Cost of Living in Darlington, SC
Population 6,128 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Darlington's median household income of $31,240 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (34% here). At 10.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Darlington is about 60 miles east of Columbia, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than Columbia's $244,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Darlington
The median home value in Darlington is $163,000 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $801/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $31,240/year is 58% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. South Carolina's top state income tax rate is 6.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.5%. The climate averages highs of 75.5°F and lows of 53.9°F. Overall, Darlington has a cost of living index of 56 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% less expensive.
Darlington has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 57 | 61 | 68 | 77 | 84 | 89 | 92 | 90 | 85 | 77 | 67 | 59 |
| Low °F | 36 | 39 | 44 | 52 | 61 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 66 | 54 | 44 | 38 |
| Precip" | 3.08 | 3.00 | 3.19 | 3.00 | 3.71 | 4.61 | 5.80 | 4.86 | 4.53 | 3.42 | 2.63 | 3.47 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Darlington, SC?
Darlington has a cost index of 56 (100 = national average). It is 44% below the national average.
What is average rent in Darlington, SC?
The median gross rent in Darlington is $801 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Darlington?
The median home value in Darlington is $163,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Darlington?
The median household income in Darlington is $31,240 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Darlington, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Darlington is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Darlington, SC affordable?
Yes, Darlington is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 56 — about 44% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Darlington?
Darlington has average high temperatures of 75.5°F and average lows of 53.9°F. Annual precipitation is 45.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Darlington at a Glance
- Population
- 6,128
- Median Income
- $31,240
- Home Value
- $163,000
- Median Rent
- $801/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 75.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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