De Soto, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $46,181

39% lower than US avg

Home Value $144,000

49% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 262/100K

31% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 11.3%

66% lower than US avg

Median Rent $828

29% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 45.9%

43% higher than US avg

Unemployment 3.4%

6% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 15.6%

26% higher than US avg

How De Soto Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population6,452

Median Age32.6 yrs

Density1,473/mi²

Male / Female47% / 54%

Largest GroupWhite 85%

Veterans10.1%

Economy

Median Income$46,181

Per Capita$24,680

Unemployment3.4%

Poverty15.6%

Commute36 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$144,000

Rent$828

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$238,387

Housing Units3,016

Rent Burden23.8%

Crime

Violent262/100K

Property4,068/100K

Murder0.0/100K

Assault185/100K

Burglary416/100K

Health

Obesity45.9%

Uninsured11.4%

Smoking24.5%

Depression27.8%

Heart Disease7.5%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain40.2 in/yr

Sunny Days263/yr

Elevation525 ft (160 m)

Education

Bachelor's+11.3%

High School+88.2%

Graduate+4.8%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute36 min

Broadband86.6%

Is De Soto a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, De Soto receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times, high obesity rates. De Soto has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in De Soto is $46,181, 39% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 15.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in De Soto is $144,000, 49% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $828 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Violent crime in De Soto is below the national average at 262 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,068 per 100,000, 108% above the national average.

Education

11.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

De Soto experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 263 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.2 inches, including 7.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

De Soto has a population of 6,452 with a density of 1,473 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age is 32.6 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (84.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.

Population

6,452

Total Population

1,473

People / sq mi

32.6yrs

Median Age

16% below US avg

4.4mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 46.5%

Female 53.5%

Race & Ethnicity

De Soto vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	99.3%
	26% above US avg
Spanish	0.7%
	95% below US avg

Social Characteristics

De Soto vs U.S. Average

The median household income in De Soto is $46,181, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,680 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 15.1% of workers work from home.

Income: De Soto vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$46,181
	39% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$24,680

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	3.4%
	6% below US avg
Poverty Rate	15.6%
	26% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	35.7 min
Drive Alone	75.4%
Public Transit	0.3%
Work from Home	15.1%

Walkability

The median home value in De Soto is $144,000, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,387, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 104.3% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $828 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 3,016 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$144,000
	49% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$238,387
Median List Price	$164,500

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price	$164,500
$/Sq Ft	$149
Homes Sold	6
Sale-to-List Ratio	104.3%
Price Drops	35.3%
Inventory	17

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$828
	29% below US avg
Rent Burden	23.8%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$732
1 Bedroom	$775
2 Bedrooms	$970
3 Bedrooms	$1,265
4 Bedrooms	$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	58.9%
Housing Units	3,016
Median Year Built	1970

Property Tax

In De Soto, 45.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 37.0% have high blood pressure. 24.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.7% report binge drinking. 36.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.2% experience frequent mental distress. 11.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: De Soto vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	45.9%
	43% above US avg
Diabetes	12.9%
Heart Disease	7.5%
High Blood Pressure	37.0%
Asthma	11.9%
COPD	11.1%
Cancer	7.5%
Stroke	4.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	24.5%
	75% above US avg
Binge Drinking	15.7%
Physical Inactivity	36.1%
Depression	27.8%
Mental Distress	22.2%
Physical Distress	17.6%
Short Sleep	38.6%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	89.4%
Uninsured	11.4%
	33% above US avg
Checkup Rate	76.4%
Dental Visits	56.0%

Food & Exercise

De Soto has a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 184.9 per 100,000, robbery at 46.2, rape at 30.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,068 per 100,000, 108% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,390, burglary at 416, vehicle theft at 262 per 100,000 residents. Overall, De Soto receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: De Soto vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent	261.9/100K
	31% below US avg
Murder	0.0/100K
	100% below US avg
Rape	30.8/100K
Robbery	46.2/100K
Assault	184.9/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	4,067.8/100K
	108% above US avg
Burglary	416.0/100K
Theft	3,389.8/100K
Vehicle Theft	261.9/100K
Arson	0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety Grade	F
Safety Score	1.0 / 5.0

De Soto experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 263 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.2 inches. The area receives 7.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 525 feet.

Temperature

30°F Jan (-1°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)

Annual Average	54.9°F
	2% above US avg
January Average	30°F (-1°C)
July Average	77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days	263 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	40.2 inches
	6% above US avg
Snowfall	7.7 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	525 ft (160 m)
Area	4.4 sq mi (11.3 km²)
Population Density	1,473/sq mi
Coordinates	38.1395°N, 90.5551°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	30°F (-1°C)	2.2 in	Coldest, Driest
February	35°F (2°C)	2.2 in
March	45°F (7°C)	3.8 in
April	55°F (13°C)	3.8 in
May	64°F (18°C)	4.3 in	Wettest
June	72°F (22°C)	3.5 in
July	77°F (25°C)	3.4 in	Warmest
August	76°F (24°C)	3.5 in
September	68°F (20°C)	3.3 in
October	57°F (14°C)	2.9 in
November	45°F (7°C)	3.9 in
December	35°F (2°C)	3.4 in

De Soto has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F — from 30°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (2.2").

11.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 66% below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 86.6% of households have broadband internet access. 75.4% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	11.3%
	66% below US avg
High School+	88.2%
Graduate Degree+	4.8%
School Test Score	5.51

D Education Grade (1.9/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	1,473/sq mi
Total Area	4.4 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	86.6%

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	35.7 min
Drive Alone	75.4%
Public Transit	0.3%
Work from Home	15.1%

Frequently Asked Questions About De Soto

What is the population of De Soto?

De Soto has a population of 6,452 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,473 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.

Is De Soto expensive to live in?

De Soto is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $46,181, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $144,000 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $828 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is De Soto safe?

De Soto is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,068 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, De Soto receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in De Soto?

De Soto has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 263 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.2 inches, with 7.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in De Soto?

De Soto has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 15.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in De Soto?

The median home value in De Soto is $144,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,387. For renters, the median monthly rent is $828. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in De Soto?

Schools in De Soto score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.3% of adults in De Soto hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is De Soto?

The obesity rate in De Soto is 45.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.5% of adults are smokers. 36.1% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 11.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in De Soto?

The average commute in De Soto is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of De Soto?

The racial and ethnic makeup of De Soto is 84.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Summer Set, MO 1,222 pop · 3.6 mi Hillsboro, MO 3,483 pop · 6.4 mi Raintree Plantation, MO 2,006 pop · 8.4 mi Festus, MO 12,965 pop · 10.3 mi Crystal City, MO 4,721 pop · 11.1 mi Herculaneum, MO 4,925 pop · 13.0 mi Pevely, MO 6,037 pop · 13.2 mi Bonne Terre, MO 6,773 pop · 15.0 mi Cedar Hill, MO 1,568 pop · 15.6 mi Terre du Lac, MO 2,460 pop · 16.2 mi Barnhart, MO 6,036 pop · 16.6 mi Valmeyer, IL 1,109 pop · 18.1 mi Imperial, MO 5,617 pop · 18.6 mi Desloge, MO 4,870 pop · 18.6 mi

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