Darwin, California, is facing an existential crisis. With a dwindling population of just 36 residents and an average age of 66, the remote desert town struggles to attract young people, jeopardizing its future. Despite remarkably affordable housing, new residents are scarce, leaving the community vulnerable.

The primary concern for Darwin's elderly residents is maintaining the town's critical infrastructure, particularly its water system. Water, its most precious resource, is sourced from a distant spring and delivered via a gravity pipeline. This system requires regular manual maintenance, a demanding task that the current group of elderly volunteers finds increasingly difficult to sustain.

Nestled deep in the Inyo County desert, adjacent to Death Valley National Park, Darwin once thrived in the late 19th century. Its population reached around 3,500 people after silver and lead mines were discovered. However, its prosperity faded as ore reserves depleted and major transportation routes shifted. By the 1970s, the last mines closed, leading to a significant population decline.

Today, Darwin consists of a few old houses scattered among cacti. The town is located more than 8 km from the nearest highway and lacks essential amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, or hospitals.

Darwin, California, USA. *Photo: Daily Mail*

Two three-bedroom homes with scenic views in Darwin are listed for 245,000 USD.

Inside a home currently for sale. The 245,000 USD price is reportedly 3,5 times lower than California's average of 862,000 USD.

A ranch with a two-bedroom house is listed for 85,000 USD.

The town is located next to the Death Valley National Park preserve.

Water is the town's most precious resource.

With an average age of 66, residents are eager for young people to move in and help maintain the water supply system.

Facing the risk of the town disappearing, residents are appealing to young people to move there. Several properties are currently for sale at prices approximately 70% lower than the California state average. For instance, a three-bedroom house with mountain views is priced at 245,000 USD, significantly below the state's average of 861,725 USD. Another old ranch is listed for just 85,000 USD.

Despite affordable prices, Darwin struggles to attract new residents due to its remote location and limited infrastructure. Kathy Goss, a resident for nearly 30 years, noted that many elderly residents have passed away. She once hung "People Live Here" signs throughout the town to remind visitors of the community's existence.

"We don't want tourists coming to film us like a ghost town," she said. "We want young people to truly live here, commit long-term, and help maintain the community."

Nico Georis, 43, one of the town's youngest residents, is actively seeking young workers to help operate Darwin. He emphasizes the urgent need for assistance with the demanding water system maintenance.

While some individuals from Las Vegas or San Francisco have begun moving to Darwin in search of a quiet lifestyle, the town's future remains uncertain as its workforce continues to shrink.

Ngoc Ngan (According to Daily Mail, People)