Moving from Lubbock, TX to Independence, MO
The drive from Lubbock, TX to Independence, MO runs 716 mi β about 12h 39m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
716 mi Β· 12h 39m by car Β· TX β OK β KS β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 82, TX 114 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Olathe, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.317 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.768 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.357 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Lubbock (91.317) and Independence (92.543) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $209,436 vs $208,158 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lubbock | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | 44.7" |
Climate cools by 7.8Β°F on the annual average β 61.8Β°F β 54.0Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.2 in of snowfall annually at Independence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.39 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β 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 Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 716 mi and the route typically takes 12h 39m via I 35 and US 82. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 150,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $209,436 in Lubbock β a 0.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lubbock to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 716 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 Lubbock vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $60,487 in Lubbock β a 1.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Independence more expensive than Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 1.3% higher than Lubbock (92.543 vs 91.317, 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 Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX Β· Independence, MO.