Explore Downey local geography, civic resources and voter guides, with dated official population and registration facts for Los Angeles County.
At a glance: Downey is an incorporated city in Los Angeles County. Population: 112,279 (California Department of Finance estimate as of January 1, 2026). Registered voters: 68,729 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
Downey lies between the Los Angeles and San Gabriel river corridors in southeastern Los Angeles County. Its central neighborhoods and commercial streets coexist with a nationally significant aerospace landscape associated with the former NASA manufacturing site. The city-owned Columbia Memorial Space Center occupies part of that former aerospace property and translates the setting into hands-on science education. Downey City Library and the civic center on Brookshire Avenue provide additional educational and governmental resources. Downey incorporated on December 17, 1956, and is a charter city with council-manager government. The council-appointed City Clerk administers election procedures, maintains the charter and municipal code, and preserves official legislative records.
Yes. Downey's official page identifies it as city-owned and operated, on the former NASA Downey site.
It is the national memorial to Space Shuttle Columbia and honors the STS-107 crew lost on February 1, 2003.
The city directs public-records requests to the City Clerk's Office, whose page lists submission methods.
68,729 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
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