Median Income
$61,750
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$109,900
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
389/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.8%
3% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$579
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.5%
56% lower than US avg
How Downs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population663
Median Age56.5 yrs
Density592/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,750
Per Capita$41,222
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.5%
County GDP$184M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$109,900
Rent$579
Ownership79.9%
Zillow$94,529
Housing Units413
Rent Burden31.3%
Crime
F
Violent389/100K
Property1,116/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking16.9%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain26.1 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,484 ft (452 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.8%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score6.29
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute15 min
Broadband80.8%
Libraries2
Is Downs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Downs receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Downs offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Downs is $61,750, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Downs is $109,900, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $579 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 389 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,116 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
32.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Downs experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.1 inches, including 18.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Downs has a population of 663 with a density of 592 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 56.5 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.5yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
The median household income in Downs is $61,750, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,222. The average weekly wage is $797, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 169 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,750 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,222 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $797 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,684 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.5% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 169 |
| County GDP | $184M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.6% |
The median home value in Downs is $109,900, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $94,529, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $579 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 413 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. 31.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $109,900 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $94,529 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $579 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.1% |
| Housing Units | 413 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
In Downs, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,498. The dentist ratio is 1:1,745. 41.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Downs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,498 |
| Dentists | 1:1,745 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,142 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 58.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,625/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Downs has a violent crime rate of 389 per 100,000 residents, 2% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,116 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. Overall, Downs receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Downs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 389.4/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,116.3/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Downs experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 326 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 26.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 18.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,484 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.1°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,484 ft (452 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 592/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5046°N, 98.5473°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Osborne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.1"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
180 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
82 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
63 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
45 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
42 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
53 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
42 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
81 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
113 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
28 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
124 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
63 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
55 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
45 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
42 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
120 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
102 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
29 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
682 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 84 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
2 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1986 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FOUR COUNTY (122,971 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
FOUR COUNTY |
122,971 |
63 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
54 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,330 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
ROSEBROOK |
2,968 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
73 km |
| 2024 |
CODELL RD |
1,609 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
CRAIG NALER |
1,464 |
47 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,394 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
56 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
61 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
50 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
55 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Downs has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 27°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.5").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Downs
What is the population of Downs?
Downs has a population of 663 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 592 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Downs expensive to live in?
Downs is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $61,750, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $109,900 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $579 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Downs safe?
The violent crime rate in Downs is 389 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 1,116 per 100,000 (below 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 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.1 inches, with 18.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Downs?
The job market in Downs is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $797. There are 169 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 0.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Downs?
The median home value in Downs is $109,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $94,529. For renters, the median monthly rent is $579. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.9%.
How are the schools in Downs?
Schools in Downs score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.8% of adults in Downs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Downs?
The obesity rate in Downs is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 41.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,498.
What is transportation like in Downs?
The average commute in Downs is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Downs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Downs is 96.2% White. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 25.2% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
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