Anaheim and Downey, both located in Southern California, have their specific draws and caveats that make them unique. Differing in many aspects such as crime rates, climate, cost of living, educational opportunities, economy, infrastructure, city-specific industries, largest employers, real estate market, neighborhoods' character, transportation options, tax differences, richness in culture and food, sports enthusiasm, geographical attractiveness, and healthcare facilities, both the cities offer diverse lifestyles. A detailed comparative analysis of these facets can help potential relocators or tourists make an informed choice about which city fits their needs and preferences best.
Distance between
Anaheim, CA and
Downey, CA : 15.5 miles
Anaheim's population is larger by 210%. Its population has grown by 17,926 people (5.5%) since 2000. The population of Downey has grown by 4,322 people (4.0%) during that time.
Anaheim, as a larger city, tends to have a higher crime rate compared to Downey. Both property and violent crime rates are higher in Anaheim. However, Anaheim's crime rate is decreasing over the years, enhancing the city safety factor. On the other hand, Downey being a smaller city has lower crime rates, which makes it a safer city choice for both residents and tourists.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 389 registered sex offenders living in Anaheim and 111 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Anaheim is 902 to 1; the ratio in Downey is 1,020 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Anaheim is near to than in Downey.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Anaheim is marginally higher than in Downey. This difference is primarily due to higher housing prices and city taxes in Anaheim. Utilities, groceries, and healthcare are also slightly more expensive in Anaheim compared to Downey.
Income Tax
California has a state-wide progressive income tax, with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%, the same for both Anaheim and Downey. There is no additional city income tax in either city.
Property Tax
The average property tax rate in both cities is similar, around 0.76% of assessed home value, following the California standard. However, property taxes can vary depending on the specific locality within each city.
Sales Tax
The state sales tax in California is the same for both cities at 7.25%. However, Anaheim has an additional city sales tax of 1.00%, making its total sales tax higher than Downey's.
Income
Type
Anaheim
Downey
Estimated median household income
$81,747
$72,556
Estimated per capita income
$32,827
$32,469
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.5
141
If you make $50,000 in Anaheim, you will have to make $79,661 in Downey to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
With its proximity to both the mountains and the coast, Anaheim offers a uniquely diverse geographical landscape, adding to its appeal. Downey, located in southeast Los Angeles County, enjoys a more urbanized environment but is also not far from natural attractions.
Both cities prioritize education and have well-rated public and private schools. Anaheim is home to the North Orange County Community College District and some renowned universities like Anaheim University, creating a vibrant student life. Downey, although a smaller city, boasts a strong education system with the Downey Unified School District and is in close proximity to numerous colleges in Los Angeles County.
Anaheim's economy is largely tourism-based, owing to Disneyland and other attractions. It also has strong manufacturing and retail sectors. On the other hand, Downey’s economy is more diversified with healthcare, education, and retail contributing significantly. Both cities have a steady job market with numerous opportunities for job seekers.
Biggest Employers
In Anaheim, the Walt Disney Company is the largest employer, followed by other large organizations like Kaiser Foundation Hospital and Northgate Gonzalez Markets. Downey’s largest employer is Kaiser Permanente, followed by the Downey Unified School District and Stonewood Center.
There were 85 building permits issued in Anaheim in 2012 (44 more than in 2011) compared to 121 building permits issued in Downey in 2012 (121 more than in 2011).
In Anaheim (Orange County), 45.8% voted for Democrats and 52.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Downey (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Anaheim
Downey
Anaheim
Downey
Anaheim
Downey
2020
53.6%
71.0%
44.6%
26.9%
1.8%
2.1%
2016
50.9%
72.0%
42.4%
22.5%
6.7%
5.5%
2012
45.8%
69.7%
52.0%
27.8%
2.3%
2.4%
2008
47.8%
69.2%
50.3%
28.8%
1.9%
1.9%
2004
39.3%
63.3%
60.2%
35.7%
0.5%
1.0%
2000
40.4%
63.6%
55.9%
32.4%
3.7%
4.0%
1996
37.9%
59.3%
51.7%
31.0%
10.5%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Anaheim
Downey
Anaheim
Downey
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.5%
36.1%
4.4%
4.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.3%
1.0%
8.8%
9.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
0.7%
1.3%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.6%
0.2%
2.0%
1.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.4%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.2%
2.3%
1.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.3%
2.4%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.1%
0.2%
0.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.5%
1.7%
3.1%
Weather
Both Anaheim and Downey share a similar subtropical Mediterranean climate, typical of Southern California. Blissful weather conditions throughout the year can be enjoyed in both cities, with warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters. However, Anaheim tends to be a bit warmer during summer months due to its closer proximity to the desert.
Weather and climate
Type
Anaheim
Downey
Temperature - Average
64.9°F
66.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.6%
66.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
25.9%
21.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
77.9%
73%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
51.9%
Precipitation - Yearly average
12 in
15 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.6%
27.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
84.9%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
63%
63%
Wind speed - Average
5.7 mph
4.3 mph
Average climate in Anaheim, California
Average climate in Downey, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Anaheim
Downey
Anaheim
Downey
Anaheim
Downey
Anaheim
Downey
Anaheim
Downey
Anaheim
Downey
Anaheim
Downey
Anaheim
Downey
2018
139
140
0.36
0.41
13.7
14.7
26.8
25.3
0.007
0.008
27.5
27.2
12.1
14.0
0.7
0.5
2017
145
142
0.50
0.44
14.8
15.6
26.7
26.3
0.007
0.007
26.7
28.6
13.5
14.6
0.6
0.6
2016
132
128
0.57
0.48
14.5
15.3
26.3
25.6
0.007
0.007
24.1
25.9
12.9
13.1
0.3
0.5
2015
142
137
0.45
0.46
14.7
16.2
26.0
26.6
0.007
0.006
25.0
26.2
14.8
15.3
0.3
0.5
2014
138
138
0.40
0.43
15.0
15.8
26.7
25.9
0.008
0.007
26.7
28.3
16.2
16.3
0.5
0.6
2013
138
140
0.47
0.47
14.8
17.2
25.3
25.5
0.005
0.006
28.3
29.9
13.9
15.3
0.5
0.6
2012
142
144
0.46
0.47
14.5
17.3
25.0
24.8
0.005
0.006
27.0
29.1
14.7
15.8
0.2
0.5
2011
138
142
0.42
0.45
15.9
18.4
26.7
23.8
0.007
0.007
27.4
29.0
16.0
16.4
0.8
0.6
2010
130
128
0.44
0.55
16.7
18.5
25.8
21.8
0.009
0.015
23.5
26.8
14.9
14.4
0.6
0.6
2009
151
150
0.41
0.52
18.0
20.7
26.0
23.6
0.010
0.011
24.4
33.5
15.4
15.8
1.1
0.8
2008
156
152
0.38
0.52
20.3
25.4
26.7
20.9
0.010
0.013
30.2
32.9
18.9
18.3
1.1
0.8
2007
135
128
0.38
0.52
19.5
24.8
26.2
21.6
0.012
0.015
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
1.3
2006
128
125
0.43
0.59
19.1
26.0
26.3
23.7
0.008
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.6
2005
128
123
0.45
0.60
20.7
26.8
31.3
21.2
0.013
0.015
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
2.5
2004
134
132
0.53
0.65
19.9
27.8
37.1
23.0
0.015
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2.3
2003
143
143
0.69
0.85
23.7
30.3
23.8
20.1
0.025
0.024
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.4
2002
134
137
0.77
0.90
24.1
32.1
21.8
19.3
0.019
0.023
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.1
2.3
2001
143
143
0.94
0.96
28.4
33.5
24.5
17.6
0.035
0.044
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2.6
2000
152
149
0.80
0.95
29.4
34.9
23.0
16.5
0.030
0.033
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.7
Natural disasters
Type
Anaheim
Downey
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
19.3%
18.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,039.7%
7,042.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
57%
Transportation
Both cities are served by public transit systems. Anaheim has extensive public transportation facilities including buses, trains, taxis, and an efficient freeway system. Downey primarily relies on the bus network of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) and has easy access to several interstate highways.
Transport
Type
Anaheim
Downey
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
136
38
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Anaheim
Downey
Bicycle
1%
0.6%
Bus
0.9%
2.3%
Carpooled
10.8%
10.6%
Car alone
83.4%
82.1%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.2%
Railroad
0.2%
0.3%
Subway
0.3%
0%
Walked
1.6%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Anaheim
Downey
Average
30.8 min
30.7 min
Other means
28.1 min
28.2 min
Public transportation
47.8 min
52 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Anaheim
Downey
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
85.3%
87%
In 2 person carpool
11.2%
10.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.9%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate prices in Anaheim are typically higher than in Downey due to the high demand driven by tourism and favorable weather. Downey, while being more affordable, still commands a significant price due to its location in Southern California.
Neighborhoods
Anaheim offers a mix of urban, suburban, and historic neighborhoods proclaiming a vivacious lifestyle, while Downey has a more residential, family-friendly feel with its quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
Anaheim
Downey
Houses
110,319
37,581
Average household size (people)
3.4
3.3
Median year apartment built
1975
1967
Median year house/condo built
1970
1956
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.8 years
18 years
Houses occupied
105,608 (95.7%)
36,008 (95.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
51,684 (48.9%)
18,808 (52.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
53,924 (51.1%)
17,200 (47.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,111
$1,709
Median monthly housing costs
$1,910
$1,726
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,256,069
$713,288
Estimated median house or condo value
$688,400
$686,000
Median numbers of rooms
4.7
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
3.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$859,592
$720,911
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$742,035
$461,967
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$546,946
$546,599
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$553,561
$677,801
Median house price - mobile homes
$114,904
$134,829
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$619,623
$524,501
Median house price - All housing units
$782,600
$700,040
Median house age
48
62
Renting percentage
51.5%
49.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,254.1
3,026
House value disparities
20.2%
16.2%
Household income disparities
43.6%
42.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$125,169
$135,248
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$86,779
$72,240
Housing units without a mortgage
374 (1%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,222 (6%)
853 (7.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
36,875 (99%)
11,974 (100%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
0 (0%)
227 (1.9%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,794 (7.5%)
1,294 (10.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
19
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.5%
4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.1%
1.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Anaheim
Downey
One, detached
42.7%
57.4%
One, attached
8.3%
5.3%
Two
2.3%
1.9%
3 or 4
7.6%
2.7%
5 to 9
6.8%
7.2%
10 to 19
5.5%
8.9%
20 to 49
6.8%
10.1%
50 or more
17.2%
6.0%
Mobile homes
2.6%
0.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
11,077
3,243
State government workers
5,046
2,699
Unpaid family workers
65
83
Industries and Occupations
Anaheim is driven by tourism, entertainment, manufacturing, and retail sectors providing diverse employment opportunities. In Downey, healthcare and education are the main industries, along with a thriving retail sector.
Anaheim offers top-tier healthcare facilities, including the well-rated Anaheim Regional Medical Center and the Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Medical Center. Downey, being a smaller city, has fewer hospitals, but its healthcare is widely appreciated with the highly-rated PIH Health Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Anaheim
Downey
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Anaheim, being a tourist hotspot, has a well-developed infrastructure with a range of hotels, resorts, and public spaces catering to visitors’ needs. Downey, though smaller, is known for its well-planned residential areas and public amenities.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Anaheim
Downey
1999
914
251
2000
679
247
2001
632
218
2002
735
284
2003
1,047
435
2004
1,456
556
2005
1,965
775
2006
1,999
922
2007
1,230
667
2008
599
249
2009
378
109
Culture and Food
Anaheim is known for its multiculturalism, reflected in its varied culinary scene and numerous cultural events and festivals. Downey, although smaller, offers an impressive array of eateries and cultural encounters that cater to its diverse population.
Sports Teams
Anaheim hosts major sports teams like the Anaheim Ducks (NHL) and Los Angeles Angels (MLB). Downey, while it doesn't host any major sports teams itself, is in close proximity to Los Angeles, providing access to teams like the Lakers (NBA), Clippers (NBA), and the Dodgers (MLB).
Anaheim, CA
Downey, CA
