Median Income
$61,250
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$142,500
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
150/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.4%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
1% higher than US avg
How Darwin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population385
Median Age34.8 yrs
Density193/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$61,250
Per Capita$30,258
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty12.5%
County GDP$1,586M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$142,500
Rent$775
Ownership88.8%
Zillow$353,911
Housing Units167
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent150/100K
Property2,022/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking16.0%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.7 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,136 ft (346 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.4%
High School+87.6%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score6.49
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute21 min
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Darwin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Darwin receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Darwin offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Darwin is $61,250, 18% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Darwin is $142,500, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Darwin is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,022 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Darwin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.7 inches, including 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Darwin has a population of 385 with a density of 193 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 34.8 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.7% female and 55.3% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.8yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Darwin is $61,250, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,258 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 708 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,250 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,258 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,478 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 708 |
| County GDP | $1,586M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 52 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.79% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.3% |
| Public Transit | 3.3% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Darwin is $142,500, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $353,911, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 167 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $3,973. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $142,500 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $353,911 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.2% |
| Housing Units | 167 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.79% |
In Darwin, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,948. The dentist ratio is 1:2,350. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Darwin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,948 |
| Dentists | 1:2,350 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,175 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 66.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,812/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
Darwin has a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,022 per 100,000, 3% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Darwin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Darwin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 149.8/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,021.6/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Darwin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 276 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 28.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,136 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.1°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,136 ft (346 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 193/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0985°N, 94.4225°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Meeker County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.7"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
47 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
481 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 1,114 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
64 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
25 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
75 km |
5 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
68 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
71 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
73 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
68 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
71 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
71 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
68 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
70 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
70 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
69 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
69 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
69 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
69 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
70 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
69 km |
| 2004 |
WUI UNIT 16 |
1,592 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Darwin has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 12°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Darwin. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Darwin
What is the population of Darwin?
Darwin has a population of 385 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 193 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.7% female and 55.3% male.
Is Darwin expensive to live in?
Darwin has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $61,250, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $142,500 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Darwin safe?
Darwin is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,022 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Darwin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Darwin?
Darwin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.7 inches, with 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Darwin?
Darwin has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 708 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Darwin?
The median home value in Darwin is $142,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $353,911. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,973.
How are the schools in Darwin?
Schools in Darwin score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.4% of adults in Darwin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.6% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Darwin?
The obesity rate in Darwin is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,948.
What is transportation like in Darwin?
The average commute in Darwin is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.3% of workers drive alone to work, 3.3% use public transit, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Darwin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Darwin is 92.7% White. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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