Darlington, WI
Population 2,473 · Wisconsin
About Darlington, WI
Darlington is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 2,473 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,695 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Darlington features a median home value of $134,300, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Darlington one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $885, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,075 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (642 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (317 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Darlington shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Darlington have an average one-way commute time of 18 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.4% 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 8.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 9.5% Asian residents, with 13.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Darlington, WI
Compared to national averages, Darlington has a median household income of $62,695 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $134,300, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $885 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Darlington's income is 14% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 35% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Darlington, WI?
Darlington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $134,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $885/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,695) 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 2,473 with a median age of 35.9 years. Compare Darlington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Darlington
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark | 2,472 | $72,083 | $174,200 | Compare |
| Ixonia | 2,470 | $110,000 | $340,800 | Compare |
| St. Croix Falls | 2,469 | $63,179 | $216,500 | Compare |
| Deerfield | 2,489 | $88,424 | $292,500 | Compare |
| Nekoosa | 2,439 | $43,026 | $112,900 | Compare |
| North Prairie | 2,514 | $148,780 | $396,800 | Compare |
| Cedar Grove | 2,430 | $87,500 | $221,900 | Compare |
| Winneconne | 2,519 | $85,980 | $196,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
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, WI?
The population of Darlington, WI is 2,473 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Darlington?
The median household income in Darlington, WI is $62,695 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Darlington?
The median home value in Darlington, WI is $134,300, which is 45% 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, WI is $885, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Darlington?
The unemployment rate in Darlington, WI is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Darlington, WI a good place to live?
Darlington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,473 and a median age of 35.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Darlington, WI?
21.4% 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, WI: median home value is $134,300 (45% below national), median rent is $885/month, and median household income is $62,695. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Darlington?
The poverty rate in Darlington, WI is 12.8%, 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, WI?
Darlington's population is 8.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 9.5% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 13.7% of residents are foreign-born.