Downey, CA

Downey CA scores 52/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 32% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 132 (100 = avg); violent crime index 116; property crime index 148. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Downey. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Downey is about $1,937/month (on the high side). At $1,937/month for a typical unit, you need about $69,732+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $796,600.

Median household income is $90,699, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($90,699) clears the $69,732 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 84°F (highs near 93°F, lows near 76°F).

Midafternoon outdoor time is limited most of summer without shade and water. Plan on summer electric bills around $200–$300/month for a typical apartment if you run AC hard. If you visit, go in July or August. That is the real test.

Who tends to thrive in Downey: (1) Dual-income households (at $1,937/month, the rent math works much better with two salaries) (2) People who genuinely love heat and do not mind living indoors June through September (highs near 93°F) (3) Tech and finance workers (the job market is real and local pay near $90,699 helps carry housing costs) (4) Households earning $69,732+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,937/month

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 52/100) (2) Single earners under $70k (the rent-to-income ratio is tight at $1,937/month) (3) People who need outdoor time year-round for their mental health (summers lock you inside for 3–4 months; highs near 93°F)

Income sniff test: clear about $69,732 household income for $1,937/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Downey scores 52/100 on safety with $1,937/month typical rent. Run the numbers against your income before committing.