Median Income
$65,893
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$197,200
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
110/100K
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.4%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$831
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.2%
90% lower than US avg
How Darien Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,175
Median Age42.3 yrs
Density773/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,893
Per Capita$27,563
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty1.2%
County GDP$6,423M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$197,200
Rent$831
Ownership84.2%
Zillow$328,505
Housing Units553
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
F
Violent110/100K
Property2,818/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured12.4%
Smoking16.4%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation926 ft (282 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.4%
High School+89.9%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute21 min
Broadband78.8%
EV Stations6
Libraries11
Is Darien a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Darien receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Darien offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Darien is $65,893, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 1.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Darien is $197,200, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $831 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Darien is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 110 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,818 per 100,000, 44% above the national average.
Education
13.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Darien experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Darien has a population of 1,175 with a density of 773 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 42.3 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (81%), with 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 81% of residents, while 19% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.3yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.0%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.0%
42% above US avg
The median household income in Darien is $65,893, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,563 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,401 business establishments, including 337 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,893 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,563 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,712 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.2% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,401 |
| County GDP | $6,423M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 337 |
| Healthcare | 234 |
| Retail | 366 |
| Manufacturing | 188 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,487 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.30% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.7% |
The median home value in Darien is $197,200, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $328,505, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $831 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 553 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $8,487 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $197,200 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $328,505 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $831 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.8% |
| Housing Units | 553 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,487 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.30% |
In Darien, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 30.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 12.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322. The dentist ratio is 1:2,066. 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Darien vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.2% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.8% |
| Uninsured | 12.4% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,322 |
| Dentists | 1:2,066 |
| Mental Health | 1:670 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,248/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 234 |
Darien has a violent crime rate of 110 per 100,000 residents, 71% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,818 per 100,000, 44% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Darien receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Darien vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 109.5/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,817.6/100K |
| 44% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 43 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Darien experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 926 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 926 ft (282 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 773/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6007°N, 88.7128°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Walworth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southern Wisconsin Regional (JVL) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.7"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
128 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
72 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
114 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
115 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
54 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
578 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 47 fatalities, 1,275 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
96 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
46 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
50 km |
6 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
100 km |
2 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
84 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2024 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
41 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Darien has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 21°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Darien. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Darien
What is the population of Darien?
Darien has a population of 1,175 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 773 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Darien expensive to live in?
Darien is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $65,893, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $197,200 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $831 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Darien safe?
Darien is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 110 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,818 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Darien receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Darien?
Darien has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Darien?
The job market in Darien is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 3,401 business establishments in the area, including 337 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 0.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Darien?
The median home value in Darien is $197,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $328,505. For renters, the median monthly rent is $831. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.2%. The average annual property tax is $8,487.
How are the schools in Darien?
Schools in Darien score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.4% of adults in Darien hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Darien?
The obesity rate in Darien is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 30.2% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 12.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322.
What is transportation like in Darien?
The average commute in Darien is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Darien?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Darien is 81% White, 1.2% Black or African American. 81% of residents speak only English at home, while 19% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 21.0% of residents have a disability. 91.8% have health insurance coverage.