As of the census of 2000, there were 48,724 people, 18,979 households and 13,019 families residing in the village. The population density was 3,420.2 people per square mile (1,320.2/km²). There were 19,477 housing units at an average density of 1,367.2/sq mi (527.7/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 90.15% White, 1.92% African American, 0.11% Native American, 5.71% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.00% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.59% of the population.
There were 18,979 households out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, and 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the village, the population was spread out with 24.8% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64 and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.7 males.
According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in the village was $72,521, and the median income for a family was $96,327. The mean income for a family was $95,532. Males had a median income of $56,422 versus $36,938 for females. The per capita income for the village was $31,580. About 1.3% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.6% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.
The main line of the BNSF Railway (also used by Metra commuter rail with three stops in Downers Grove), and Interstate Highways 355 and 88 all pass through the community. Downers Grove is served by the Pace Bus Service, a system of suburban public transportation.
The Grove Commuter Shuttle runs four routes throughout the community to two of the three train depots that are in the village. The shuttle also operates for the Heritage Festival from remote parking lots on the north and south sides of the village located at the respective north and south high schools.