Median Income
$60,938
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$163,900
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Downing Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population250
Median Age41.0 yrs
Density84/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,938
Per Capita$29,164
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$6,015M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$163,900
Ownership75.8%
Zillow$282,756
Housing Units101
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property2,574/100K
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking16.2%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation972 ft (296 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score6.62
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute35 min
Broadband95.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries10
Is Downing a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Downing receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include long commute times, high obesity rates. Downing offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Downing is $60,938, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Downing is $163,900, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Downing is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,574 per 100,000, 31% above the national average.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Downing has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Downing has a population of 250 with a density of 84 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 41.0 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.2% female and 46.8% male. The city is predominantly White (86%), with 3.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.2% of residents, while 9.8% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 83.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.0yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.2%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.8%
27% below US avg
The median household income in Downing is $60,938, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,164 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,063, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,832 business establishments, including 226 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 3.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,938 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,164 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,063 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $106,523 |
| Gini Index | 0.394 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,832 |
| County GDP | $6,015M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 226 |
| Healthcare | 248 |
| Retail | 270 |
| Manufacturing | 172 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,317 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.0% |
The median home value in Downing is $163,900, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $282,756, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 101 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $6,317 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $163,900 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $282,756 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.2% |
| Housing Units | 101 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,317 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.85% |
In Downing, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 28.1% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,901. The dentist ratio is 1:2,182. 80.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Downing vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.1% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,901 |
| Dentists | 1:2,182 |
| Mental Health | 1:529 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
| Premature Death | 4,919/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 248 |
Downing has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,574 per 100,000, 31% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Downing receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Downing vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 254.3/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,574.0/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Downing has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 972 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 972 ft (296 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 84/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0498°N, 92.1243°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. Croix County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Richmond Regional (RNH)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
388 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 58 fatalities, 949 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
23 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
53 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
74 km |
4 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
23 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,904 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
100 km |
| 2004 |
EAGAN |
925 |
88 km |
| 2013 |
CRANBERRY FIRE |
779 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
RX-64 |
553 |
97 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
513 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Downing has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Downing. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Downing
What is the population of Downing?
Downing has a population of 250 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 84 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.0 years. The population is 53.2% female and 46.8% male.
Is Downing expensive to live in?
Downing is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,938, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $163,900 (42% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Downing safe?
Downing is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,574 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Downing receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Downing?
Downing has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Downing?
The job market in Downing is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,063. There are 2,832 business establishments in the area, including 226 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 3.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Downing?
The median home value in Downing is $163,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $282,756. The homeownership rate is 75.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,317.
How are the schools in Downing?
Schools in Downing score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.7% of adults in Downing hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Downing?
The obesity rate in Downing is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 28.1% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 80.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,901.
What is transportation like in Downing?
The average commute in Downing is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Downing?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Downing is 86% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. 90.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.8% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 83.5% have health insurance coverage.
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