This text examines the differences between living in North Coast, CA, and Downey, CA, focusing on various factors that influence quality of life. North Coast is commonly described as a peaceful, scenic region with favorable weather conditions, while Downey, part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, offers urban amenities and a bustling economy. Both areas have unique attributes that draw tourists and potential residents, necessitating individual assessments of crime, weather, costs, education, economy, infrastructure, occupations, employers, real estate, neighborhoods, transport, taxes, culture, sports, geography, and healthcare.
North Coast, CA is traditionally known for a low crime rate, owing to its smaller population and remote location. Its sparse population and limited economic activity often result in fewer incidences of violent and property crimes compared to larger communities. On the other hand, Downey, CA experience higher crime rates, typical of denser urban areas. Measures are in place to ensure public safety, including a dedicated police department and various neighborhood watch programs.
Cost of Living
Downey, being part of the larger Los Angeles metropolitan area, possesses a higher cost of living compared to the quieter North Coast. This is mostly due to housing prices, which tend to be significantly higher in Downey. Other costs, like groceries, healthcare, and utilities, are also typically higher in Downey, reflecting the generally higher living costs in Southern California.
Income Tax
Income tax applies equally across the state, meaning residents of North Coast and Downey are subject to the same rates, which range from 1% to 13.3% based on income level.
Property Tax
Property tax in California is generally capped at 1% of the property's assessed value, with possible additions for local levies. Both North Coast and Downey follow this same guideline.
Sales Tax
Both areas fall under California’s statewide base sales tax rate of 7.25%, but Downey implements an additional 1% city sales tax, making goods purchased there slightly more expensive.
Income
Type
North Coast
Downey
Estimated median household income
$102,807
$72,556
Estimated per capita income
$50,809
$32,469
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
141
If you make $50,000 in North Coast, you will have to make $73,361 in Downey to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
North Coast is characterized by its rugged coastline, redwood forests, and nature reserves. Downey is located in the Los Angeles basin, characterized by urban development with proximate beaches and hills.
Geographical information
Type
North Coast
Downey
Land area
59.4 sq. miles
12.4 sq. miles
Population density
6,335.5 people per sq. mile
8,989.7 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
North Coast, CA Downey, CA
Education
Both North Coast and Downey have access to excellent schools. North Coast is near notable institutions like Humboldt State University while Downey is located within commuting distance of a variety of renowned institutions, including the University of Southern California and the California State University system.
The economy in North Coast is largely driven by agriculture, fishing, and tourism, offering employment opportunities in these sectors. Downey, in contrast, is within the economic powerhouse of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. It provides diverse employment opportunities across sectors like entertainment, healthcare, technology, and education.
Biggest Employers
In North Coast, the biggest employers are in the agricultural, fishing, and tourism sectors. Downey, however, boasts larger and more diverse employers, including the Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and various entertainment and media companies.
In North Coast (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
North Coast
Downey
North Coast
Downey
North Coast
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
North Coast
Downey
North Coast
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
North Coast offers a temperate maritime climate characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. It's an ideal location for those who enjoy mild weather year-round, with lots of rain and fog. Downey, however, experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, and very little rainfall. It attracts those who prefer consistent sunshine and warm weather.
Weather and climate
Type
North Coast
Downey
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
66.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
70.2%
66.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.7%
21.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
78.7%
73%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
51.9%
Precipitation - Yearly average
13 in
15 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.5%
27.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21.9%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
84.9%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
62.9%
63%
Wind speed - Average
6 mph
4.3 mph
Average climate in North Coast, California
Average climate in Downey, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
North Coast
Downey
North Coast
Downey
North Coast
Downey
North Coast
Downey
North Coast
Downey
North Coast
Downey
North Coast
Downey
North Coast
Downey
2018
119
140
0.35
0.41
14.4
14.7
26.1
25.3
N/A
0.008
27.5
27.2
12.6
14.0
0.7
0.5
2017
116
142
0.34
0.44
13.8
15.6
28.8
26.3
N/A
0.007
26.7
28.6
13.8
14.6
0.5
0.6
2016
102
128
0.33
0.48
12.2
15.3
29.3
25.6
N/A
0.007
24.1
25.9
12.5
13.1
0.2
0.5
2015
106
137
0.32
0.46
13.2
16.2
29.8
26.6
N/A
0.006
25.0
26.2
14.5
15.3
0.2
0.5
2014
110
138
0.29
0.43
12.9
15.8
28.6
25.9
N/A
0.007
26.7
28.3
15.5
16.3
0.4
0.6
2013
107
140
0.34
0.47
13.9
17.2
27.8
25.5
0.003
0.006
29.5
29.9
14.2
15.3
0.3
0.6
2012
103
144
0.30
0.47
12.7
17.3
26.8
24.8
0.004
0.006
28.2
29.1
14.3
15.8
0.1
0.5
2011
109
142
0.31
0.45
14.7
18.4
27.0
23.8
0.006
0.007
27.7
29.0
15.9
16.4
0.7
0.6
2010
102
128
0.33
0.55
14.3
18.5
26.2
21.8
0.011
0.015
23.6
26.8
14.0
14.4
0.6
0.6
2009
118
150
0.35
0.52
15.5
20.7
27.6
23.6
0.009
0.011
24.3
33.5
14.5
15.8
1.1
0.8
2008
124
152
0.39
0.52
16.5
25.4
28.2
20.9
0.010
0.013
29.5
32.9
21.6
18.3
1.1
0.8
2007
100
128
0.36
0.52
16.3
24.8
27.0
21.6
0.012
0.015
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
1.3
2006
114
125
0.40
0.59
17.2
26.0
26.4
23.7
0.007
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.6
2005
95
123
0.39
0.60
17.7
26.8
27.9
21.2
0.012
0.015
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
2.5
2004
119
132
0.50
0.65
19.2
27.8
30.5
23.0
0.014
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2.3
2003
122
143
0.64
0.85
21.9
30.3
28.9
20.1
0.030
0.024
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.4
2002
106
137
0.65
0.90
22.0
32.1
25.5
19.3
0.018
0.023
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
2.3
2001
116
143
0.73
0.96
22.0
33.5
25.4
17.6
0.033
0.044
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
2.6
2000
125
149
0.80
0.95
24.4
34.9
24.0
16.5
0.027
0.033
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.7
Natural disasters
Type
North Coast
Downey
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.6%
18.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,843.6%
7,042.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
57%
Transportation
North Coast relies mainly on private vehicles for transportation as public transit options are limited due to its remote location. For Downey, public transit is readily available through Metro bus and rail services, offering easy access to different parts of the Los Angeles area.
Transport
Type
North Coast
Downey
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
0
38
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
North Coast
Downey
Bicycle
0.7%
0.6%
Bus
1.2%
2.3%
Carpooled
10.7%
10.6%
Car alone
81.4%
82.1%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.3%
Walked
1.4%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
North Coast
Downey
Average
28.8 min
30.7 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Downey is typically more expensive due to its proximity to Los Angeles, with a higher demand driving up prices. North Coast offers more affordable housing options, with prices reflecting its more rural, distant nature from major city centers.
Neighborhoods
North Coast offers smaller, close-knit communities spread out along the scenic coast. Downey, in contrast, possesses a number of diverse neighborhoods, each with their unique vibes and cultural influences.
Houses and residents
Type
North Coast
Downey
Houses
137,450
37,581
Average household size (people)
2.7
3.3
Houses occupied
133,254 (96.9%)
36,008 (95.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
84,546 (63.4%)
18,808 (52.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
48,708 (36.6%)
17,200 (47.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,340
$1,709
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,099,558
$713,288
Estimated median house or condo value
$883,291
$686,000
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
3.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.8
Renting percentage
37.7%
49.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,312.7
3,026
Household income disparities
41.2%
42.6%
Housing units without a mortgage
13,396 (19.5%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
282 (0.4%)
853 (7.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
55,188 (80.5%)
11,974 (100%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
6,297 (9.2%)
227 (1.9%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,643 (11.1%)
1,294 (10.8%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1%
4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
15,532
3,243
State government workers
5,751
2,699
Unpaid family workers
744
83
Industries and Occupations
Fishing, agriculture, and tourism primarily drive North Coast's economy. Downey, on the other hand, has a broad base of industries and occupations, due to its location within the larger, diverse Los Angeles economy. Healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and education are among the major industries here.
Downey is home to high-quality healthcare facilities, including the Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center. While North Coast also provides good healthcare, options are less diverse compared to larger cities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
North Coast
Downey
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
North Coast is relatively remote and lacks extensive infrastructure found in larger urban areas. Downey, as part of the Los Angeles Count, benefits from a well-established transportation and utility network catering to a large and diverse population.
Infrastructure
Type
North Coast
Downey
TV stations
2
18
Culture and Food
North Coast boasts a relaxed and nature-centric culture with a love for local cuisines, particularly seafood. Downey, being in Greater Los Angeles, offers a multicultural and diverse food scene, boasting everything from traditional Latin and Asian cuisines to modern fusion restaurants.
Sports Teams
Living in Downey offers close proximity to major sports teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Dodgers, and Rams. North Coast does not have major professional sports teams but enjoys a vibrant local sports culture, especially outdoor and water sports.
North Coast, CA
Downey, CA
