Downey, ID Utility & Living Guide

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Downey, ID Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$260/mo
1BR Rent$1000/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Downey
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

Rocky Mountain Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$40/mo

Downey Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Bear River Waste Removal
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$260/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1000/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Downey is relatively small, with a mix of older and newer homes. Prices are generally lower compared to larger cities in Idaho. Rentals are limited, but available.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 6% + no County or City tax</p>

Idaho has a state income tax with a top rate of 6.925%, but no local income taxes

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in agriculture, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Water conservation, rural broadband access, economic development
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited, but the town is relatively small and walkable, with some sidewalks and crosswalks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Downey Park
  • 🎯
    Bear River
  • 🎯
    Idaho State University Extension Office

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around Downey Park is popular for families, with tree-lined streets and a community playground. The outskirts of town offer more rural settings with larger lots.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Downey based on your household profile.

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📊 Downey — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Downey fluctuate with the seasons, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning and higher propane costs in the winter for heating. Water usage also increases in the summer for irrigation.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 83234 has a property tax millage rate of 1.1%, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, with explanation: Downey has some sidewalks and crosswalks, but they can be uneven and limited in some areas. The town has a few parks with playgrounds and walking trails, but more infrastructure is needed to support stroller-friendly transportation.

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