Real Estate Investing in Darlington, South Carolina (29540)
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Should you buy in 29540 (Darlington, SC)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- Elevated vacancy: 10.3% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- Elevated poverty: 25.8% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
- Lower household income: $33,674 median — tenant affordability is tighter.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Darlington, SC (29540)?
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Market Analysis: 29540 Darlington
The 29540 ZIP in Darlington, SC is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $154K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
For an experienced owner, 29540 can be a a credible choice for hunting ground — but the discount at $154K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
In the broader SC picture, 29540 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Resident income in 29540 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
The right play in 29540 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Darlington:
Property Strategy for 29540
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $80,563 | $1,040 | 9.3% | — | $40,281 |
| 3BR | $151,661 | $1,250 | 5.9% | +5.7% | $50,554 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 29540 Compare?
| Metric | 29540 | Darlington | Florence, SC | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $153,531 | $103,532 | N/A | $299,690 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.2% | 3.9% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $936 | $1,106 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.8% | 5.5% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 29540 (Darlington, SC). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $153,531 |
| Monthly Rent | $936 |
| Price-to-Rent | 13.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.3% |
| Cap Rate | 4.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +13.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.2% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.8% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.8%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 29540
Population: 3,596
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 556 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darlington, SC a good place for real estate investing?
Darlington, SC sits at an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $154K and average rents around $936/mo. That combination puts it in the significant tier for investor interest.
What do landlords charge for rent in Darlington, SC?
Expect rents around $936/mo per month in Darlington, SC. With home values at $154K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
How viable is house hacking in Darlington, SC?
House hacking in Darlington, SC is a challenging. With home values around $154K and rents at $936/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
How quickly do rentals get leased in Darlington, SC?
Darlington, SC carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect even-keeled absorption at market rents of $936/mo.
What is the best play in Darlington, SC?
Darlington, SC investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($154K prices, $936/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
You know 29540 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 29540 ranks in Florence, SC
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