countyscore
30.9
County Score
Cost of Living 56.5Property Tax 48Soil 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.

204060801004856.514.224.720.320.218.42213.7Tax48Cost56.5Safety14.2Health24.7Schools20.3Income20.2Risk18.4Water22Weather13.730.9/100
This county
National avg
7 below average

DeSoto County DNA

Foverall

How DeSoto County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

DeSoto County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Weather & Climate (13.7/100), though Cost of Living (56.5/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
48
Cost
56.5+8.5
Safety
14.2-40.8
Health
24.7-25.3
Schools
20.3-33.7
Income
20.2-30.8
Risk
18.4-28.6
Water
22-36
Weather
13.7-42.3
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Think property taxes are too high in DeSoto County?

Many homeowners in DeSoto County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$174,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$932/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$174,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,417/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Charlotte County
Florida
44.2
Hardee County
Florida
37.7
Sarasota County
Florida
43.4
Manatee County
Florida
45
Highlands County
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47.4
Lee County
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36.3
Glades County
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57
Hendry County
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33.7

Deep Dives

DeSoto County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 30.9 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 $1,447, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns DeSoto County a tax score of 48/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in DeSoto County?
The median household income in DeSoto County, Florida is $54,417 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. DeSoto County earns an income score of 20.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is DeSoto County, Florida a good place to live?
DeSoto County scores 30.9/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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