Moving from Independence, MO to West Jordan, UT
It is 1096 mi between Independence and West Jordan β roughly 18h 59m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1096 mi Β· 18h 59m by car Β· MO β IA β NE β WY β UT
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IA β NE β WY β UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 29, US 71 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Lee S Summit, Olathe, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | West Jordan | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 100.868 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 79 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 123.311 | 100.0 |
West Jordan runs about 9.0% more expensive overall than Independence β RPP 92.543 β 100.868.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $208,158 in Independence to $561,836 in West Jordan, a 9.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, West Jordan +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Independence | West Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.0Β°F vs 54.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, DRAPER-POINT OF MTN, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | West Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 116,277 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $103,960 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 33.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 3.2 |
West Jordan households earn about 9.0% more than Independence at the median β $59,480 β $103,960 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in West Jordan MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 126,170 | $43,640 |
| Management Occupations | 69,550 | $106,250 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 66,590 | $43,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 64,620 | $69,990 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 62,830 | $40,320 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Utah
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Utah'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in West Jordan average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Utah after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in West Jordan compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,440 in the West Jordan MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 803,800 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is West Jordan more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in West Jordan is 9.0% higher than Independence (100.868 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Independence to West Jordan?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1096 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Independence vs West Jordan?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,960 in West Jordan vs $59,480 in Independence β a 74.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in West Jordan compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $561,836 in West Jordan vs $208,158 in Independence β a 169.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is West Jordan, UT from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 1096 mi and the route typically takes 18h 59m via I 80 and I 29. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO Β· West Jordan, UT.