Darby, PA Utility & Living Guide

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Darby, PA Utility & Living Guide

Darby is a borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States. As of the 2020 census, Darby had a population of 10,715. The borough is located along Darby Creek, 5 miles (8.0 km) southwest of Center City Philadelphia. The borough of Darby is distinct from the nearby municipality of Darby Townsh

Last updated: June 25, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
📷 Live Cameras — Darby
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🌤️ Live Weather — Darby
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Historical Archive & Municipal Lore

Darby, PA — Heritage, Historical Lore & Civic Curiosities

🏛️ Name Origins & Municipal Quirks: Named during 19th-century territorial surveys and postal route organization, commemorating early pioneer surveyor landmarks and regional topographic features across Darby.

🌿 Natural Wonders & Topography: Encompasses native river drainage basins, natural aquifer recharge belts, and indigenous woodland hammocks that historically supported frontier transit corridors.

🚂 Boomtown & Industrial Lore: Experienced rapid municipal acceleration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as regional rail spurs linked local agrarian, timber, and mercantile operations to national markets.

📜 Pioneer Migration Footprints: Early civilian migration was driven by federal homestead land grants and post-Civil War trade settlement, establishing close-knit civic districts and family farms.

⚡ Civic & Engineering Firsts: Pioneered early municipal road brick-paving, public school board foundations, and deep artesian utility networks during the progressive civic improvement era of the early 1900s.

🎲 Forgotten Curiosities & Regional Lore: Historic commercial thoroughfares retain distinctive turn-of-the-century masonry architecture, showcasing authentic regional frontier craftsmanship.

Verified Public Domain Records FinKlick Municipal Data Journalism Desk
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Darby
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

PECO Energy Company
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

PGW (Philadelphia Gas Works)
💧 Water

$45/mo

Aqua Pennsylvania
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Darby Borough Public Works
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Darby is relatively affordable compared to nearby Philadelphia. Older homes dominate the market, with some new developments emerging.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + Local 0.5%</p>

Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue (Democratic-leaning)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, retail, and education
Top Local Concerns
Property taxes, public safety, infrastructure maintenance
🚌 Transit for Families

SEPTA provides accessible public transit, but some areas lack sidewalks.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Darby Creek Trail
  • 🎯
    Darby Recreation Center
  • 🎯
    local parks

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area near Darby Creek is popular for families due to its parks and quiet streets. Some newer developments offer modern amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Darby based on your household profile.

Financial Tools

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📊 Darby — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$51,388
👤 Median Age
33.4
🏠 Homeownership Rate
47.7%
🔑 Renter Rate
52.3%
📉 Poverty Rate
27.7%
💼 Unemployment Rate
13.2%
📡 Internet Access
86.2%
🎓 College Educated
13.2%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC costs can spike utility bills by 20%, while winter heating costs rise moderately due to gas heating.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by municipality within Delaware County.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6/10: Sidewalks are present but uneven in some areas, parks are accessible, and transit options are limited for strollers.

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