Independence, MI town hall & government
Independence spent $38.7 million in the year to December 31, 2023, about $1,056 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Independence's government.
Where Independence's money goes
Where the money comes from
- Property taxes 44%
- Fees & charges 33%
- From the state 11%
- Interest, fines & other 6%
- From the federal government 3%
- Other taxes & licenses 2%
Who works for Independence
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2025. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate. Independence didn't report its staffing to the Census Bureau, so these are the Bureau's estimates.
Clarkston Community School District
Independence's K–12 school district, shared with Village of Clarkston and Springfield. It is its own government, with a budget separate from the town's.
Where the district's money comes from Michigan districts overall: 34% local, 57% state, 9% federal
- Local 32%
- State 66%
- Federal 3%
Of the $18,773 per pupil, $11,795 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Also serving Independence: Lake Orion Community Schools ($16,801 per pupil).
Which schools Independence kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Independence pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Independence's government
Who represents Independence
Independence is represented in Congress by Senators Gary C. Peters and Elissa Slotkin and Representative Lisa C. McClain. Gretchen Whitmer is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.