg household size (owned)	3.27

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.9%
2010–2019	14.8%
2000–2009	21.3%
1990–1999	19.6%
1980–1989	4.0%
1970–1979	21.4%
1960–1969	6.5%
1950–1959	2.2%
1940–1949	1.2%
1939 or earlier	8.2%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.4%
1 bedroom	7.8%
2 bedrooms	23.0%
3 bedrooms	49.4%
4 bedrooms	15.1%
5+ bedrooms	3.4%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	2.2%
1 vehicle	24.5%
2 vehicles	38.3%
3 or more	35.0%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	26.5%
Electricity	67.6%
Propane / LP gas	3.2%
Fuel oil	1.2%
Wood	1.4%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	1,777	51.7%
Cohabiting couple	459	13.4%
Male householder, no spouse	550	16.0%
Female householder, no spouse	650	18.9%
Households with children under 18	1,235	35.9%
Households with seniors (65+)	775	22.6%
Average household size	3.21

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	39.6%	35.3%
Married	42.9%	51.2%
Separated	6.9%	0.3%
Widowed	1.6%	4.5%
Divorced	9.1%	8.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 8.1%

Some HS, no diploma 5.4%

HS graduate 25.4%

Some college, no degree 34.7%

Associate's degree 4.7%

Bachelor's degree 15.3%

Graduate / professional 6.4%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	86.5%
Bachelor's or higher	21.7%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	130	4.2%
Kindergarten	159	5.1%
Elementary school	1,311	42.4%
High school	566	18.3%
College / grad school	924	29.9%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 23.2%

Professional & management 11.8%

Public administration 8.7%

Manufacturing 8.6%

Retail trade 8.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 8.0%

Agriculture & mining 7.8%

Construction 6.7%

Finance & real estate 5.1%

Other services 4.4%

Transportation & utilities 4.1%

Wholesale trade 1.9%

Information 1.5%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	27.2%
Service	24.3%
Sales & office	22.0%
Natural resources & construction	14.7%
Production & transportation	11.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	69.8%
Government	25.3%
Self-employed	4.6%
Unpaid family workers	0.2%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	71.2%
Carpool	13.5%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	2.3%
Other means	1.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	25.5

Poverty

All people 9.7%

Under 18 years 11.7%

18 and over 9.1%

Married-couple families 3.2%

Female-led households 23.1%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	26.6%
Retirement income	17.1%
Supplemental Security	3.1%
Cash public assistance	2.6%
Food stamps / SNAP	22.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	26.5%
High cholesterol	26.4%
Heart disease	5.1%
Stroke	2.5%
Asthma	10.6%
Arthritis	19.9%
Kidney disease	2.5%
Pulmonary disease	5.5%
Cancer	5.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	19.2%
No physical activity	18.9%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	30.8%
Fair or poor health	14.0%
Poor mental health	16.1%
Poor physical health	9.6%
No health insurance	14.9%
Visited doctor (checkup)	70.1%
Visited dentist	63.8%
Cholesterol screening	86.6%
Teeth loss	13.8%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	709	8.4%

Disability	%
Any disability	12.0%
Under 18	6.2%
18–64 years	11.6%
65 and over	29.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	68.7%
Public insurance	33.8%
Uninsured under 19	5.9%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	10,565	94.8%
Spanish	908	8.6%
Other Indo-European	906	8.6%
Asian & Pacific Islander	2	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	9,934	89.1%
Born in same state	9,683	86.9%
Born in different state	5,806	52.1%
Foreign born	251	2.3%
Naturalized citizen	1,210	10.9%
Not a US citizen	270	22.3%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	1,085	9.7%
French	899	8.1%
Arab	601	5.4%
Polish	179	1.6%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	60	0.5%
German	49	0.4%
Dutch	4	0%
Irish	3	0%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	30.8%
Internet access	95.3%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Independence, OR have?

Independence, OR has one ZIP code: 97351. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.