Darien, IL
Population 21,855 · Illinois
About Darien, IL
Darien is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 21,855 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $109,354 per year, which is 46% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Darien features a median home value of $386,400, which is 58% above the national median of $244,900. This places Darien in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,671, 44% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,101 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (6,933 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (1,897 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Darien shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 3.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Darien have an average one-way commute time of 29.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
51.7% of Darien residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 7.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 18.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Darien, IL
Compared to national averages, Darien has a median household income of $109,354 (46% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $386,400, which is 58% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,671 is 44% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Darien's income is 46% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 133% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Darien, IL?
Darien offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $109,354, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 51.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $386,400. However, Darien’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Darien has a population of 21,855 with a median age of 44.8 years. Compare Darien with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Darien
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbondale | 21,813 | $29,670 | $124,800 | Compare |
| Yorkville | 22,350 | $108,775 | $314,200 | Compare |
| Bloomingdale | 22,388 | $98,891 | $363,100 | Compare |
| Geneva | 21,299 | $136,621 | $415,800 | Compare |
| Villa Park | 22,456 | $94,698 | $313,100 | Compare |
| East Peoria | 22,485 | $71,763 | $160,800 | Compare |
| Montgomery | 21,205 | $96,985 | $270,700 | Compare |
| South Holland | 21,016 | $87,378 | $201,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Darien With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Darien
What is the population of Darien, IL?
The population of Darien, IL is 21,855 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Darien?
The median household income in Darien, IL is $109,354 per year, which is 46% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Darien?
The median home value in Darien, IL is $386,400, which is 58% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Darien?
The median monthly rent in Darien, IL is $1,671, which is 44% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Darien?
The unemployment rate in Darien, IL is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Darien, IL a good place to live?
Darien offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,855 and a median age of 44.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Darien, IL?
51.7% of residents in Darien aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Darien?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Darien, IL: median home value is $386,400 (58% above national), median rent is $1,671/month, and median household income is $109,354. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Darien?
The poverty rate in Darien, IL is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Darien, IL?
Darien's population is 7.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 18.6% of residents are foreign-born.