Median Income
$62,695
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,300
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
172/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.4%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$885
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.8%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.3%
9% lower than US avg
How Darlington Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,473
Median Age35.9 yrs
Density1,455/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans9.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$62,695
Per Capita$30,837
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty11.3%
County GDP$932M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,300
Rent$885
Ownership66.9%
Zillow$225,370
Housing Units1,105
Rent Burden29.1%
Crime
F
Violent172/100K
Property775/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault86/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity42.8%
Uninsured12.5%
Smoking15.2%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation826 ft (252 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.4%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute18 min
Broadband80.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Darlington a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Darlington receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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. Darlington offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Darlington is $62,695, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 11.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Darlington is $134,300, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $885 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Darlington is below the national average at 172 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 775 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
Education
21.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Darlington experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches, including 35.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Darlington has a population of 2,473 with a density of 1,455 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 35.9 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.2% female and 54.8% male. The city is predominantly White (83.5%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 84.6% of residents, while 15.4% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.9yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Darlington vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
84.6%
8% above US avg
Spanish
15.4%
15% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Darlington vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Darlington is $62,695, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,837 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $968, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 510 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.1% of workers work from home.
Income: Darlington vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,695 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,837 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $968 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,765 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.3% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 510 |
| County GDP | $932M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,400 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.28% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.1% |
The median home value in Darlington is $134,300, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,370, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $885 (24% 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. 66.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,105 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $4,400 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $134,300 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $225,370 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $885 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,105 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,400 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.28% |
In Darlington, 42.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 30.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 12.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,196. The dentist ratio is 1:5,626. 47.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Darlington vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.3% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| Uninsured | 12.5% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,196 |
| Dentists | 1:5,626 |
| Mental Health | 1:530 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,606/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Darlington has a violent crime rate of 172 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 86.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 86.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 775 per 100,000, 60% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 775, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Darlington receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Darlington vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 172.1/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 86.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 86.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 774.5/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 774.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Darlington experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. The area receives 35.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 826 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.2°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 826 ft (252 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,455/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6766°N, 90.1201°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lafayette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| 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
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
120 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
479 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 16 fatalities, 462 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
35 km |
9 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 2018 BADGER RX BURNS (659 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Darlington has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 18°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Darlington. 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 | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Darlington
What is the population of Darlington?
Darlington has a population of 2,473 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 1,455 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.2% female and 54.8% male.
Is Darlington expensive to live in?
Darlington 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 $62,695, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $134,300 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $885 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Darlington safe?
Darlington is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 172 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 775 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Darlington receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Darlington?
Darlington has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches, with 35.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Darlington?
The job market in Darlington is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $968. There are 510 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 12.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Darlington?
The median home value in Darlington is $134,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,370. For renters, the median monthly rent is $885. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,400.
How are the schools in Darlington?
Schools in Darlington score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.4% of adults in Darlington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Darlington?
The obesity rate in Darlington is 42.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 30.3% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 12.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 47.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,196.
What is transportation like in Darlington?
The average commute in Darlington is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Darlington?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Darlington is 83.5% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 84.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.4% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
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