Darien, CT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,705
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$250,001/yr
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,544
1.4% year-over-year change

Darien population

How many people live in Darien

Darien is home to 18,705 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Darien locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
18,705
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
9,238
Female
50.6%
9,467
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,238 49.4% -0.9%
Female 9,467 50.6% 3.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Darien is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.2% are children under 15, then 13.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.2% of the population, while another 27.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
40
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.2%
15 to 24
13.4%
25 to 44
20.2%
45 to 64
27.6%
Over 65
13.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,713 25.2% 1.0%
15 to 24 2,498 13.4% 3.6%
25 to 44 3,771 20.2% 0.4%
45 to 64 5,164 27.6% 2.1%
Over 65 2,559 13.7% -1.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Darien, 84.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 81.5% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 7.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.7%
Non-citizens
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 15,834 84.6% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,001 10.7% 4.1%
Non-citizens 870 4.6% 25.4%
Racial breakdown
White
81.5%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
7.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.5%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 15,249 81.5%
Black or African American 103 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 15 0.1%
Asian 1,392 7.4%
Two or more races 1,589 8.5%
Other 357 1.9%

Households in Darien

A peek inside Darien households

Darien has 6,168 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 81.9% are families, while the remaining 18.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,168
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,117
Family households
5,051
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,117 18.1% 3.8%
Family households 5,051 81.9% 1.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Darien

The housing landscape of Darien

Darien's housing consists of 6,544 units, with 85.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
6,544
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,567 85.1%
1 unit, attached 171 2.6%
2 units 139 2.1%
3 or 4 units 124 1.9%
5 to 9 units 301 4.6%
10 to 19 units 80 1.2%
20 to 49 units 32 0.5%
50 or more units 129 2%
Homes built since 2020
76
76.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Darien

In Darien, the median construction year is 1956. About 27.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,792 27.4% 1.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 720 11% 13.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,179 18% -6.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 459 7% -4.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 416 6.4% -2.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 306 4.7% 9.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 243 3.7% -20.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 721 11% 3.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 634 9.7% 14.7%
Built in 2020 or later 76 1.2% 76.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Darien occupancy rates

Out of the 6,168 occupied housing units in Darien, 82.4% are owner-occupied, while 17.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,168
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,084
Owner occupied
5,085
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,084 17.6% 5.7%
Owner occupied 5,085 82.4% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
5.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Darien housing costs

Housing costs in Darien come to a median of $4,001 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $3,501.

Median housing costs per month
$4,001/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Darien
$3,501/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Darien

Darien education at a glance

About 8% of the population in Darien went to high school, while 7.6% pursued college studies. Another 2.2% earned an associate degree and 46.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 34.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 138 1.1% -4.2%
High school diploma 1,035 8% 4.7%
College diploma 981 7.6% -6.9%
Associate degree 290 2.2% 6.6%
Bachelor's degree 6,012 46.5% 2.5%
Graduate degree 4,471 34.6% 1.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Darien

How much people earn in Darien

The average annual household income in Darien was $455,054 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Average household income in Darien
$455,054/year
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Darien
$250,001/year
0.0% year-over-year change

Darien income by age

In Darien, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $250,001. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $250,001 overall. Overall, 94.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $250,001 0.0%
45 - 64 $250,001 0.0%
Over 65 $160,313 2.4%
Above poverty level
17,448
Below poverty level
1,054
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 17,448 94.3% 1.4%
Below poverty level 1,054 5.7% -1.8%

Employment in Darien

Workforce and job types in Darien

98.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 1.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.9% run their own businesses, 74.8% are employed by private companies, and 4.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
8,285
Blue collar
156
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,285 98.2% 1.2%
Blue collar 156 1.8% -12.8%
Employer type
Self employees
13.9%
Private companies
74.8%
Governmental workers
4.4%
Not for profit companies
6.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,175 13.9% 5.6%
Private companies 6,311 74.8% -0.6%
Governmental workers 375 4.4% 3.0%
Not for profit companies 580 6.9% 6.2%

Transportation in Darien

How people get around in Darien

Commuting methods vary: 69.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,522 69.7% -1.9%
Bus or trolleybus 11 0.2% -21.4%
Railroad 1,354 26.8% -12.5%
Bicycle 8 0.2% -33.3%
Walk 155 3.1% -13.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Darien by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
06820 21,936 7,234 $250,001 $455,057

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FAQs about Darien demographics 

What is the total population of Darien?

Darien has a total population of 18,705 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Darien?

The gender ratio in Darien is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (9,238 residents)
  • 50.6% females (9,467 residents)

What is the median age in Darien?

The median age in Darien is 40.

What is the age distribution of the population in Darien?

The age distribution in Darien is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.2% (4,713 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.4% (2,498 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.2% (3,771 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.6% (5,164 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.7% (2,559 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Darien?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Darien is as follows:
  • White: 81.5% (15,249 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (103 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (15 residents)
  • Asian: 7.4% (1,392 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.5% (1,589 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (357 residents)

What percentage of the population in Darien are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.6% of the population in Darien.

How many housing units are there in Darien?

There are 6,544 housing units in Darien, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Darien and what is the average household size?

Darien has a total of 6,168 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Darien?

Darien has a median household income of $250,001, representing a 0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Darien?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 98.2% (8,285 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 1.8% (156 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.9% (1,175 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.8% (6,311 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 4.4% (375 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.9% (580 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025