CountyScore

DeSoto County

Florida · FL

#38 in Florida
62.5
County Score

County Report Card

About DeSoto County, Florida

DeSoto County exceeds national livability benchmark

DeSoto County's composite score of 72.6 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 45%, placing it in the top quartile of U.S. counties. The county's exceptional affordability outweighs modest local income levels, creating strong value for cost-conscious households. This profile resembles rural Florida's most accessible communities while maintaining above-average national livability.

Top tier performer in Florida's county rankings

DeSoto County scores 72.6, exceeding Florida's average composite score of 69.4 by 3.2 points and ranking among the state's most livable counties. The county's affordability dimensions place it alongside Citrus and Columbia as Florida's most financially accessible communities. It offers strong livability metrics for households prioritizing budget efficiency.

Superior housing affordability drives strong ranking

DeSoto County's cost score of 82.7 reflects exceptional housing affordability, with a median home value of just $151,500 and median rent of $910/month—among Florida's lowest. The tax score of 77.7 and effective rate of 0.873%, while slightly elevated, remain manageable given the minimal housing costs. These dimensions combine to create remarkable financial accessibility.

Low incomes reflect limited local employment diversity

The income score of 16.6 reflects a median household income of $50,868—the lowest among the eight counties profiled. Data on safety, health, schools, environmental risk, and water quality remain unavailable. Remote workers and retirees with external income will thrive, but those seeking local employment opportunities may face limited options.

Ideal for retirees and remote-based households

DeSoto County is perfect for retirees, remote workers with stable external income, and families seeking maximum housing affordability in rural Florida. The county's combination of low property values and manageable taxes creates substantial financial flexibility for those not dependent on local jobs. It ranks among Florida's most economical communities, rivaling Columbia and Citrus counties.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax77.7Cost82.7SafetyComing SoonHealth50.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.6Risk18.4WaterComing Soon
🏛77.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤50.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡18.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare DeSoto County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Marion County
Florida
62.5
Median income: $58,535
Clarke County
Georgia
62.5
Median income: $52,267
McDonough County
Illinois
62.5
Median income: $50,434
Morgan County
Illinois
62.5
Median income: $65,175
Scott County
Iowa
62.5
Median income: $76,363

Deep Dives

DeSoto County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in DeSoto County

via TaxByCounty

DeSoto County has Florida's highest tax rate

DeSoto County's effective tax rate of 0.873% substantially exceeds the national median of 0.731%, ranking it in the top 15% of U.S. counties by rate. With median home values of $151,500, residents pay $1,322 annually—about half the national median property tax of $2,690.

Florida's most expensive tax burden

DeSoto County ranks highest among Florida counties at 0.873%, significantly above the state average of 0.731%. The median annual property tax here is $1,322 compared to Florida's statewide median of $1,885.

DeSoto outpaces all regional competitors

DeSoto County's 0.873% effective rate far exceeds every comparison county: Duval (0.779%), Columbia (0.743%), Clay (0.739%), Dixie (0.738%), Citrus (0.591%), and Escambia (0.600%). Its high rate reflects regional tax pressures.

What $151,500 home costs annually

On DeSoto County's median home value of $151,500, residents pay approximately $1,322 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related costs factored in, annual taxes rise to around $1,382.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Many Florida homeowners are overassessed relative to market value, and DeSoto County residents can file an appeal with the Property Appraiser's office. The process is typically free and could lower your taxable assessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in DeSoto County

via CostByCounty

DeSoto offers deep affordability on modest income

DeSoto County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national comfort zone of 30%, achieved despite median household income of just $50,868—the lowest among comparable counties. The $910 median rent and $151,500 median home value create genuine accessibility for lower-income households seeking stability.

DeSoto beats state average with lowest income

At 21.5%, DeSoto's rent-to-income ratio edges below Florida's state average of 22.5%, an impressive achievement given its $50,868 median household income. The county's $910 median rent runs $323 below the state average, proving strong affordability transcends income differences.

DeSoto rivals Dixie for affordability leadership

DeSoto's $910 rent and $151,500 home value position it among Florida's most accessible counties, slightly higher than Dixie County's $792 rent but offering better income levels. The county delivers better earning potential than rural neighbors while maintaining comparable housing costs.

Housing fits tightly in lower-income budgets

DeSoto renters spend 21.5% of their $50,868 income on rent, while homeowners dedicate roughly 14.4% to monthly ownership costs on a $151,500 median home. Even with lower income levels, residents maintain the housing-to-income ratios that enable financial security and emergency savings.

DeSoto serves lower-income families and workers

Consider DeSoto if you're relocating with modest income or supporting a household on working-class wages—housing remains accessible without consuming excessive income. The county proves that affordability housing exists in Florida for families and workers who need it most.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in DeSoto County

via IncomeByCounty

DeSoto County significantly underearns nationally

DeSoto County's median household income of $50,868 falls nearly $24,000 short of the U.S. median of $74,755—a 32% gap. This represents one of Florida's lowest median incomes, reflecting limited economic diversification and rural dependence on agriculture.

Florida's lowest-income counties

At $50,868, DeSoto County ranks among Florida's bottom tier, trailing the state average of $65,468 by over $14,000. Few Florida counties earn less, highlighting DeSoto's significant economic challenges relative to the broader state.

Lowest income in surrounding region

DeSoto County's $50,868 income falls well below Collier County ($86,173) by roughly $35,000, and trails Columbia County ($55,070) by about $4,000. The county struggles economically compared to all nearby peers, underlining its isolation from major employment hubs.

Low costs, but income remains strained

DeSoto County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% means renters dedicate roughly $910 monthly to housing—manageable given the county's low costs. However, the median home value of $151,500 and low median income create pressure on families seeking stability or savings.

Build resilience through incremental steps

At lower income levels, the focus shifts to emergency funds and debt reduction rather than aggressive investing. Community development financial institutions, credit counseling, and local small-business initiatives offer DeSoto County households realistic pathways to economic stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in DeSoto County

via HealthByCounty

DeSoto battles severe health disparities

DeSoto County residents live to 76.6 years on average, falling 1.5 years short of the U.S. average of 78.1 years. The county's alarming 26.9% poor/fair health rate—the highest among these eight counties—represents a severe health crisis affecting more than 1 in 4 residents.

Florida's worst uninsured and health rates

DeSoto County ranks among Florida's lowest-performing counties on both fronts: its 22.6% uninsured rate far exceeds the state average of 14.4%, and its 26.9% poor/fair health rate signals systemic healthcare access failure. These overlapping crises place DeSoto in urgent need of intervention and resources.

Worst health outcomes in Southwest Florida

DeSoto County's 76.6-year life expectancy trails neighboring Collier County by 7.4 years, the largest gap among these eight counties. Its critical shortage of just 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than half of Collier's density—likely contributes directly to the health disparity.

Healthcare desert with limited access

DeSoto County's crisis is acute: 22.6% of residents—nearly 1 in 4—lack health insurance, while the county has only 26 primary care providers per 100,000 people. Combined with severe poverty and agricultural workforce demographics, these barriers create a healthcare desert that drives the county's catastrophic poor/fair health rate of 26.9%.

Enrollment opens pathways to care

If you're among DeSoto County's uninsured, health coverage is your lifeline to preventive care and treatment that can change outcomes. Contact a healthcare navigator at 211 or visit healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid, marketplace subsidies, and federally qualified health center options designed for your circumstances.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in DeSoto County

via RiskByCounty

DeSoto faces moderate U.S. risk profile

DeSoto County's composite risk score of 81.65 rates as "Relatively Moderate" and exceeds the average U.S. county's disaster vulnerability, primarily due to hurricane exposure (96.25). The inland South Florida location provides some protection from coastal surge, but tropical systems still pose significant seasonal threats.

Moderate risk within Florida context

At 81.65, DeSoto County scores above Florida's state average of 75.74, placing it in the moderate-to-high tier of state counties. The score reflects the county's inland position and distance from major coasts, which reduces flood and coastal hazard exposure compared to Gulf and Atlantic neighbors.

Inland protection from neighbors' risks

DeSoto County (81.65) sits comfortably below coastal Collier County (98.92) to the southwest, and moderately below Gulf-exposed Citrus (94.69). Its inland position in South-Central Florida creates a lower-risk profile than most coastal Florida counties, though tropical exposure remains significant.

Hurricane risk dominates threat profile

Hurricane risk peaks at 96.25, reflecting DeSoto's position in the path of tropical systems, while wildfire risk reaches 84.54 across the county's rural and agricultural lands. Flood risk is comparatively lower at 50.54, reflecting inland elevation and distance from storm surge zones.

Hurricane coverage is top priority

Given the 96.25 hurricane score, comprehensive homeowners insurance covering wind and hail damage is essential for DeSoto residents. Most areas avoid the highest flood zones, but those in low-lying zones should confirm flood coverage; regular roof maintenance and storm shutters provide practical additional protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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