Moving from Independence, MO to Joliet, IL
Moving from Independence, MO to Joliet, IL covers 472 mi and about 8h 52m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
472 mi · 8h 52m by car · IL → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Springfield, Columbia, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.543 in Independence to 103.595 in Joliet, a 11.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Joliet: 11.9% above Independence on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Independence | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 38.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Joliet is 11.9% above Independence ($59,480 vs $88,026, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Joliet MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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: Joliet averages 16.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Independence to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 472 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $208,158 in Independence — a 24.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $59,480 in Independence — a 48.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Independence and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 54.0°F in Independence (3.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 13.2 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 44.7 in.
How far is Joliet, IL from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 472 mi and the route typically takes 8h 52m via I 55 and I 70. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Joliet more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 11.9% higher than Independence (103.595 vs 92.543, 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 Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO · Joliet, IL.