Darien, Georgia Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

Darien, the county seat for McIntosh County, was incorporated December 18, 1818. Originally called New Inverness by Scottish founders, its name was changed to “Fort Darien” and then Darien. Due to the city’s location at the mouth of the Altamaha River, Darien was referred to as “Queen of the Delta”.

During the Civil War, the city of Darien was nearly burned down by a raid of Federal troops stationed nearby. Afterwards, most of the buildings in Darien were reconstructed.

The city of Darien is home to a number of historical markers: St. Cyprians Episcopal Church built in 1876 by former slaves; First Presbyterian Church established by the Scottish Highlanders; and Vernon Square listed on the National Register as the business, cultural, social and religious center of the town.

Darien is the source of 90% of the caviar found in Georgia. The “black gold” is an important part of the economy, as are other types of fishing.

Darien participates in the Better Hometown Program run by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. This community development program is a public-private partnership intended to revitalize small communities with populations between 1,000 and 5,000. These cities have access to technical assistance and fiscal resources designed to stimulate downtown revitalization.

Population: 1,719. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,713 (-0.3% change)
Males: 777 (45.2%), Females: 942 (54.8%)

McIntosh County

Zip code: 31305

Demographics

Median resident age: 37.3 years
Median household income: $24,135
Median house value: $57,900

Population by Race

Races in Darien:

  • White Non-Hispanic (53.9%)
  • Black (44.0%)
  • Two or more races (0.9%)
  • Hispanic (0.6%)
  • American Indian (0.6%)
  • Filipino (0.6%)

Ancestries: Irish (8.7%), English (7.9%), United States (7.4%), German (3.8%), French (3.3%), Scottish (2.6%).

Elevation: 30 feet

Land area: 2.0 square miles

Map of Darien, GA

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Darien

  • High school or higher: 72.4%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 10.7%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 4.7%
  • Unemployed: 2.8%
  • Mean travel time to work: 26.0 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Darien city

  • Never married: 28.0%
  • Now married: 44.0%
  • Separated: 4.9%
  • Widowed: 8.9%
  • Divorced: 14.1%

0.8% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -72 (-4.0%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Darien:

  • FOCUS BY THE SEA (about 14 miles; SAINT SIMONS ISLAND, GA)
  • SOUTHEAST GEORGIA REGIONAL MEDICAL CEN (about 15 miles; BRUNSWICK, GA)
  • LIBERTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 34 miles; HINESVILLE, GA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Darien:

  • BRUNSWICK GOLDEN ISLES (about 9 miles; BRUNSWICK, GA; Abbreviation: BQK)
  • HUNTER AAF (about 48 miles; SAVANNAH, GA; Abbreviation: SVN)
  • SAVANNAH/HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL (about 54 miles; SAVANNAH, GA; Abbreviation: SAV)

Other public-use airports nearest to Darien:

  • MALCOLM MC KINNON (about 16 miles; BRUNSWICK, GA; Abbreviation: SSI)
  • JEKYLL ISLAND (about 21 miles; JEKYLL ISLAND, GA; Abbreviation: 09J)
  • LIBERTY COUNTY (about 32 miles; HINESVILLE, GA; Abbreviation: 2J2)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Darien:

  • ARMSTRONG ATLANTIC STATE UNIVERSITY (about 46 miles; SAVANNAH, GA; Full-time enrollment: 3,945)
  • SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN (about 49 miles; SAVANNAH, GA; Full-time enrollment: 4,565)
  • FLORIDA COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT JACKSONVILLE (about 74 miles; JACKSONVILLE, FL; Full-time enrollment: 10,495)
  • UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA (about 75 miles; JACKSONVILLE, FL; Full-time enrollment: 9,256)
  • GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY (about 76 miles; STATESBORO, GA; Full-time enrollment: 12,724)
  • SAINT JOHNS RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 119 miles; PALATKA, FL; Full-time enrollment: 2,509)
  • UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (about 133 miles; GAINESVILLE, FL; Full-time enrollment: 41,543)

Schools

Public high school in Darien:

  • MCINTOSH COUNTY ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 513; Location: 500 GREEN ST.; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Darien:

  • TODD GRANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 942; Location: 1102 C. A. DEVILLARS STREET; Grades: PK – 05)
  • MCINTOSH COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 478; Location: 500 GREEN STREET; Grades: 06 – 08)

Private primary/middle school in Darien:

  • PINE STREET CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Students: 36; Location: 905 PINE STREET; Grades: PK – 2)