countyscore
31.5
County Score
Cost of Living 60.9Property Tax 47.4Soil Quality 36.7

County Report Card

About DeSoto County, Florida

Among Florida's weakest performers nationally

DeSoto County scores just 31.5 out of 100, far below the national median of 50.0 and Florida's average of 45.1—placing it in the bottom 15% nationally. This score reflects serious challenges across multiple livability dimensions that demand attention.

One of Florida's lowest-scoring counties

At 31.5, DeSoto ranks among Florida's bottom counties, trailing the state average by 13.6 points. The county's performance suggests systemic economic and social challenges that distinguish it as one of the state's most stressed communities.

Affordability is the only real advantage

DeSoto County's cost score of 60.9 reflects genuine housing affordability, with median home values of just $151,500 and rent of $910—among Florida's lowest. This alone may appeal to extremely cost-conscious residents with minimal other options.

Safety, health, and income severely compromised

The county's safety score of just 14.2, health score of 24.7, and income score of 16.5 indicate critical deficiencies in personal security, healthcare access, and economic opportunity. Median household income of $50,868 and these compounding challenges create a precarious living situation.

Not recommended except under duress

DeSoto County should be a last resort for only the most budget-constrained residents, as its affordability advantage does not offset severe public safety and health concerns. Families, working professionals, and anyone with alternatives should strongly consider other Florida counties with better livability profiles.

Score breakdown

Tax47.4Cost60.9Safety14.2Health24.7Schools20.3Income16.5Risk18.4Water22Weather13.7
🏛47.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡18.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤13.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱13.4
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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Nearby counties

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Manatee County
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Deep Dives

DeSoto County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in DeSoto County

via CrimeByCounty

DeSoto County Crime Exceeds National Average

DeSoto County faces challenges with a safety score of 96.1, which is lower than many peers. Its total crime rate of 2,440.3 slightly exceeds the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing DeSoto to the Florida Average

With a safety score of 96.1, DeSoto falls below the Florida state average of 98.4. The total crime rate here is more than double the state average of 1,027.9 per 100,000 residents.

Regional Comparisons for DeSoto County

DeSoto County is significantly less safe than nearby Collier County, which reports a crime rate of only 1,026.8. However, it still maintains lower overall crime than Duval County.

Breaking Down the Local Offenses

The property crime rate is notably high at 2,046.2 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime also sits at 394.1, which is significantly higher than the Florida state average of 206.5.

Increased Vigilance for DeSoto Homeowners

High property crime rates mean homeowners should be extra vigilant with security. Installing robust locking mechanisms and smart cameras can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in DeSoto County

via SchoolsByCounty

Essential Education Services in DeSoto

DeSoto County operates a compact system of 11 public schools serving 4,582 students. The infrastructure consists of 3 elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, alongside six other specialized facilities. This streamlined layout focuses resources within a single district.

Resilient Performance in a Small District

DeSoto County maintains an 85.0% graduation rate and a school score of 48.9. The district spends $6,095 per pupil, which aligns closely with the Florida state average of $6,118. While these metrics trail national benchmarks slightly, the district provides a consistent educational foundation.

A Traditional Single-District Approach

The DeSoto District manages all 4,582 students across its 11 schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of the public school population attends district-run institutions. This creates a unified educational experience with no alternative public options.

Intimate Schools in a Town Setting

Almost all schools in DeSoto are located in town locales, creating a centralized social hub for students. The average school size is 509 students, though DeSoto County High School is much larger with 1,244 students. This environment offers a close-knit feel where most students attend the same central campuses.

Find Your Place in the DeSoto Community

Living in DeSoto County means being part of a traditional town-centered school system. Homes near West Elementary or the local high school provide easy access to the county's academic heart. Discover the benefits of small-town school life by browsing local real estate.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in DeSoto County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Warmth

DeSoto County averages 72.2°F annually, establishing a warm climate far exceeding the typical U.S. average. This inland region experiences a consistent heat profile throughout the year.

Typical Florida Temperatures

The county stays just above the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It represents the quintessential central Florida climate with high humidity and steady warmth.

Inland vs Coastal Heat

While cooler than Collier County's 75.3°F, DeSoto experiences more extreme heat days than its coastal counterparts. It sees 114 days above 90°F, compared to just 46 in Flagler County.

One Hundred Heat Days

DeSoto faces a grueling 114 extreme heat days each year, mainly concentrated in the 81.0°F summers. Winter is brief and pleasant, averaging 62.2°F with zero snowfall.

Hydration and Shade Strategies

The high volume of extreme heat days requires consistent hydration and sun protection for outdoor work. Homeowners should prioritize attic insulation to manage the intense summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in DeSoto County

via SoilByCounty

Intense Acidity in the Heartland

DeSoto County's soil is notably acidic with a pH of 4.70, falling well below the national median of 6.5. This pH is also lower than the Florida state average of 4.88, reflecting the county's unique mineral and organic makeup. Taxonomic details are currently unavailable, but the acidity defines the local agricultural landscape.

Ultra-Sandy Soil with Low Silt

The soil is composed of 82.6% sand and a remarkably low 0.8% silt, making it one of the most sand-dominant profiles in the region. With only 1.7% clay, the soil offers very little natural binding or nutrient storage capacity. This texture is ideal for citrus drainage but requires intensive management for other crops.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

DeSoto boasts a massive 13.75% organic matter content, far exceeding the state average of 8.03% and the national 2.0%. This richness contributes to an available water capacity of 0.130 in/in, which is better than the state average of 0.108 in/in. This soil is surprisingly good at holding moisture compared to its peers.

Natural Water Retention in Sand

While official drainage and hydrologic group classifications are missing, the high organic matter suggests better water management than typical sandy soils. The soil likely resists the immediate drying seen in other 80% sand environments. This makes it a valuable resource for local agriculture, though proper drainage remains key during wet seasons.

Lush Growing in Zone 9b

Zone 9b provides a warm, hospitable climate for DeSoto's famous citrus groves and cattle pastures. The high organic matter makes this soil excellent for intensive vegetable gardening or tropical fruit trees like lychees. Your garden will thrive here with minimal fertilizer thanks to the naturally high organic content.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in DeSoto County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme maintenance required in DeSoto

DeSoto County ranks as one of the hardest places for lawns with a difficulty score of 13.4. This is far below the state average of 19.2, indicating that the local Zone 9b environment is particularly taxing for turf.

Intense heat drives the growing season

A high count of 114 extreme heat days and 8,147 growing degree days means your lawn stays in overdrive for most of the year. The 53.9 inches of rain is adequate, but it struggles to combat the rapid evaporation caused by the heat.

Sandy soil lacks structural clay

With only 1.7% clay and 82.6% sand, the soil here lacks the structure to hold onto water and essential minerals. The pH of 4.70 is quite acidic, so you will need to supplement with lime and potassium to keep grass healthy.

A full year of drought pressure

DeSoto has faced 38 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county is currently in severe drought. To survive, lawns need deep root systems encouraged by watering for longer periods but fewer times per week.

Plant during the brief winter window

Zoysia or Bermuda grass are excellent for the high-traffic and high-heat demands of Zone 9b. With the last spring frost occurring early on February 7th, you have an exceptionally long season to establish your turf.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DeSoto County's county score?
DeSoto County, Florida has a composite county score of 31.5 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 DeSoto County rank among counties in Florida?
DeSoto County ranks #65 among all counties in Florida 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 DeSoto County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in DeSoto County is $1,322, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns DeSoto County a tax score of 47.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in DeSoto County?
The median household income in DeSoto County, Florida is $50,868 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. DeSoto County earns an income score of 16.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is DeSoto County, Florida a good place to live?
DeSoto County scores 31.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Florida. The best way to evaluate DeSoto County 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 DeSoto County with other counties side by side.

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