countyscore
36.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.9Property Tax 69.5Water Quality 58.1

County Report Card

About DeSoto County, Mississippi

DeSoto County Trails National Livability Median

DeSoto County earns a composite score of 36.7, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. Despite its local prominence, it struggles to compete with national averages for overall infrastructure and environmental stability.

Falling Short of the Mississippi Average

With a score of 36.7, the county sits more than 11 points below the Mississippi state average of 48.4. While it serves as a major suburban hub, other Mississippi counties offer higher relative scores in safety and climate resilience.

A Powerhouse for Local Incomes and Low Taxes

The county shines in economic opportunity with an income score of 86.9 and a median household income of $82,980. Residents also benefit from a high tax score of 69.5, driven by a low effective tax rate of just 0.641%.

High Housing Costs and Natural Risks

Housing affordability is a significant hurdle here, evidenced by a low cost score of 12.8 and a median home value of $248,700. Additionally, the risk score of 11.0 suggests the area faces notable environmental vulnerabilities compared to regional peers.

Best for High-Earning Suburban Professionals

DeSoto County is a premier destination for families who prioritize high wages and low tax burdens over low housing costs. It suits those who want a suburban lifestyle near Memphis and can afford the premium for the area's growth.

2040608010069.512.819.64334.386.91158.156.1Tax69.5Cost12.8Safety19.6Health43Schools34.3Income86.9Risk11Water58.1Weather56.136.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

DeSoto County DNA

Foverall

How DeSoto County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

DeSoto County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (86.9/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (11/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69.5+17.5
Cost
12.8-35.2
Safety
19.6-35.4
Health
43
Schools
34.3-19.700000000000003
Income
86.9+35.900000000000006
Risk
11-36
Water
58.1
Weather
56.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$248,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,341/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$248,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$53,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $82,980/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.7

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

Tehama County
California
Median income: $61,834
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Median income: $66,768
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Erie County
New York
Median income: $71,175
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Klamath County
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Median income: $59,353
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Providence County
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Median income: $78,204
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Richland County
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Median income: $61,699
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Wise County
Texas
Median income: $89,897
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Canyon County
Idaho
Median income: $72,355
36.8

Nearby counties

Tate County
Mississippi
37.7
Crittenden County
Arkansas
32.3
Tunica County
Mississippi
36.4
Shelby County
Tennessee
22.3
Marshall County
Mississippi
45.3
Panola County
Mississippi
43.3
Lee County
Arkansas
42.1
Quitman County
Mississippi
58.2

Deep Dives

DeSoto County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in DeSoto County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Living in DeSoto County

DeSoto County maintains a strong safety score of 96.7 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 2,097.0 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing DeSoto to the Magnolia State

The county's safety score sits slightly below the Mississippi average of 98.4. Local officials across seven reporting agencies work to manage crime trends in this growing region.

Regional Crime Trends in Perspective

DeSoto experiences a higher crime rate than the state average of 978.4 per 100,000, reflecting its more urbanized nature. However, it remains more secure than several peers in the Memphis metropolitan orbit.

Understanding Local Crime Categories

Property crimes dominate the local landscape at 1,900.5 incidents per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, violent crime rates are low at 196.5, significantly beating the national benchmark of 369.8.

Securing Your DeSoto Residence

With property crime being the primary concern, residents should prioritize home security measures. Simple steps like installing smart doorbells and motion lighting can effectively deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in DeSoto County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large-Scale Educational Hub in Northern Mississippi

DeSoto County manages a massive education infrastructure with 42 total public schools, including 23 elementary, 8 middle, and 10 high schools. This single-district system serves 35,003 students, making it one of the largest and most consolidated school populations in the state.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county boasts an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 87.1% and the national average of 87.0%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $5,017 remains below the state and national averages, the school score of 50.3 indicates performance that exceeds the state median.

Unified Under the DeSoto County School District

The DeSoto County School District operates as the sole provider for the area, managing all 42 schools and 35,003 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, ensuring a streamlined public education experience for all residents.

Suburban Excellence with Room to Grow

Education here feels distinctly suburban, with 25 schools located in suburban areas and 17 in rural settings. Schools are notably large, averaging 898 students, with DeSoto Central High School topping the list at 1,995 students.

Secure Your Future in DeSoto County

With some of the highest graduation rates in Mississippi, this county is a top choice for families prioritizing academic success. Explore homes in Southaven or Hernando to give your children access to this high-performing, unified school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in DeSoto County

via WaterByCounty

DeSoto County Water Earns a C Grade

DeSoto County recorded 16 health violations over the last five years, resulting in a 7.9 per 100K violation rate. While this rate is significantly lower than the Mississippi state average of 92.1, the frequent violations signal a need for continued oversight.

Watershed Assessment Data Pending

Federal Clean Water Act assessments have not yet covered the water bodies in this specific county. Local streams and lakes are not currently listed in the federal §303(d) reporting cycle.

Steady Monitoring Tracks Organic Trends

Technicians manage 8 monitoring sites that have recorded 2,404 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics and organics to maintain a baseline of water chemistry.

Coldwater River Flows Far Below Average

The Coldwater River near Lewisburg is currently flowing at just 82 cfs, which is only 22% of its long-term mean. This low discharge suggests significant drought pressure on the local 218-square-mile drainage area.

Watch Flow Levels and Filtration

With the Coldwater River at only 22% of typical flow, pollutants may become more concentrated in source water. Residents should utilize high-quality home filtration to address the county's moderate compliance grade and low-flow risks.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in DeSoto County

via WeatherByCounty

Mississippi's coolest but still subtropical

DeSoto County averages 61.5°F, which is warmer than the national median but the coolest in this regional group. It receives 57.7 inches of rain annually.

The northern edge of Mississippi weather

As the state's northernmost county, its 61.5°F average is lower than the state average of 63.9°F. It is one of the coolest counties in Mississippi due to its latitude.

Lower temperatures than Delta neighbors

DeSoto is cooler than neighboring Coahoma, which averages 62.4°F. It also receives more snow than its southern neighbors, averaging 1.3 inches per year.

Coldest winters and rare state snow

January averages 40.2°F, making it one of the coldest spots in the state. Despite this, it still faces 70 days of extreme heat above 90°F during the summer.

Prepare for both ice and heat

Residents should be ready for rare snow and ice with 1.3 inches annually and freezing January nights. Homes also require robust cooling for the 70 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in DeSoto County

via SoilByCounty

Silt Loam and Acidic Alfisols

DeSoto County is defined by its silt loam soils belonging to the Alfisols taxonomic order. The average pH of 5.50 is significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median but remains higher than the Mississippi state average of 5.30.

Heavy Silt with Balanced Clay

The soil composition is 59.0% silt, giving the ground a smooth and workable texture. A balanced mix of 20.6% sand and 20.4% clay provides enough structure to prevent the rapid nutrient loss common in sandier regions.

High Water Storage Potential

The county boasts an available water capacity of 0.200 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.174 in/in. Organic matter sits at 1.42%, falling below the national 2.0% benchmark and suggesting a need for supplemental composting.

Moderately Well Drained Land

These soils are classified as moderately well drained and belong to hydrologic group C/D. This indicates that while the land is suitable for farming, builders should prepare for slower infiltration during heavy rain events.

Thriving in Zone 8a

DeSoto County is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, supporting a wide variety of southern crops and ornamentals. Gardeners should leverage the high water capacity to grow thirsty vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in DeSoto County

via LawnByCounty

A North Mississippi Advantage in DeSoto

DeSoto County earns a 31.9 lawn difficulty score, which is slightly better than the Mississippi state average of 30.9. While it remains more challenging than the national median of 50.0, the Zone 8a climate provides a familiar environment for southern turf.

Managing High Rainfall and Summer Heat

Your lawn receives 57.7 inches of annual precipitation, exceeding the ideal range of 30-50 inches and requiring excellent drainage. You also face 70 extreme heat days per year, which is just below the state average of 73 days.

Balancing Silt Loam and Soil Acidity

The local soil is a silt loam with a pH of 5.50, falling below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. You likely need lime applications to neutralize this acidity and improve nutrient uptake for your turf.

Navigating Persistent Dry Spells

The county spent 24 weeks in drought over the past year, and currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering during the early morning to build root resilience against these frequent dry periods.

Timing Your DeSoto Lawn Projects

Wait until after the last spring frost on March 28 to seed warm-season favorites like Bermudagrass or Zoysia. These varieties thrive in Zone 8a and can handle the long growing season before the first frost arrives around November 6.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DeSoto County's county score?
DeSoto County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 36.7 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 Mississippi?
DeSoto County ranks #73 among all counties in Mississippi 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, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in DeSoto County is $1,595, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns DeSoto County a tax score of 69.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in DeSoto County?
The median household income in DeSoto County, Mississippi is $82,980 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. DeSoto County earns an income score of 86.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is DeSoto County, Mississippi a good place to live?
DeSoto County scores 36.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 in Mississippi. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.