Darwin, California: Location and Population Overview
Darwin is a census-designated place (CDP) in Inyo County, California, situated in the Owens Valley. The United States Census Bureau reports the population was 36 at the 2020 census, making it one of the smallest communities in the state. The CDP covers a total area of 1.8 square miles, all of which is land, according to official geographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The community sits at an elevation of 3,514 feet above sea level. Darwin was founded as a mining town during the California Gold Rush era, and its name derives from Darwin French, a local rancher and prospector. The U.S. Geological Survey's Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) confirms the feature ID and location data for the settlement.
Economy and Employment in Darwin, CA
Darwin's economy is rooted in its remote, rural character, with no major corporate headquarters or large employers within the CDP boundaries. The primary industries historically include mining and agriculture, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks employment data for the broader Inyo County region where Darwin is located.
Major Employers and Economic Drivers
There are no Fortune 500 companies or major public corporations operating directly in Darwin. Economic activity is supported by local government services, small-scale farming, and tourism related to the area's natural landscape. The nearest significant employment centers are in Lone Pine and Bishop, California, which are part of the same labor market area as tracked by the California Employment Development Department.
Darwin, California: Real Estate and Cost of Living
Real estate in Darwin consists primarily of single-family homes and vacant land, with no major planned developments or commercial real estate projects reported by the Inyo County Assessor's Office. Property values reflect the rural, high-desert location, and housing costs are significantly lower than the California statewide median.
The cost of living index for Darwin is influenced by its isolation, with higher transportation costs due to distance from major urban centers. The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey provides income and poverty data for the CDP, showing a mix of long-term residents and seasonal visitors. For broader housing market trends in the region, the California Association of Realtors publishes annual reports covering Inyo County.