Downs, IL
Population 1,451 · Illinois
About Downs, IL
Downs is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,451 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $106,809 per year, which is 42% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Downs features a median home value of $237,700, which is 3% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Downs in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,250, 7% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 546 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (470 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (76 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Downs shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Downs have an average one-way commute time of 19 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
56.1% of Downs residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Downs Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Downs, IL
Compared to national averages, Downs has a median household income of $106,809 (42% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $237,700, which is 3% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,250 is 7% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Downs's income is 42% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 43% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Downs, IL?
Downs offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $106,809, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $237,700, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 56.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19 minutes.
Downs has a population of 1,451 with a median age of 34.4 years. Compare Downs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Downs
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunlap | 1,448 | $137,240 | $283,800 | Compare |
| Hartford | 1,456 | $39,364 | $65,800 | Compare |
| Waverly | 1,456 | $55,882 | $97,600 | Compare |
| Hebron | 1,458 | $86,964 | $213,400 | Compare |
| Barry | 1,442 | $66,017 | $88,600 | Compare |
| Philo | 1,461 | $103,438 | $198,100 | Compare |
| Granville | 1,463 | $70,893 | $134,300 | Compare |
| Warren | 1,439 | $73,500 | $104,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Downs With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Downs
What is the population of Downs, IL?
The population of Downs, IL is 1,451 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Downs?
The median household income in Downs, IL is $106,809 per year, which is 42% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Downs?
The median home value in Downs, IL is $237,700, which is 3% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Downs?
The median monthly rent in Downs, IL is $1,250, which is 7% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Downs?
The unemployment rate in Downs, IL is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Downs, IL a good place to live?
Downs offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,451 and a median age of 34.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Downs, IL?
56.1% of residents in Downs aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Downs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Downs, IL: median home value is $237,700 (3% below national), median rent is $1,250/month, and median household income is $106,809. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Downs?
The poverty rate in Downs, IL is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Downs, IL?
Downs's population is 0.0% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.