Darlington County, SC CoL Index: 98.2 (1.8% below US avg) Local Tax: 0.00% (No City Tax) Florence metro median −14.6% vs US ● 2026 Labor Economics

Darlington County, SC Metropolitan Wage Intelligence

Data updated · Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025, HUD FY 2027 Fair Market Rents, EPI 2026 Family Budget, 2026 tax tables · Methodology

Darlington County, SC has a cost-of-living index of 98.2 (1.8% below the national average), HUD fair market rent of $874 for a 1-bedroom unit, and a single-adult living wage of $21.71/hour. BLS publishes no occupation-level wage estimates for Darlington County, SC; see the state and national benchmarks below.

All-Occupation Median (BLS)
$43,520 / yr
$20.93 / hour · Florence metro (BLS)
HUD Fair Market Rent
$874 / mo (1BR)
$1,093 / mo (2BR)
Living Wage Benchmark
$21.71 / hr
$18.38/hr per adult (2 working adults + 1 child)
Local Municipal Tax
0.00%
Rent: 24.1% of Median

HUD Fair Market Rents & Family Expenditure Benchmarks

Official Fair Market Rent (FMR) levels established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) paired with living wage targets.

Housing Affordability Ratio 4.1x Coverage
Studio / Efficiency
$868 $10,416 / year
1-Bedroom Unit
$874 $10,488 / year
2-Bedroom Family
$1,093 $13,116 / year
3-Bedroom Residence
$1,302 $15,624 / year
Living Wage & Self-Sufficiency Standards (EPI model)

In the Darlington County, SC metropolitan statistical area, a single working adult needs an estimated $21.71/hour ($45,157/year) to cover basic expenditures, while two working adults supporting one child each need about $18.38/hour.

Annual Living Wage (Single) $45,157 / yr

Sector & Industry Compensation Highlights

Breakdown of median earnings, workforce scale, and premier occupations across major economic sectors.

Comparative Occupation Salary Matrix

Localized median wages, hourly equivalents, national premium deltas, and purchasing power across all tracked careers.

Occupation Title & Category Metro Median Salary Hourly Rate vs National Avg CoL Adjusted Real Wage Explore

Peer Metropolitan Market Comparisons

Side-by-side BLS median wages, housing rent benchmarks, and municipal tax rates across key regional competitors.

Metropolitan Labor Economics & Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median salary in the Darlington County, SC metropolitan area in 2026?

BLS does not publish Darlington County, SC as an area of its own; it is part of the Florence, SC metropolitan area, where the BLS median wage across all occupations is $43,520 per year ($20.93/hour), −14.6% vs US (BLS OEWS May 2025). Pay within the metro area varies.

What are the HUD Fair Market Rents in Darlington County, SC?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) data, a 1-bedroom apartment in Darlington County, SC costs $874/month and a 2-bedroom $1,093/month. The metro's median wage covers annual 1BR rent 4.1x over.

What local municipal taxes apply to workers in Darlington County, SC?

Workers residing or performing services within Darlington County, SC are subject to no municipal income tax, in addition to statutory state income tax, federal income tax, and FICA withholdings.

What is the living wage required in Darlington County, SC for single adults and families?

Based on the EPI Family Budget Calculator, a single working adult in Darlington County, SC needs about $21.71/hour ($45,157/year) to cover basic expenses. Two working adults supporting one child each need about $18.38/hour, 76,461 a year for the household.

Darlington County, SC Metropolitan Wage Intelligence Overview

Metropolitan statistical area compensation intelligence, living wage requirements, and occupation distributions in Darlington County, SC. Official 2026 economic data for Darlington County, SC compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, HUD Fair Market Rents, and statutory tax codes.