Downs, KS
Population 663 · Kansas
About Downs, KS
Downs is a small community located in Kansas with a population of 663 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,750 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 56.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Downs features a median home value of $109,900, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Downs one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $579, 50% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 456 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (278 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (70 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Downs shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Downs have an average one-way commute time of 15.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
32.8% of Downs residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Downs, KS
Compared to national averages, Downs has a median household income of $61,750 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $109,900, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $579 is 50% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Downs's income is 3% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 4% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Downs, KS?
Downs offers affordable housing with a median home value of $109,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $579/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,750) that falls below the national average. However, Downs’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Downs has a population of 663 with a median age of 56.5 years. Compare Downs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Downs
What is the population of Downs, KS?
The population of Downs, KS is 663 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Downs?
The median household income in Downs, KS is $61,750 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Downs?
The median home value in Downs, KS is $109,900, which is 55% 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, KS is $579, which is 50% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Downs?
The unemployment rate in Downs, KS is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Downs, KS a good place to live?
Downs offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 663 and a median age of 56.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Downs, KS?
32.8% of residents in Downs aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Downs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Downs, KS: median home value is $109,900 (55% below national), median rent is $579/month, and median household income is $61,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Downs?
The poverty rate in Downs, KS is 9.0%, 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, KS?
Downs's population is 2.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.