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 defined demographically by education — 16.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 51,655 residents, Darke County is a county in Ohio. It ranks #49 among counties in Ohio by population.
Median household income is $64,654, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.3%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $169,100, with typical rent around $747.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.6% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 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+
Largest cities in Ohio
Other counties in Ohio
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.
Darke County, OH Climate
Darke County, OH has an average annual temperature of 10.2°C (50°F) and receives about 949 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.2°C
Avg Temp
949
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 54 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 53 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 78 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 92 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 103 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 98 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 104 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 85 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 66 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 68 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 78 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 70 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Darke County, OH
The most comfortable months to visit Darke County, OH are typically August, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Darke County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.