Independence, originally known as Uncle Sam, is a town in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 1,665 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Hammond MSA.

Official town website ↗

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0 · facts via Wikidata (CC0)

Town numbers

ZIP code70443

Area code985

Living in Independence

Housing in Independence

$198K▲ 3.6% in a year Typical home value · Zillow

The typical Independence home is worth about $198,000, up 3.6% in a year, 9% below the Louisiana typical home.

Only 1 sale in May 2026, too few for a market read. The typical value is the steadier guide.

Zillow Home Value Index · Redfin Data CenterHousing market →

Safety in Independence

D⁻

Safety Grade D-

Independence reports more crime per resident than most U.S. towns we grade: about 99% report less.

Violent crime per 1,000

Independence 18.7

Louisiana 4.7

U.S. 3.3

Property crime per 1,000

Independence 38

Louisiana 18.6

U.S. 15.5

FBI crime data, 2025 · crimes reported to policeCrime & safety →

Work & commute in Independence

Full picture →

Most working residents leave Independence for work: only 4% work in town. The top destinations are Hammond (15%), Amite City (11%) and Baton Rouge (8%). Half commute less than 24 miles.

Hammond

15%

Amite City

11%

Baton Rouge

New Orleans

4%Work in townlive and work in Independence 24 miWhere do people commute?the commute map 763Jobs based herebalanced

Census LEHD 2023 · ACSWork & commute in Independence →

Health in Independence

D⁻

Health Grade D−

Healthier than 4% of U.S. towns on seven CDC estimates, and 20% of towns with similar incomes.

Compared with Louisiana

12worse than LA

of 32 measures CDC estimates. The other 20 are too close to call.

Conditions 5▼ 7 close Habits 1▼ 3 close Care 1▼ 6 close Mind 1▼ 4 close Everyday needs 4▼ 0 close

BetterToo close to callWorse

What stands out

28.6%More adults facing food insecurityLA 22.5% · worse 21.3%More adults facing housing insecurityLA 16.8% · worse 15.6%More adults facing a utility shut-offLA 12.4% · worse

Care nearby

Lallie Kemp Medical CenterIndependence · 1.2 mi · ER · rural critical access

Southeast Community Health Systems - IndependenceIndependence · 0.3 mi · sliding-scale fees

Primary careShortage · county-wide

DentalShortage · county-wide

Mental healthShortage · county-wide

CDC PLACES 2025 · modeled estimates for adults · CDC's estimate for Independence · CMS · HRSAHealth in Independence →

Natural hazards in Independence

Very high

Expected storm and flood damage is higher than in 94% of U.S. communities.

🌀 Hurricanes🌊 Inland flooding🌪️ Tornadoes

27Does Independence flood?paid flood claims since 1979 8Disasters that paid out herefederal disasters sent FEMA money to Independence

FEMA National Risk Index December 2025 · OpenFEMANatural hazards in Independence →

Climate in Independence

Full climate →

Independence has mild winters and warm summers, with plenty of rain. A typical July afternoon reaches 92°, a January night drops to 40°, and snow is almost unheard of.

64° / 41°Winter

79° / 56°Spring

91° / 71°Summer

80° / 56°Fall

How much snow does Independence get?Almost none.Rain & snow →When is the first frost?Around Nov 18, with the last in spring around Mar 7.Frost dates →Is it warmer than it used to be?+0.8° vs. the 20th century.Then & now →

NOAA U.S. Climate Normals, 1991–2020Climate in Independence →

Schools in Independence

All Independence schools →

B⁻

School Grade B-

The public schools Independence’s kids attend, from kindergarten through graduation, outperform 54% of Louisiana’s districts on state tests and graduation. Among towns with similar incomes, they rank near the bottom.

DistrictTangipahoa ParishSchools4

Independence Leadership Academy C-Elementary · Grades PK–6 · 548 students Mater Dolorosa Catholic SchoolElementary · Grades PK–8 · 163 students Independence High Magnet C-High · Grades 7–12 · 490 students TPSS Advanced College and Career Magnet CenterHigh · Grades 11–12

School data from the U.S. Department of Education (NCES, EDFacts). The School Grade is our own summary of state test results and graduation rates, graded within LA. Ratings are from neighbors.