California's Southwest San Gabriel Valley and Downey are two distinct locations offering varied lifestyles. Southwest San Gabriel Valley is a quiet region known for its cultural diversity and serene neighborhoods, while Downey is a bustling city with diverse industries and rich Hispanic culture. The comparison between these two areas gets complex when delving into other aspects such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries, real-estate, and several other factors. This detailed comparison aims to help you determine the ideal location depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Both Downey and Southwest San Gabriel Valley have crime rates slightly above the national average. However, Downey has a more notable issue with property crime compared to Southwest San Gabriel Valley. It's worth noting that both areas invest significantly in policing and community outreach programs to maintain safety. It would be beneficial for potential relocators and tourists to stay updated on local security news.
Cost of Living
Downey's cost of living is marginally higher compared to Southwest San Gabriel Valley, mostly driven by housing prices. Groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare are comparable in both locales. Potential relocators should carefully consider their budget and lifestyle to determine the preferable choice.
Income Tax
Similarly, the state income tax, which applies equally throughout California, doesn't differentiate the two areas. Potential relocators should note California's relatively high state income tax.
Property Tax
Though both areas fall within the same state, Downey, with its higher real estate prices, generally incurs higher property tax bills compared to Southwest San Gabriel Valley.
Sales Tax
Sales tax rates in both Southwest San Gabriel Valley and Downey are identical as they follow the California sales tax rate. Tourists will see no difference in this aspect in either location.
Income
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
Estimated median household income
$73,720
$72,556
Estimated per capita income
$29,945
$32,469
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
161.2
141
If you make $50,000 in Downey, you will have to make $57,163 in Southwest San Gabriel Valley to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both Downey and Southwest San Gabriel Valley nestle in flat plains; however, Southwest San Gabriel Valley sits closer to the scenic San Gabriel Mountains, providing for beautiful views and outdoor recreational activities.
Geographical information
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
Land area
35.3 sq. miles
12.4 sq. miles
Population density
9,252.7 people per sq. mile
8,989.7 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Southwest San Gabriel Valley, CA Downey, CA
Education
Southwest San Gabriel Valley excels in educational opportunities with several reputed schools and universities nearby, including the California Institute of Technology. In contrast, Downey offers decent education facilities but doesn't have the same level of prestigious institutions. This factor may sway families who prioritize education in their relocation decision.
Downey's diverse economy offers more job options with industries spanning healthcare, education, and retail trade. Meanwhile, Southwest San Gabriel Valley has a more homogeneous economy, with services sectors being its strongest. Nonetheless, both areas have similar unemployment rates.
Biggest Employers
The largest employers in Southwest San Gabriel Valley include well-known universities and healthcare organizations. For Downey, significant employers include the Downey Unified School District, Kaiser Permanente, and PIH Health Hospital – offering a multitude of job opportunities in diverse fields.
Weather
California's climate is typically mild, and both Southwest San Gabriel Valley and Downey are no exceptions. Both areas enjoy ample sunshine throughout the year and mild winters. Downey gets slightly more annual rainfall compared to Southwest San Gabriel Valley. Both areas are appealing to those who enjoy pleasant, year-round weather.
Weather and climate
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
Temperature - Average
66.3°F
66.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
61.4%
66.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
16.5%
21.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
65.8%
73%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49.3%
51.9%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17.6 in
15 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
30.1%
27.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
85%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
63%
63%
Wind speed - Average
2.3 mph
4.3 mph
Average climate in Southwest San Gabriel Valley, California
Average climate in Downey, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
2018
140
140
0.39
0.41
14.2
14.7
26.6
25.3
0.008
0.008
27.5
27.2
15.1
14.0
0.4
0.5
2017
142
142
0.38
0.44
15.1
15.6
27.8
26.3
0.007
0.007
30.2
28.6
15.3
14.6
0.5
0.6
2016
128
128
0.36
0.48
15.2
15.3
26.5
25.6
0.007
0.007
27.8
25.9
14.3
13.1
0.4
0.5
2015
137
137
0.36
0.46
15.3
16.2
26.7
26.6
0.006
0.006
27.6
26.2
16.4
15.3
0.3
0.5
2014
138
138
0.39
0.43
16.3
15.8
26.8
25.9
0.007
0.007
29.9
28.3
18.0
16.3
0.4
0.6
2013
140
140
0.44
0.47
17.5
17.2
25.2
25.5
0.007
0.006
28.3
29.9
17.0
15.3
0.4
0.6
2012
144
144
0.47
0.47
17.7
17.3
25.0
24.8
0.007
0.006
27.6
29.1
18.1
15.8
0.5
0.5
2011
142
142
0.50
0.45
19.3
18.4
23.6
23.8
0.008
0.007
29.8
29.0
17.6
16.4
0.4
0.6
2010
128
128
0.52
0.55
19.4
18.5
22.9
21.8
0.020
0.015
30.0
26.8
16.3
14.4
0.5
0.6
2009
150
150
0.43
0.52
21.5
20.7
23.5
23.6
0.011
0.011
40.0
33.5
18.0
15.8
0.5
0.8
2008
152
152
0.53
0.52
23.5
25.4
22.8
20.9
0.014
0.013
39.1
32.9
18.3
18.3
0.6
0.8
2007
128
128
0.58
0.52
24.2
24.8
21.8
21.6
0.017
0.015
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.3
2006
125
125
0.63
0.59
24.6
26.0
22.1
23.7
0.009
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.6
2005
123
123
0.66
0.60
25.6
26.8
20.5
21.2
0.015
0.015
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.1
2.5
2004
132
132
0.77
0.65
27.7
27.8
22.9
23.0
0.019
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
2.3
2003
143
143
0.98
0.85
31.8
30.3
22.0
20.1
0.027
0.024
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.4
2002
137
137
1.00
0.90
33.0
32.1
21.1
19.3
0.025
0.023
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
2.3
2001
143
143
1.11
0.96
34.2
33.5
18.9
17.6
0.039
0.044
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
2.6
2000
147
149
1.12
0.95
33.4
34.9
18.9
16.5
0.033
0.033
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.7
Natural disasters
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18%
18.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,182.3%
7,042.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
57%
57%
Transportation
Downey provides better public transportation, with bus routes and major highways for easy commuting. Conversely, Southwest San Gabriel Valley residents are more reliant on private vehicles due to less frequent public transportation.
Transport
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
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
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
Bicycle
0.5%
0.6%
Bus
4.7%
2.3%
Carpooled
16.1%
10.6%
Car alone
73%
82.1%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.3%
Walked
2.5%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
Average
29.1 min
30.7 min
Real Estate
Real estate prices are notably higher in Downey compared to Southwest San Gabriel Valley, which translates to a higher cost of living. Potential relocators should consider their housing budget alongside other factors when making the decision.
Neighborhoods
Southwest San Gabriel Valley provides serene, family-oriented neighborhoods with diverse culture and peaceful atmosphere. Downey's neighborhoods are more vibrant, with a strong sense of community, rich Hispanic culture, and bustling activities.
Houses and residents
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
Houses
102,656
37,581
Average household size (people)
3.1
3.3
Houses occupied
99,543 (97%)
36,008 (95.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
47,333 (47.6%)
18,808 (52.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
52,210 (52.5%)
17,200 (47.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,828
$1,709
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,138,428
$713,288
Estimated median house or condo value
$723,161
$686,000
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
5.8
Renting percentage
51.7%
49.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,909.6
3,026
Household income disparities
44%
42.6%
Housing units without a mortgage
13,166 (31.1%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
88 (0.2%)
853 (7.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
29,118 (68.9%)
11,974 (100%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
2,557 (6%)
227 (1.9%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,975 (7%)
1,294 (10.8%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
8,660
3,243
State government workers
4,158
2,699
Unpaid family workers
639
83
Industries and Occupations
In Southwest San Gabriel Valley, the dominant industries are professional, scientific, and technical services, while in Downey, major industries include healthcare, educational services, and retail trade. Hence, the better job market depends on one's profession and industry preference.
Health Care
Downey houses multiple renowned healthcare facilities, including Kaiser Permanente. Southwest San Gabriel Valley also hosts commendable healthcare options, with easier access to additional facilities in nearby Pasadena.
Infrastructure
Downey, being an urban city, has a more developed infrastructure with ample public facilities and commercial establishments. On the other hand, Southwest San Gabriel Valley, being a suburban region, provides more open spaces and parks, but fewer facilities.
Infrastructure
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Downey
TV stations
26
18
Culture and Food
Both areas offer rich culinary diversity, with Southwest San Gabriel Valley famous for Asian cuisine, while Downey is known for a wide range of Latin American dishes. The multi-cultural atmosphere is palpable in both areas and is appealing to residents and tourists alike.
Sports Teams
Downey, being closer to Los Angeles, offers better accessibility to major sports events, with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers nearby. Southwest San Gabriel Valley residents might have to travel a bit farther for the same experience.
Southwest San Gabriel Valley, CA
Downey, CA
Southwest San Gabriel Valley, CA and 
Downey, CA : 8.7 miles
