Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Downey, CA
Thinking of moving to Downey, CA? With a diverse population of 112,322, Downey features a sunny climate (73% sunny days), median home prices around $716,000, and two major hospitals for healthcare. The city offers moderate commute times (about 31 minutes), a vibrant cultural mix, and rental rates averaging $2,050 for a two-bedroom. While the cost of living is higher than average, residents enjoy access to reputable schools, convenient amenities, and the perks of Southern California living.
Demographics - Downey, CA
Demographics - Downey, CA
Downey is home to about 112,000 residents living in a densely populated, diverse city where the median age is 35.8 years. Over half of the population speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's vibrant multicultural community. The city features a relatively balanced gender ratio and a strong presence of various ethnic groups.
Population:
112,322
Density:
8,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.8
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
56.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
15.4%
Black:
3.5%
Asian:
7.9%
Others:
73.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Downey, CA?
Living in Downey comes with a cost of living index of 151.6, notably higher than the national average, driven largely by median home values around $716,000 and average rents of $2,050. Utility and healthcare costs are moderate, while residents should be prepared for higher expenses in housing and transportation. State taxes are variable, ranging from 1% to 13.3%.
Median House Value:
$716,000
Gross Rent:
$2,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
151.6
Grocery:
112.4
Housing:
230.3
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
148.7
Health Care:
108.5
Miscellaneous:
109.4
Crime
Is Downey, CA a safe place to live?
Downey offers a moderate safety profile, with violent crime rates lower than many nearby urban areas—residents face a 1 in 366 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 43 chance of property crime. Property crime is more common, but the city's overall crime index suggests it maintains a generally safe environment for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
273
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,342
Crime Index:
2,615
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 366
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Downey, CA year-round?
Downey enjoys a pleasant Southern California climate, with mild winters averaging highs in the upper 60s and warm summers reaching the mid-80s. The city sees about 73% sunny days each year and receives nearly 15 inches of rainfall annually, making outdoor activities accessible year-round.
Winter
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Residents of Downey tend to have household incomes near $83,000 and a poverty rate just over 10%. The community features a mix of renters and homeowners, with a typical commute time of about 31 minutes and a strong presence of non-English speakers. Most adults have at least a high school education, and a significant portion hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Median Income:
$34,900
Household Income:
$83,000
Family Income:
$87,700
Per Capita Income:
$28,600
Income Male:
$42,300
Income Female:
$37,400
Poverty Rate:
10.4%
Non English Speakers:
56.5%
Rent:
$2,050
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
31.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
79.1%
Bachelors or More:
22.3%
Education
How are the schools in Downey, CA?
Downey offers a variety of educational options, including large public high schools like Downey High and Warren High, both with active student bodies and comprehensive programs. Private schooling and community colleges are also available nearby, and the city maintains solid educational attainment rates, with nearly 80% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Downey High School
Street:
11040 Brookshire Ave
Phone:
562-869-7301
Students:
4,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
Warren High School
Street:
8141 De Palma St
Phone:
562-869-7306
Students:
3,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. John Bosco High School
Street:
13640 S. Bellflower Blvd
Phone:
562-920-1734
Students:
850
Colleges
Name:
Rio Hondo College
City:
Whittier
State:
CA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
19,000
Name:
Cerritos College
City:
Norwalk
State:
CA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
21,500
Healthcare
Downey provides access to quality healthcare with two major hospitals—PIH Health Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center—offering emergency and general medical services. The city boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of over 90% and about 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring residents have solid medical support close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
PIH Health Hospital - Downey
Address:
11500 Brookshire Ave, Downey, CA 90241
Phone:
(562) 904-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center
Address:
9333 Imperial Hwy, Downey, CA 90242
Phone:
(562) 657-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Downey, CA?
Downey's housing market is competitive, with median home prices at $716,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment around $2,050. Just under half of residents own their homes, and the rental vacancy rate is low at 2.8%, reflecting strong housing demand. Home values have appreciated modestly over the past year, with new construction remaining limited.
Median Home Price:
$716,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Downey residents handle their vehicle registration and licensing needs through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the closest office located in South Gate. The DMV provides a full range of services and can be reached online or via their statewide customer service number.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
8220 S. Garfield Ave, South Gate, CA 90280
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.