Darlington, SC
Population 6,128 · South Carolina
About Darlington, SC
Darlington is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 6,128 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,240 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.3 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 Darlington features a median home value of $163,000, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Darlington in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $801, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,150 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (1,308 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (1,298 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Darlington shows an unemployment rate of 10.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 33.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Darlington have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.4% of Darlington residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.2% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Darlington, SC
Compared to national averages, Darlington has a median household income of $31,240 (58% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $163,000, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $801 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Darlington's income is 47% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 19% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Darlington, SC?
Darlington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $163,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $801/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,240) that falls below the national average. However, Darlington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Darlington has a population of 6,128 with a median age of 46.3 years. Compare Darlington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Darlington
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake City | 6,032 | $35,000 | $133,700 | Compare |
| Lyman | 6,317 | $69,688 | $239,800 | Compare |
| Marion | 6,338 | $27,767 | $119,400 | Compare |
| Dillon | 6,406 | $34,964 | $110,000 | Compare |
| Clemson University | 6,434 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Piedmont | 5,786 | $51,896 | $141,200 | Compare |
| Laurel Bay | 5,627 | $52,094 | $221,300 | Compare |
| Walterboro | 5,490 | $48,366 | $170,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Darlington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Darlington
What is the population of Darlington, SC?
The population of Darlington, SC is 6,128 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Darlington?
The median household income in Darlington, SC is $31,240 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Darlington?
The median home value in Darlington, SC is $163,000, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Darlington?
The median monthly rent in Darlington, SC is $801, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Darlington?
The unemployment rate in Darlington, SC is 10.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Darlington, SC a good place to live?
Darlington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,128 and a median age of 46.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Darlington, SC?
15.4% of residents in Darlington aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Darlington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Darlington, SC: median home value is $163,000 (33% below national), median rent is $801/month, and median household income is $31,240. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Darlington?
The poverty rate in Darlington, SC is 33.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Darlington, SC?
Darlington's population is 0.2% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 59.4% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.