Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Downsville, LA
Considering a move to Downsville, LA? This small town of about 280 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $115,000 and rents averaging $780. Enjoy a mild, sunny climate and a quiet, rural lifestyle with low housing costs and a typical commute of 26 minutes. Local crime rates are moderate, and education is centered around Downsville Charter School, with higher education nearby in Ruston and Monroe. If you're seeking a close-knit community with southern charm and reasonable living expenses, Downsville could be a great fit.
Demographics - Downsville, LA
Demographics - Downsville, LA
Downsville is a small, close-knit town with a population of around 280 people and a median age of 46, offering a quiet, mature community. The majority of residents are White, with Black residents making up about 15%, and the gender ratio is nearly even. Non-English speakers are rare, contributing to a predominantly English-speaking environment.
Population:
280
Density:
110 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.0%
Black:
14.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Downsville, LA?
Downsville boasts an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $115,000 and average rent at $780, making it attractive for budget-minded movers. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and the overall cost of living index is below the national average. State tax rates are moderate, helping residents keep expenses manageable.
Median House Value:
$115,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$330
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
6.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.2
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
59.8
Utilities:
93.0
Transportation:
87.5
Health Care:
91.0
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Downsville, LA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Downsville are moderate for a small town, with a violent crime rate of 345 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,170 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 290 chance of experiencing violent crime. The community maintains a relatively safe atmosphere but basic safety precautions are still advised.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
345
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,170
Crime Index:
2,515
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 290
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Downsville, LA year-round?
Downsville experiences mild winters with lows in the mid-30s and warm, humid summers reaching into the 90s. The town enjoys about 62% sunny days annually and receives generous rainfall, averaging over 56 inches each year. These weather patterns support lush greenery and outdoor activities most of the year.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
59°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Downsville enjoy a modest median household income of $43,500, with a poverty rate of 18% and an unemployment rate just over 5%. Most residents commute about 26 minutes to work, and public transportation is not commonly used. The community is largely educated at the high school level, with a smaller percentage holding college degrees.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$43,500
Family Income:
$51,000
Per Capita Income:
$19,500
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$24,500
Poverty Rate:
18.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
26.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.0%
Bachelors or More:
13.5%
Education
How are the schools in Downsville, LA?
Education in Downsville centers around Downsville Charter School, which offers a student-teacher ratio of 15.5 and serves the local community. While there are no private schools, families benefit from proximity to higher education institutions like Louisiana Tech University and the University of Louisiana at Monroe, both less than 30 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Downsville Charter School
Street:
4787 Hwy 151
Phone:
318-982-5410
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Colleges
Name:
Louisiana Tech University
City:
Ruston
State:
LA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
11,000
Name:
University of Louisiana at Monroe
City:
Monroe
State:
LA
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
8,800
Healthcare
Quality healthcare is accessible near Downsville, with two general hospitals offering emergency services within a short drive. The area has about 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 87% of people have health insurance. Healthcare services are reliable and support the needs of a small-town population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Union General Hospital
Address:
901 James Ave, Farmerville, LA 71241
Phone:
(318) 368-9751
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Northern Louisiana Medical Center
Address:
401 E Vaughn Ave, Ruston, LA 71270
Phone:
(318) 254-2100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.3%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Downsville, LA?
The housing market in Downsville is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $115,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 75%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $780 and a moderate vacancy rate. Home appreciation is steady, making it a good spot for long-term residents.
Median Home Price:
$115,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Downsville residents can access DMV services through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Monroe. Services include licensing, registration, and title transfers, with more information available on the state's ExpressLane website. The local DMV is easily reachable for all essential transportation needs.
State:
Louisiana
Department:
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1000 North Claiborne Ave, Monroe, LA 71201
Phone:
1-225-925-6146
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.