Cost of Living in Darlington County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Darlington County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Darlington County ranks #2,100 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Darlington County, South Carolina
Darlington's housing burden rivals national stress
Darlington County renters spend 22.2% of income on housing, edging above the national average of 20.1% and South Carolina's 20.1% median. With rents at $876 monthly paired with a median household income of $47,419, Darlington residents face tighter affordability than most of the nation.
South Carolina's most squeezed housing market
Darlington's 22.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's highest, nearly matching Colleton County's 22.3% burden and vastly exceeding the state average. This metric signals genuine affordability crisis for renters, with housing consuming over one-fifth of gross income.
Darlington strains more than nearby alternatives
Darlington renters face a 22.2% housing burden at $876 monthly, compared to Chesterfield's 19.6% ($776) and Clarendon's 17.9% ($728). Relocating to either neighbor could save $100–$150 monthly while cutting housing burden by 2–4 percentage points.
Housing dominates household budgets here
Darlington renters pay $876 monthly from a median income of $47,419, while homeowners spend $601 for ownership costs. At 22.2% of income for renters and 15.2% for owners, Darlington pushes housing toward the concerning 30% affordability threshold, limiting resources for healthcare, food, and transportation.
Darlington faces steep housing costs; compare nearby
With a 22.2% housing burden among South Carolina's highest, Darlington ranks as one of the state's most strained markets for renters. Before relocating here, compare Darlington directly to Chesterfield and Clarendon, which offer 2–4 percentage point advantages in housing affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Darlington County
Affordability Verdict
Darlington County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $876/month — about 22.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Darlington County pay $876/month on average, compared to $601/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 31%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,757/year. With a median household income of $47,419, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 35.0% of renter households in Darlington County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Carolina, Darlington County is less affordable than Pickens County by roughly 6% ($876/mo vs $936/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Darlington County
Rent Burden
22.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,106
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
The median home in Darlington County may be a stretch
Median home value is $141,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,129 vs. your max of $1,106.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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