Darlington, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,120
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$33,952/yr
8.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,195
1.4% year-over-year change

Darlington population

How many people live in Darlington

Darlington is home to 6,120 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 40.6% of Darlington locals are male, and 59.4% are female.

Total population
6,120
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
40.6%
2,488
Female
59.4%
3,632
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,488 40.6% 3.9%
Female 3,632 59.4% -2.7%
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 Darlington is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.3% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.2% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
45
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.3%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
19.2%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
25.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,122 18.3% 13.1%
15 to 24 761 12.4% -8.1%
25 to 44 1,172 19.2% 2.0%
45 to 64 1,484 24.2% 1.6%
Over 65 1,581 25.8% -7.0%
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 Darlington, 98.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,003 98.1% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 112 1.8% -30.9%
Non-citizens 5 0.1% -86.5%
Racial breakdown
White
34.8%
Black or African American
62.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.9%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 2,127 34.8%
Black or African American 3,807 62.2%
Two or more races 175 2.9%
Other 11 0.2%

Households in Darlington

A peek inside Darlington households

Darlington has 2,624 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.6% are families, while the remaining 47.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,624
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,245
Family households
1,379
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,245 47.4% 0.7%
Family households 1,379 52.6% 0.7%
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 Darlington

The housing landscape of Darlington

Darlington's housing consists of 3,195 units, with 70.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,195
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,265 70.9%
1 unit, attached 48 1.5%
2 units 164 5.1%
3 or 4 units 269 8.4%
5 to 9 units 118 3.7%
10 to 19 units 44 1.4%
20 to 49 units 94 2.9%
50 or more units 8 0.2%
Mobile home 185 5.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Darlington

In Darlington, the median construction year is 1967. About 11.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 356 11.1% -17.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 327 10.2% 18.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 486 15.2% 20.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 627 19.6% -12.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 398 12.5% -25.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 389 12.2% 27.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 284 8.9% 19.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 269 8.4% 37.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 59 1.8% 25.5%
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.

Darlington occupancy rates

Out of the 2,624 occupied housing units in Darlington, 52% are owner-occupied, while 48% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,624
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,260
Owner occupied
1,364
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,260 48% -2.9%
Owner occupied 1,364 52% 4.3%
Unoccupied housing units
17.9%
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.

Darlington housing costs

Housing costs in Darlington come to a median of $823 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $840.

Median housing costs per month
$823/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 Darlington
$840/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 Darlington

Darlington education at a glance

About 43.2% of the population in Darlington went to high school, while 25.9% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 9.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 271 5.6% -15.3%
High school diploma 2,083 43.2% -7.2%
College diploma 1,249 25.9% 3.2%
Associate degree 357 7.4% 12.6%
Bachelor's degree 466 9.7% 1.1%
Graduate degree 393 8.2% 39.4%
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 Darlington

How much people earn in Darlington

The average annual household income in Darlington was $90,880 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +16.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $33,952, reflecting a +8.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Darlington
$90,880/year
16.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Darlington
$33,952/year
8.7% year-over-year change

Darlington income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $36,250 overall. Overall, 69.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $36,250 18.8%
Over 65 $35,882 8.0%
Above poverty level
4,133
Below poverty level
1,791
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,133 69.8% 5.9%
Below poverty level 1,791 30.2% -9.5%

Average renter income in Darlington

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Darlington, their median household income was $19,519 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 51.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$19,519
Rent-to-income ratio
51.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Darlington

Workforce and job types in Darlington

The job market in Darlington is powered by 2,200 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.7% run their own businesses, 59% are employed by private companies, and 21.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,200
7.6% year-over-year change
White collar
1,733
Blue collar
467
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,733 78.8% 11.1%
Blue collar 467 21.2% -3.5%
Employer type
Self employees
11.7%
Private companies
59%
Governmental workers
21.2%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 258 11.7% 33.7%
Private companies 1,297 59% 4.8%
Governmental workers 466 21.2% 4.2%
Not for profit companies 179 8.1% 7.2%
Unemployment rate
7.1%
-25.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Darlington stands at 7.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Darlington

How people get around in Darlington

Commuting methods vary: 94.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% 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 2,054 94.2% 8.3%
Walk 42 1.9% 90.9%
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 Darlington by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29532 19,857 8,229 $44,482 $75,053
29540 4,080 1,719 $53,155 $69,212

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FAQs about Darlington demographics 

What is the total population of Darlington?

Darlington has a total population of 6,120 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Darlington?

The gender ratio in Darlington is as follows:
  • 40.6% males (2,488 residents)
  • 59.4% females (3,632 residents)

What is the median age in Darlington?

The median age in Darlington is 45.

What is the age distribution of the population in Darlington?

The age distribution in Darlington is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.3% (1,122 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (761 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.2% (1,172 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (1,484 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.8% (1,581 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Darlington?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Darlington is as follows:
  • White: 34.8% (2,127 residents)
  • Black or African American: 62.2% (3,807 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.9% (175 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (11 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.1% of the population in Darlington.

How many housing units are there in Darlington?

There are 3,195 housing units in Darlington, 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 Darlington and what is the average household size?

Darlington has a total of 2,624 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Darlington?

Darlington has a median household income of $33,952, representing a +8.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Darlington?

The employment rate is 92.9% in Darlington, with a workforce of 2,200 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.8% (1,733 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.2% (467 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.7% (258 residents)
  • Private companies: 59% (1,297 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.2% (466 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (179 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