countyscore
65.1
County Score
Property Tax 97.9Schools 88.2Cost of Living 81.7

County Report Card

About De Soto Parish, Louisiana

Above National Standards

De Soto Parish earns a composite score of 65.1, comfortably outperforming the national median of 50.0. It maintains a strong balance of affordability and high educational standards.

Exceeding the State Average

At 65.1, De Soto Parish ranks well above the Louisiana average of 53.0. Its combination of low taxes and quality schools makes it a standout within the state.

Elite Education and Low Taxes

The parish features a top-tier tax score of 97.9 and a strong school score of 88.2. An effective tax rate of 0.310% is among the lowest in the country, providing significant savings for homeowners.

Environmental and Income Limits

Water quality is a significant challenge with a score of 5.2. Additionally, the income score of 8.4 suggests that the local economy does not yet reflect the high quality of the school system.

A Winning Choice for Families

De Soto Parish is a premier choice for families who want high-quality education without the high tax bill. It offers a stable, low-cost lifestyle, provided residents are comfortable with local income limitations.

Score breakdown

Tax97.9Cost81.7Safety54.4Health40.1Schools88.2Income8.4Risk58Water5.2Weather35
🏛97.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓88.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧5.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

De Soto Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in De Soto Parish

via TaxByCounty

De Soto taxes far below the U.S. average

De Soto Parish's effective tax rate of 0.310% ranks among America's lowest, less than one-third the national median of 0.948%. At $467 in median annual property taxes, De Soto homeowners pay roughly 17% of the national median of $2,690.

De Soto ranks in Louisiana's bottom tier

De Soto Parish's 0.310% effective tax rate sits well below Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, with a median property tax of $467 versus the state median of $732. Only Catahoula Parish taxes lower among all Louisiana parishes.

De Soto ties Caldwell for lowest regional rate

De Soto Parish's 0.310% rate ties with Caldwell Parish as the second-lowest in the eight-parish region, trailing only Catahoula Parish's 0.292%. De Soto reflects the tax-friendly character of rural northwestern Louisiana.

A $150,700 home costs $467 yearly

The median De Soto home valued at $150,700 generates an estimated annual property tax bill of $467 without mortgage payments, or $1,047 including additional assessments and homestead exemptions. De Soto offers a notably tax-friendly environment for homeowners.

Contest your De Soto property assessment

De Soto Parish residents should verify their assessed values align with recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods. The assessor accepts appeals at no charge, and many homeowners discover overvaluations that inflated their tax obligations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in De Soto Parish

via CostByCounty

De Soto balances affordability well

De Soto Parish residents spend 18.7% of their income on rent, beating the national average despite a median income of $46,077 that trails the nation's $74,755. De Soto delivers affordable housing relative to regional incomes.

De Soto ranks among Louisiana's best

At 18.7%, De Soto's rent-to-income ratio outperforms Louisiana's state average of 19.5%, placing it in the state's more affordable upper tier. This rural parish punches above its weight on housing affordability.

De Soto offers competitive value

De Soto's median rent of $719 sits between Caldwell Parish ($756) and Catahoula Parish ($724), while its median income of $46,077 matches rural regional peers. Home values of $150,700 offer solid middle ground between urban and ultra-rural properties.

De Soto's balanced housing economics

Renters pay $719 monthly and homeowners pay $619 against a median income of $46,077—housing takes under 19% of earnings. De Soto achieves the rare balance of rural affordability without excessive income strain.

De Soto suits balanced relocations

For families seeking affordable Louisiana living with manageable housing burdens, De Soto Parish offers strong value. The parish's below-average affordability ratio makes it ideal for those relocating on moderate incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in De Soto Parish

via IncomeByCounty

De Soto Falls Below National Median

De Soto Parish households earn $46,077 annually, about 38% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The income shortfall reflects challenges common to rural Louisiana parishes with limited industrial or service-sector employment.

Lower-Tier Earner in State

De Soto's $46,077 median trails Louisiana's state average of $55,250, ranking the parish in the lower third statewide. The parish's economy depends heavily on agriculture, forestry, and small businesses.

Middle of Rural Louisiana Group

De Soto's $46,077 sits between Caldwell ($44,957) and Catahoula ($47,753), but trails Caddo ($50,067) and significantly lags Calcasieu ($67,849) and Cameron ($72,500). The parish occupies the middle tier of northwest Louisiana's economic spectrum.

Favorable Housing Affordability

De Soto's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% is quite favorable, giving renters comfortable housing cost margins relative to earnings. The median home value of $150,700 remains accessible for households earning $46,077, supporting modest homeownership rates.

Leverage Low Housing Costs

De Soto residents earning $46,077 benefit from low housing costs, freeing up resources for savings and retirement contributions. Prioritize building employer-matching 401(k) contributions and explore low-cost index funds to build wealth steadily over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in De Soto Parish

via CrimeByCounty

De Soto Parish Maintains High Safety

De Soto Parish reports a total crime rate of 1,032.8 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. The parish earns a strong safety score of 98.4.

Exceeding State Safety Benchmarks

De Soto's safety score of 98.4 is higher than the Louisiana average of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 1,032.8 per 100,000 is also significantly lower than the state average of 1,853.7.

A Local Safety Perspective

While De Soto is very safe, it has a higher crime rate than neighboring Caddo Parish, which reports just 307.7 per 100,000. Two reporting agencies contribute to these 2022 crime statistics.

Property and Violent Crime Trends

Property crime remains the most frequent concern at 824.0 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is relatively low at 208.8, falling well below the national average of 369.8.

Smart Security for De Soto

Since property crime is the main contributor to local data, simple home deterrents are highly effective. Ensure your property is well-lit and all entry points are properly secured.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in De Soto Parish

via HealthByCounty

De Soto approaches national health averages

De Soto Parish residents live to 73.8 years—still about 4 years less than the U.S. average of 77.9 years. Nearly one in four residents (22.7%) report poor or fair health, above the national average of 18.5%. De Soto's health profile shows moderate but improvable outcomes.

De Soto matches Louisiana's health average

At 73.8 years, De Soto Parish exceeds Louisiana's state average of 72.5 years by 1.3 years. Its 22.7% poor/fair health rate sits slightly above the state norm, placing De Soto in the middle tier of Louisiana parishes. Continued health investments can strengthen these outcomes further.

Competing well with regional peers

De Soto's 73.8-year life expectancy matches Claiborne and exceeds Caddo (71.4 years), Catahoula (70.9 years), and Concordia (70.5 years). Its 22.7% poor/fair health rate is better than most neighbors except Calcasieu (20.6%), positioning De Soto in the region's middle band. Strengthening primary care could improve these gains.

Healthcare access in De Soto Parish

De Soto's 8.1% uninsured rate matches Louisiana's state average, with just 19 primary care providers per 100K—a significant constraint. Mental health providers at 243 per 100K offer reasonable behavioral health access. For a parish facing moderate health challenges, primary care expansion is urgently needed.

Keep your health insurance active

With about 92% of De Soto residents covered, maintaining that rate protects community health gains. Check your coverage at open enrollment and explore any available cost-saving options at louisiana.gov. Staying insured ensures consistent access to the preventive care that keeps you healthy.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in De Soto Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Single-District System

De Soto Parish manages 9 public schools with a total enrollment of 5,126 students. The system includes 3 elementary, 2 middle, 2 high, and 2 multi-level schools. This consolidated district serves as the primary educational provider for the entire parish.

High Graduation and Strong Investment

De Soto Parish boasts a high 96.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state's 85.4%. The school score of 62.4 is well above the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 53.0. High per-pupil spending of $9,633 supports these strong academic results.

Unified District Excellence

The DeSoto Parish district manages the entire student body of 5,126 across its 9 campus locations. There are currently no charter schools in the parish, focusing all resources on traditional public school excellence. This unified approach has led to performance metrics that lead the region.

Larger Campuses in Rural Settings

The average school size is 570 students, which is larger than many neighboring rural parishes. Most schools are in rural settings (6) or towns (3), providing a mix of atmospheres. North DeSoto High School is the largest campus with 836 students.

Top-Rated Schools Near Your Next Home

De Soto Parish is a premier choice for home buyers due to its exceptional graduation rates and high school scores. Investing in a home near North DeSoto or Logansport schools offers access to some of the state's best public education. Consider these strong metrics as you explore local real estate.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in De Soto Parish

via RiskByCounty

De Soto faces very low national disaster risk

De Soto Parish's composite risk score of 42.02 places it well below the national average with a Very Low rating. This score reflects moderate tornado exposure (50.00) and wildfire risk (55.47) offset by low earthquake (42.27) and flood (46.25) risks. Nationally, De Soto ranks as a relatively safe parish with limited extreme hazard exposure.

De Soto's risk is substantially below state average

At 42.02, De Soto's composite risk score is 33% lower than Louisiana's state average of 62.37. De Soto ranks among Louisiana's lower-risk parishes, providing residents with notably reduced disaster exposure compared to most statewide peers. This favorable profile reflects De Soto's inland location and limited hazard concentration.

De Soto safer than Caddo, comparable to Claiborne

De Soto's 42.02 score substantially lowers than Caddo Parish (92.62) but similar to nearby Claiborne Parish (41.73). Among northern parishes, De Soto presents moderate-to-favorable risk, with wildfire exposure (55.47) being its distinguishing characteristic. This profile makes De Soto a reasonably safe location within its region.

Wildfire and tornado risks shape De Soto's exposure

De Soto's wildfire risk reaches 55.47—its most significant threat—while tornado risk (50.00) presents equally important seasonal exposure during spring months. Hurricane risk (67.38) adds secondary seasonal threat, though De Soto's inland location limits coastal storm surge. Together, these three hazards drive most of De Soto's disaster exposure.

Wildfire and wind coverage essential for De Soto

De Soto's wildfire risk (55.47) means property owners should verify coverage for fire damage and maintain defensible space around structures. Ensure your homeowners policy covers wind damage from tornadoes and severe storms, given tornado risk (50.00) during spring. Review coverage annually and consider additional protection if your property is near forested areas or fire-prone zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in De Soto Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures and Heavy Rain

De Soto Parish averages 65.5°F annually, sitting about 12 degrees above the national median. It receives 54.2 inches of annual precipitation, making it much wetter than the U.S. average.

Temperate for North Louisiana

De Soto’s 65.5°F average is slightly lower than the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. This makes it a relatively cooler option within the otherwise hot state.

A Twin Climate to Caddo Parish

De Soto Parish shares an identical 65.5°F annual average with its neighbor, Caddo. It receives 54.2 inches of rain, just one inch more than Caddo’s 53.2 inches.

Nearly 100 Days of Summer Heat

The parish endures 93 extreme heat days reaching at least 90°F each year. Winter is mild at 48.9°F and features only 0.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Summer Cooling is a Top Priority

With 93 days of extreme heat, residents need high-efficiency air conditioning to stay safe. Outdoor work is best planned for the morning to avoid the 82.7°F July average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in De Soto Parish

via SoilByCounty

Acidic upland soils of West Louisiana

De Soto Parish reports an average pH of 5.55, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.74. Compared to the national median of 6.5, these soils require regular monitoring for acidity. Most native timber thrives here, but vegetable gardens will benefit from pH adjustments.

Sandy loam with moderate silt

The soil composition is 46.0% sand, 36.2% silt, and 17.8% clay. This relatively high sand content provides good aeration and makes the soil easier to work than the heavy clays found further south. It is a classic upland mix that drains reasonably well under normal conditions.

Lower organic matter and water storage

Organic matter stands at 1.58%, trailing both the national average and the state average of 6.38%. The available water capacity is 0.152 in/in, which is lower than the state mean of 0.182 in/in. These metrics suggest the soil may struggle to support crops during late-summer dry spells without help.

Group D classification warns of runoff

Despite the sandy texture, this parish is listed in Hydrologic Group D, indicating low infiltration and high runoff. This often points to subsurface clay pans that trap water or cause it to slide off slopes. Managing surface water is key to preventing erosion in this landscape.

Endless summers in Zone 8b

In Zone 8b, the climate is ideal for peppers, tomatoes, and melons. The sandy soil is a great start for root crops like carrots if the organic matter is boosted. Although the soil score is 32.2, consistent composting can rapidly improve your garden's success.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in De Soto Parish

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Challenges in De Soto Parish

De Soto Parish faces a lawn difficulty score of 29.1, which is more challenging than both the state and national averages. As a Zone 8b region, it requires a strategic approach to combat heat and soil acidity. Those who succeed here are often the ones who prioritize soil health and proper grass selection.

Managing High Heat and Growth

With 93 days of extreme heat and 54.2 inches of annual rainfall, the climate puts significant stress on the lawn. The 6,174 growing degree days ensure a long season, but the heat can easily scorch grasses that aren't well-hydrated. Balancing the mowing schedule with these high-growth periods is essential for maintaining a thick turf canopy.

Sandy Soil and Acidic pH

De Soto's soil is notably sandy at 46.0%, which helps prevent waterlogging but can lead to rapid nutrient loss. The pH of 5.55 is below the ideal range, meaning grass may struggle to absorb the nitrogen it needs to stay green. Regular applications of lime and slow-release fertilizers are highly recommended for this soil profile.

Combating Frequent Drought Spells

This parish spent 23 weeks in drought over the past year, and 56% of the area is currently in severe drought. These persistent dry conditions can be devastating for lawns in sandy soil that lacks moisture retention. Using drought-tolerant grass varieties and implementing water-saving practices is the best way to keep a lawn alive during the summer.

Planting Your De Soto Lawn

Bermuda grass is one of the best choices for De Soto Parish because of its high drought tolerance and heat resilience. Plan your seeding or sodding after the last frost on March 8th to take advantage of the spring growing window. Ensure your lawn is well-established before the first frost arrives around November 20th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is De Soto Parish's county score?
De Soto Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 65.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does De Soto Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
De Soto Parish ranks #10 among all counties in Louisiana on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in De Soto Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in De Soto Parish is $467, with an effective tax rate of 0.31%. This earns De Soto Parish a tax score of 97.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in De Soto Parish?
The median household income in De Soto Parish, Louisiana is $46,077 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. De Soto Parish earns an income score of 8.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is De Soto Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
De Soto Parish scores 65.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate De Soto Parish is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare De Soto Parish with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.