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City Report · CA

Downey

Pop. 110,939·289th most expensive in California·Downey rents are up 6.4% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,346/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.4%
Month-over-Month
+1.5%
vs US Median
+$384
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Downey · $2,346
More expensive than 74% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
58/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 4% below what Downey's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,346/mo
Expected by trend
$2,445/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Downey's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,817
1 BR
$2,040
2 BR
$2,573
3 BR
$3,267
4 BR+
$3,623
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,573/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,346 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$28,152/yr
At $2,346/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 6.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.4% YoY, +1.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Downey, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income above the national average, 26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
110,939
Median income
$90,699
Median age
37.7
Renters
48.9%
Age distribution
21.3%
24.7%
26.9%
12.8%
14.2%
Under 1821.3%
18–3424.7%
35–5426.9%
55–6412.8%
65+14.2%
Gender
48.3%
51.7%
Male48.3%
Female51.7%
Race & ethnicity
22.1%
75.3%
White22.1%
Black3.8%
Hispanic75.3%
Asian7.6%
Education (25+)
19%
24.8%
30.2%
26.1%
No HS diploma19%
HS diploma24.8%
Some college30.2%
Bachelor's+26.1%
Housing tenure
51.1%
48.9%
Owner51.1%
Renter48.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Downey, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,692 → $2,346
up 38.7%
Income
$77,972 → $90,699
up 16.3%
Population
114,293 → 110,939
down 2.9%
Renter share
51% → 48.9%
-2.1 pts
Bachelor's+
24.9% → 26.1%
+1.2 pts
Median age
35.9 → 37.7
+1.8 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Downey, CA has climbed from $1,692 to $2,346, a 38.7% change over five years. Census figures show median household income at $90,699 today, compared with $77,972 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 2.9% since 2021, moving from about 114,293 residents to roughly 110,939. Renters now make up 48.9% of households, compared with 51% five years ago. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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View Downey rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Downey on your salary?

At $2,346/mo, how Downey rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Downey rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Downey. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Downey

About renting in Downey, CA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Downey is $2,346/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,817/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,573/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,040/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,267/mo.

At 31% of local median household income ($90,699/yr), Downey ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Downey an affordable city for renters?

Downey is considered moderate for renters. At $2,346/mo, rent takes approximately 31% of the local median household income ($90,699/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Downey slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Downey?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $94,000/year (~$45/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,346/mo in Downey. The local median household income is $90,699/yr, meaning the typical Downey household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Downey?

Rent in Downey has increased 6.4% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Downey neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Downey are 90242 ($2,264/mo), 90241 ($2,277/mo), and 90240 ($3,054/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Downey is $2,346/mo.

How does Downey rent compare to other cities in California?

Downey is one of the more affordable cities in California for rent, ranking #289 out of 381 tracked cities at $2,346/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Downey?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Downey ($2,346/mo): South Gate ($2,020/mo), Cudahy ($2,300/mo).

What percentage of Downey residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 48.9% of Downey households are renters, while 51.1% are owner-occupied. Downey leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Downey rent compare to the national average?

Downey's median rent of $2,346/mo is $384 (20%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within California, it ranks #289 out of 381 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
31%
MODERATE

At $2,346/mo, rent takes ~31% of Downey's median household income ($90,699/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Downey 31%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Downey affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Downey, CA

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