Downs is a city in Osborne County, Kansas, United States.

[3] Downs had its start in the year 1879 when the Central Branch Railroad was extended to that point.

In 1910, the city had a population of 1,427. Business included two newspapers, a public library, flour mills, grain elevators, and an opera house.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.00 square mile (2.59 km2), all land.

[7] The 2020 United States census counted 800 people, 384 households, and 202 families in Downs.

There were 499 housing units at an average density of 445.5 per square mile (172.0/km2).

42.2% of households consisted of individuals and 22.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 508 housing units at an average density of 508.0 per square mile (196.1/km2).

39.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 543 housing units at an average density of 492.5 per square mile (190.2/km2).

38.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The community is served by Waconda USD 272 public school district.