Violent Crime
213/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.3%
64% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.7%
142% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.8%
29% lower than US avg
How Darden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population612
Median Age36.9 yrs
Density73/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans12.1%
Economy
Per Capita$39,910
Unemployment8.7%
Poverty8.8%
County GDP$457M
Commute30 min
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$225,986
Housing Units215
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent213/100K
Property1,748/100K
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured11.1%
Smoking18.9%
Depression29.4%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain57.1 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation422 ft (129 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.3%
High School+89.6%
Graduate+11.4%
School Score5.25
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute30 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Darden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Darden receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Darden faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 8.7%, unemployment is notably high. 8.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Darden is below the national average at 213 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,748 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Darden enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 57.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Darden has a population of 612 with a density of 73 people per square mile, spread across 8.4 square miles. The median age is 36.9 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.9yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $39,910. The average weekly wage is $896, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 299 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 16.7% of workers work from home.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $39,910 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $896 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,302 |
| Gini Index | 0.486 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.7% |
| 142% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.8% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 299 |
| County GDP | $457M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,988 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.7% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,986. Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 215 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $1,988 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 215 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,988 |
| 43% below US avg |
In Darden, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 29.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 11.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,797. The dentist ratio is 1:1,927. 44.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Darden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 29.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,797 |
| Dentists | 1:1,927 |
| Mental Health | 1:777 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 14,620/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Darden has a violent crime rate of 213 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,748 per 100,000, 11% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Darden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Darden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 213.2/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,748.4/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Darden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 301 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 57.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 422 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.2°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 422 ft (129 m) |
| Area | 8.4 sq mi (21.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 73/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.6384°N, 88.2261°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Decatur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Kellar-Sipes Regional (MKL)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.1"
50% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.63"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 84.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
160 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.7 on Apr 4, 2025.
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
126 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
129 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
144 km |
| Aug 25, 2015 |
9 km W of Henning, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
132 km |
| Sep 9, 2016 |
9 km NW of Tiptonville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Aug 29, 1990 |
9 km WSW of Central, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
129 km |
| Apr 28, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
126 km |
| Nov 6, 2009 |
6 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
117 km |
| Aug 12, 2013 |
7 km S of Hornbeak, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Jun 17, 2012 |
6 km NW of Tiptonville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| May 31, 2022 |
12 km SE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
120 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
3 km ESE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Jun 6, 1995 |
5 km SSE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Nov 6, 1994 |
11 km WSW of Trenton, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
83 km |
| Aug 23, 1999 |
1 km WSW of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
8 km SE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Dec 18, 2009 |
9 km SE of Marston, Missouri |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Jul 31, 2017 |
4 km N of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Jul 7, 2001 |
7 km E of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
416 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 120 fatalities, 1,243 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF5 |
50 km |
3 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
41 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
74 km |
11 |
| May 5, 1999 |
EF4 |
29 km |
3 |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
EF4 |
60 km |
6 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF4 |
98 km |
3 |
| May 7, 1971 |
EF4 |
69 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
23 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
80 km |
38 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
98 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
76 km |
9 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
87 km |
6 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 2001 |
EF3 |
68 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEVILS BACKBONE RX (3,215 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
DEVILS BACKBONE RX |
3,215 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
ROCKHOUSE ROAD |
791 |
45 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
762 |
52 km |
| 2011 |
YELLOW CREEK |
572 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
564 |
58 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
523 |
80 km |
| 2014 |
MERIWETHER LEWIS |
513 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
5.5 in |
|
Darden has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 39°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.1 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.6") and August the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Darden. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$230 ($138–$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184–$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735–$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138–$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368–$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138–$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676–$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368–$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055–$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460–$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595–$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838–$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735–$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184–$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919–$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76–$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30–$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30–$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76–$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68–$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103–$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551–$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460–$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184–$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368–$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595–$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $484 |
| Toddler | $422 |
| Preschool | $422 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $349 |
| Toddler | $386 |
| Preschool | $386 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Darden
What is the population of Darden?
Darden has a population of 612 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 73 people per square mile, spread across 8.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.9 years. The population is 54.7% female and 45.3% male.
Is Darden expensive to live in?
Darden is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Darden safe?
Darden is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 213 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,748 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Darden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Darden?
Darden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 57.1 inches, with 1.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Darden?
The job market in Darden faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $896. There are 299 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 16.7% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Darden?
Schools in Darden score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.3% of adults in Darden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. 11.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Darden?
The obesity rate in Darden is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 29.4% of residents report depression. 11.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 44.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,797.
What is transportation like in Darden?
The average commute in Darden is 30 minutes. 80.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Darden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Darden is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.1% of the population are military veterans. 31.7% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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