CountyScore

DeSoto County

Mississippi · MS

#73 in Mississippi
63.2
County Score

County Report Card

About DeSoto County, Mississippi

DeSoto outpaces nation on livability

DeSoto County scores 63.2 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0—placing it in the top 37th percentile nationally. This strong performance reflects a county where residents enjoy relative economic stability and low tax burdens compared to most American counties.

Solid standing in Mississippi rankings

DeSoto's 63.2 score sits slightly below the Mississippi state average of 67.5, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's counties. While not the top performer statewide, DeSoto remains well-positioned within Mississippi's livability landscape.

Tax efficiency and health care access

DeSoto excels with a tax score of 84.2, supported by an effective tax rate of just 0.641%—one of the lowest burdens in the state. The county also demonstrates solid health outcomes with a 66.5 health score and maintains moderate housing affordability with median home values at $248,700 and rents around $1,341/month.

Income growth lags behind peers

The county's income score of 37.5 is a notable concern, with a median household income of $82,980 that, while respectable nationally, trails expectations for a county with such low tax burdens. The risk score of 11.0 also signals exposure to economic or environmental vulnerabilities that warrant attention.

Best for tax-conscious middle-class families

DeSoto suits families and professionals seeking moderate housing costs and minimal tax liability without sacrificing health care quality or community stability. It's an ideal fit for remote workers or retirees prioritizing low taxes and a relatively affordable cost of living in the Southeast.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.2Cost64.5SafetyComing SoonHealth66.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.5Risk11WaterComing Soon
🏛84.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡11
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

Floyd County
Georgia
63.2
Median income: $62,540
Henry County
Illinois
63.2
Median income: $69,912
Barton County
Kansas
63.2
Median income: $56,733
Fayette County
Kentucky
63.2
Median income: $67,631
Nantucket County
Massachusetts
63.2
Median income: $119,750

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 taxes rank low nationally

At 0.641%, DeSoto's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.76%, placing the county in approximately the 30th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay $1,595 annually on the median home, compared to $2,690 nationally—a savings of over $1,000 per year.

DeSoto is among Mississippi's lowest

DeSoto ranks in the bottom third of Mississippi counties by effective tax rate, sitting below the state average of 0.743%. This means residents benefit from taxes lower than most other Mississippians despite having the state's highest median home values.

DeSoto beats regional neighbors

DeSoto's 0.641% rate is the lowest among its neighbors: Grenada County (1.010%), Hancock County (0.719%), and Harrison County (0.647%). On a median home, DeSoto residents save roughly $400–$600 annually compared to Grenada County.

Median DeSoto home costs $1,595 yearly

The median DeSoto home valued at $248,700 generates $1,595 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,692, while those without mortgages pay $1,322.

Check if you're overpaying taxes

Many homeowners across Mississippi are assessed above fair market value. If your home feels overvalued compared to similar properties nearby, you can file an appeal with your county assessor—potentially recovering hundreds in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in DeSoto County

via CostByCounty

DeSoto outearns most of the nation

With a median household income of $82,980, DeSoto County residents earn 11% more than the national average of $74,755. At 19.4%, the county's rent-to-income ratio sits nearly even with the national standard, meaning renters dedicate roughly a fifth of their paycheck to housing—a sign of manageable affordability for the area.

One of Mississippi's pricier rentals

DeSoto's median rent of $1,341 per month runs 72% above Mississippi's state average of $782, reflecting the county's stronger income levels and proximity to Memphis. Despite higher costs, the county's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 19.6%, making it one of the more affordable wealthy counties in Mississippi.

Higher rents, higher incomes nearby

DeSoto's $1,341 monthly rent is significantly higher than Hancock County ($999) and Harrison County ($1,074), but so is its $82,980 median income—roughly $15,000 more than those neighbors. This income cushion allows DeSoto residents to absorb higher housing costs while maintaining better rent-to-income ratios than peers in the region.

Renters and buyers split costs evenly

DeSoto renters pay $1,341 monthly while homeowners shoulder $1,272 in mortgages and taxes—nearly identical burdens. On a $82,980 household income, these amounts consume about 19% of pretax earnings, leaving residents substantial room for other expenses.

Strong income, manageable housing costs

If you're relocating to Mississippi and prioritize higher wages with reasonable rent, DeSoto delivers: the highest county median income and a rent-to-income ratio competitive with national standards. Compare this profile to counties like Grenada (20.6% ratio) or Harrison (22.5%) to see why DeSoto's affordability edge matters.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in DeSoto County

via IncomeByCounty

DeSoto outpaces the nation

DeSoto County's median household income of $82,980 runs 11% ahead of the national median of $74,755, putting it well above typical U.S. earnings. This strong performance reflects robust labor markets and higher educational attainment in the county compared to national averages.

Mississippi's income leader

At $82,980, DeSoto County earns 71% more than Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514, ranking it among the highest-income counties in the state. The county's per capita income of $36,569 similarly exceeds the state average of $27,136 by 35%.

DeSoto towers over peers

DeSoto County's $82,980 median household income dramatically outpaces nearby Hancock County ($67,728) and Harrison County ($57,233), making it the wealthiest county in this analysis. The gap reflects DeSoto's proximity to Memphis economic activity and stronger regional job growth.

Housing costs stay manageable

DeSoto's rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability benchmark, meaning renters spend just under one-fifth of household income on housing. With median home values at $248,700, homeownership remains accessible for many families earning the county median.

Build on DeSoto's earning power

With above-average income stability and manageable housing costs, DeSoto County residents are well-positioned to save and invest for long-term wealth. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, diversifying investments, and building emergency funds to capitalize on this favorable income environment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in DeSoto County

via HealthByCounty

DeSoto Outlives the Nation

At 73.8 years, DeSoto County residents live nearly 6 years longer than the U.S. life expectancy of 68.0 years. Just 18.6% report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 21.3%. This county punches above its weight nationally on both measures.

The State's Healthiest County

DeSoto leads Mississippi with a life expectancy 2.9 years above the state average of 70.9 years. Its uninsured rate of 10.6% beats the state average of 13.9% by 3.3 percentage points. This is Mississippi's clearest bright spot in health outcomes.

DeSoto Stands Out Regionally

DeSoto's 73.8-year life expectancy far exceeds neighboring Harrison County (73.0 years) and George County (70.4 years). Its 10.6% uninsured rate is the lowest among nearby counties, making healthcare access notably easier here.

Mental Health Resources Lead

DeSoto has 143 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest densities in the state—though primary care capacity is modest at 26 per 100K. This mismatch means residents have strong mental health support but may face longer waits for routine physical care.

Keep Your Coverage Strong

With 10.6% of residents uninsured, DeSoto has room to improve. Visit healthcare.gov to explore plans, or call your local health department to learn about community health programs and preventive care options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in DeSoto County

via RiskByCounty

DeSoto faces above-average disaster risk

DeSoto County's composite risk score of 88.99 places it well above the national average, indicating relatively moderate overall exposure to natural hazards. This score reflects significant vulnerability across multiple disaster types, from tornadoes to earthquakes, making disaster preparedness essential for residents.

Among Mississippi's highest-risk counties

With a score of 88.99 compared to Mississippi's state average of 50.94, DeSoto ranks as one of the state's riskier counties for natural disasters. This substantial gap underscores why residents here face meaningfully higher exposure than most of their neighbors across the state.

DeSoto faces sharper risks than nearby peers

DeSoto's 88.99 score significantly exceeds that of Grenada County (55.41) to the south and George County (57.95) to the southeast. The county's risk profile is notably more severe than surrounding areas, particularly for tornado and earthquake hazards.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate here

DeSoto faces exceptional tornado risk with a score of 96.79—among the highest in the nation—and equally severe earthquake risk at 96.22. Flood risk, though substantial at 80.12, ranks slightly below these two primary threats to homes and infrastructure.

Prioritize tornado and quake coverage now

Given DeSoto's extreme tornado and earthquake exposure, homeowners should verify their policies cover both wind damage and ground shaking—standard homeowners insurance often excludes earthquakes. Consider a safe room or reinforced shelter plan, and maintain comprehensive coverage that addresses the county's dual primary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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