Downey is a city in the Marsh Valley in southern Bannock County, Idaho, United States. It is part of the Pocatello Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 571 at the 2020 census. The community was reportedly named after one Mr. Downey, a director of the Union Pacific Railroad. However, researchers have been unable to verify the existence of said Mr. Downey. Notwithstanding, some have asserted he was a track worker, not a director.

Official town website ↗

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0 · facts via Wikidata (CC0)

Town numbers

ZIP code83234

Area code208

Living in Downey

Housing in Downey

$338K▲ 3.9% in a year Typical home value · Zillow

The typical Downey home is worth about $338,000, up 3.9% in a year, 29% below the Idaho typical home.

Only 1 sale in May 2026, too few for a market read. The typical value is the steadier guide.

Zillow Home Value Index · Redfin Data CenterHousing market →

Work & commute in Downey

Full picture →

Most working residents leave Downey for work: only 3% work in town. The top destinations are Pocatello (19%), McCammon (11%) and Idaho Falls (9%). Half commute less than 34 miles.

Pocatello

19%

McCammon

11%

Idaho Falls

Lava Hot Springs

3%Work in townlive and work in Downey 34 miWhere do people commute?the commute map 99Jobs based herea commuter town

Census LEHD 2023 · ACSWork & commute in Downey →

Health in Downey

Compared with Idaho

6better than ID·9worse

of 32 measures CDC estimates. The other 17 are too close to call.

Conditions 8▼ 4 close Habits 1▲ 3 close Care 5▲ 2 close Mind 1▼ 4 close Everyday needs all close

BetterToo close to callWorse

What stands out

8.3%Fewer uninsured adultsID 10.7% · better 12.5%Fewer binge drinkersID 15.5% · better 8.4%More adults with heart diseaseID 6.2% · worse

Care nearby

Nell J Redfield Memorial HospitalMalad City · 17.8 mi · ER · rural critical access

Health West - Downey ChcDowney · 0.1 mi · sliding-scale fees

Primary careShortage · county-wide

DentalShortage · county-wide

Mental healthShortage · county-wide

CDC PLACES 2025 · modeled estimates for adults · CDC's estimate for Downey · CMS · HRSAHealth in Downey →

Natural hazards in Downey

Very high

Expected storm and flood damage is higher than in 82% of U.S. communities.

🔥 Wildfire🌊 Inland flooding🥶 Cold waves

0Does Downey flood?no paid flood claims on record NoneDisasters that paid out hereof 3 declared for Bannock County

FEMA National Risk Index December 2025 · OpenFEMANatural hazards in Downey →

Climate in Downey

Full climate →

Downey has cold, snowy winters and warm summers, with very little rain. A typical July afternoon reaches 88°, a January night drops to 14°, and about 45 inches of snow falls in a normal winter.

34° / 15°Winter

57° / 31°Spring

84° / 48°Summer

61° / 32°Fall

How much snow does Downey get?About 45 inches a winter.Rain & snow →When is the first frost?Around Sep 18, with the last in spring around May 31.Frost dates →Is it warmer than it used to be?+1.4° vs. the 20th century.Then & now →

NOAA U.S. Climate Normals, 1991–2020Climate in Downey →

Schools in Downey

All Downey schools →

A⁻

School Grade A-

The public schools Downey’s kids attend, from kindergarten through graduation, outperform 75% of Idaho’s districts on state tests and graduation. Among towns with similar incomes, they rank near the top.

DistrictMARSH VALLEY JOINT DISTRICTSchools1

Downey Elementary School BElementary · Grades PK–6 · 75 students

School data from the U.S. Department of Education (NCES, EDFacts). The School Grade is our own summary of state test results and graduation rates, graded within ID. Ratings are from neighbors.