Darke County, Ohio Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 49th-largest in Ohio
The population of Darke County, Ohio is 51,655 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 49th-largest county in Ohio. The median household income is $64,654, the median home value is $169,100, and the median age is 42.0.
The population of Darke County has declined 2.8% since 2010 (52,964 → 51,462), a -0.21% annualized rate.
51,655
Population
-0.21%
Annual growth
86
People / sq mi
$64,654
Median Income
$169,100
Median Home Value
Darke County covers 598 sq mi of land at 86.4 people per square mile.
About Darke County, OH
Darke County is a county in Ohio with a population of 51,655. It ranks #49 among counties in Ohio by population. The median age is 42.0, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Darke County is $64,654, below the US median of $74,580. 8.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $169,100, with monthly rent averaging $747. The homeownership rate of 72.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Darke County reflects 16.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.5 minutes each way.
Darke County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Darke County had a population of 52,964 in 2010 and 51,462 in 2024, a -2.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 52,964 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.20%.
51,462
Population (2024)
52,964
Population (2010)
52,964
Peak (2010)
-0.20%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 52,964 |
| 2011 | 52,657 |
| 2012 | 52,524 |
| 2013 | 52,321 |
| 2014 | 52,203 |
| 2015 | 52,002 |
| 2016 | 51,653 |
| 2017 | 51,575 |
| 2018 | 51,323 |
| 2019 | 51,181 |
| 2020 | 51,897 |
| 2021 | 51,655 |
| 2022 | 51,526 |
| 2023 | 51,432 |
| 2024 | 51,462 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.0
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
20.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.3% · Seniors (65+): 20.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,654$-5,026 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,137 |
| Per-capita income | $34,446 |
| Poverty rate | 8.3%-0.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Darke County is manufacturing, accounting for 26.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
81.9%
Public transit
5.6%
Work from home
22.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$169,100$-30,100 vs state
Median home value
$747
Median rent
72.0%
Homeownership rate
22,643
Total housing units
94.2%
Occupied
5.8%
Vacant
28.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.5%
With health insurance
90.3%
With broadband internet
17.9%
Foreign-born
5.6%
Veterans (18+)
13.8%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.7%
High School+
16.5%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Ohio
Metro areas in Ohio
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Darke County, Ohio has a population of 51,655 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 49th-largest county in Ohio. Population density is 86 people per square mile.
The population of Darke County has declined 2.8% since 2010 (52,964 → 51,462), a -0.21% annualized rate.
The median household income in Darke County, Ohio is $64,654, with mean (average) household income of $83,137 and per-capita income of $34,446. 8.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Darke County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.6%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Darke County, Ohio is 42.0 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Darke County is $169,100 and median monthly rent is $747. 72.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 22,643 total housing units, 5.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Darke County, Ohio is manufacturing, employing 26.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Columbus is among the largest cities associated with Darke County, Ohio, with a population of 906,480.
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Statewide data for Ohio
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Ohio
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.