Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Darlington, SC
Thinking of moving to Darlington, SC? This welcoming city of around 6,000 features an affordable cost of living, with median home prices at $110,000 and average rents near $800. Commute times are short at under 20 minutes, and the climate offers warm summers and mild winters with 62% sunny days. While property and violent crime rates are higher than national averages, Darlington boasts a close-knit community, access to healthcare, and public schools with manageable class sizes. Explore local living, housing, schools, and more below to see if Darlington is your next home.
Demographics - Darlington, SC
Demographics - Darlington, SC
Darlington is home to about 6,000 residents, with a population density that provides a small-town atmosphere. The city has a diverse community, with about half of the population identifying as Black and 44% as White, and a median age of 41.3 years, making it a balanced place for families and individuals alike.
Population:
6,000
Density:
1,280 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.3
Gender Ratio:
85 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
44.3%
Black:
50.2%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Darlington, SC?
Darlington offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $110,000 and average rents around $800, making it attractive for both renters and homeowners. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, so residents can enjoy lower housing and everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,390
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.5
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
57.2
Utilities:
101.8
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
99.4
Miscellaneous:
95.6
Crime
Is Darlington, SC a safe place to live?
While Darlington has higher crime rates than many areas, with a 1 in 133 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 33 chance of property crime, residents find reassurance in the city’s close-knit community and local law enforcement efforts.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
752
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,016
Crime Index:
3,768
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 133
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Darlington, SC year-round?
Darlington enjoys a mild climate, featuring warm summers with highs in the low 90s, comfortable springs and falls, and winters that rarely see freezing temperatures. With 62% of days being sunny and about 45 inches of annual rainfall, outdoor activities are accessible year-round.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The city’s median household income is $34,500, and many residents work locally with an average commute under 20 minutes. While the area faces a higher poverty rate, the community is supportive, and most neighbors have at least a high school education.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$34,500
Family Income:
$44,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,700
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
29.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.5%
Bachelors or More:
11.0%
Education
How are the schools in Darlington, SC?
Darlington offers public schools with manageable class sizes, such as Darlington High School and Darlington Middle School, as well as private options like Trinity Collegiate School. For higher education, Florence-Darlington Technical College is just a short drive away, providing local access to college-level courses.
Public Schools
Name:
Darlington High School
Street:
525 Spring St
Phone:
843-398-2730
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Darlington Middle School
Street:
150 Pinedale Dr
Phone:
843-398-3410
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Private Schools
Name:
Trinity Collegiate School
Street:
5001 Hoffmeyer Rd, Darlington
Phone:
843-395-9124
Students:
450
Colleges
Name:
Florence-Darlington Technical College
City:
Florence
State:
SC
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
5,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare through nearby hospitals like Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, and about 86% of the population is covered by health insurance. The area maintains a moderate physician-to-population ratio, ensuring essential medical services are available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center
Address:
1304 W Bobo Newsom Hwy, Hartsville, SC 29550
Phone:
(843) 339-2100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
McLeod Regional Medical Center
Address:
555 E Cheves St, Florence, SC 29506
Phone:
(843) 777-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.9%
Health Care Index:
65.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Darlington, SC?
Darlington’s housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $110,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $800. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates suggest a healthy mix of rental and purchase opportunities.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Darlington residents are managed by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, which provides convenient online and in-person services at its Blythewood location.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3101 Mail Service Center, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone:
1-803-896-5000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.