Median Income
$106,809
42% higher than US avg
Home Value
$237,700
16% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
412/100K
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
56.1%
66% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,250
7% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.0%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Downs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,451
Median Age34.4 yrs
Density484/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans10.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$106,809
Per Capita$46,762
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$16,910M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$237,700
Rent$1,250
Ownership86.1%
Zillow$319,025
Housing Units537
Rent Burden23.0%
Crime
F
Violent412/100K
Property2,099/100K
Health
Obesity32.0%
Uninsured4.7%
Smoking9.2%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease4.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation756 ft (230 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+56.1%
High School+97.3%
Graduate+8.5%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 52%
Commute19 min
Broadband92.3%
EV Stations21
Libraries15
Is Downs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Downs receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Downs stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Downs is $106,809, which is significantly higher than the national average / 42% above $75,149. This places Downs among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Downs is $237,700, 16% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,250 per month. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 412 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,099 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Downs is a highly educated community / 56.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Downs experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches, including 20.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Downs has a population of 1,451 with a density of 484 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 34.4 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (92.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 10.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.4yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Downs is $106,809, which is 42% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,762 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,273, 11% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,357 business establishments, including 404 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $106,809 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,762 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,273 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,598 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,357 |
| County GDP | $16,910M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 404 |
| Healthcare | 365 |
| Retail | 498 |
| Manufacturing | 82 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,182 |
| 105% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 13.0% |
The median home value in Downs is $237,700, 16% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,025, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 104.7% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,250 (7% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 537 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $7,182 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $237,700 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $319,025 |
| Median List Price | $449,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $449,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $88 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 104.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,250 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.9% |
| Housing Units | 537 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,182 |
| 105% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.02% |
In Downs, 32.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.2% of residents, below the national average. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 9.2% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.1% report binge drinking. 14.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.3% report depression. 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 4.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628. The dentist ratio is 1:1,426. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Downs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 4.1% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 14.6% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 9.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 4.7% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,628 |
| Dentists | 1:1,426 |
| Mental Health | 1:259 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 72.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,618/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 365 |
Downs has a violent crime rate of 412 per 100,000 residents, 8% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,099 per 100,000, 7% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Downs receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Downs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 411.6/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,099.4/100K |
| 7% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Downs experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.4 inches. The area receives 20.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 756 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 756 ft (230 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 484/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3988°N, 88.8892°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McLean County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.4"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0482 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
118 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
140 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
83 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
767 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 761 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
63 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
100 km |
2 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Downs has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Downs. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,358 |
| Toddler | $1,220 |
| Preschool | $1,208 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $770 |
| Preschool | $787 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Downs
What is the population of Downs?
Downs has a population of 1,451 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 484 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is Downs expensive to live in?
Downs has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $106,809, 42% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $237,700 (16% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,250 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Downs safe?
The violent crime rate in Downs is 412 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,099 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Downs receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Downs?
Downs has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.4 inches, with 20.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Downs?
The job market in Downs is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,273. There are 3,357 business establishments in the area, including 404 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 13.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Downs?
The median home value in Downs is $237,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,025. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,250. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.1%. The average annual property tax is $7,182.
How are the schools in Downs?
Schools in Downs score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 56.1% of adults in Downs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Downs?
The obesity rate in Downs is 32.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.2% of adults are smokers. 14.6% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 4.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628.
What is transportation like in Downs?
The average commute in Downs is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Downs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Downs is 92.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 10.5% of the population are military veterans. 6.6% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
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