Median Income
$46,181
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$144,000
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
94/100K
75% 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
B
Median Income$46,181
Per Capita$24,680
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty15.6%
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$144,000
Rent$828
Ownership58.9%
Zillow$238,387
Housing Units3,016
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent94/100K
Property1,857/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault63/100K
Burglary173/100K
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
D
Bachelor's+11.3%
High School+88.2%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute36 min
Broadband86.6%
EV Stations7
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
De Soto is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,857 per 100,000, near 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 4.3 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
32.6yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
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
| 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 |
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% |
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. 58.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. 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 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
| Homeownership | 58.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.1% |
| 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 94 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 62.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 31.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,857 per 100,000, 5% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,668, burglary at 173, vehicle theft at 16 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 | 94.4/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 31.5/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 62.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,856.8/100K |
| 5% below US avg |
| Burglary | 173.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,668.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 15.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 82 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
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 |
Geography
| Elevation | 525 ft (160 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,473/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1395°N, 90.5551°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Farmington Regional (FAM) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.2"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
60 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
138 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
148 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
31 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
12 km |
| Dec 27, 1992 |
2 km E of Pocahontas, Missouri |
M3.2 |
109 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
117 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
140 km |
| Jan 23, 1991 |
3 km WSW of Logan, Illinois |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Mar 12, 2002 |
6 km S of Marble Hill, Missouri |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
6 km E of Grand Tower, Illinois |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| Feb 28, 1994 |
5 km NW of Harrison, Illinois |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| May 21, 2012 |
6 km SW of Williamsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
10 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
65 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
44 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
548 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 74 fatalities, 1,203 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
46 km |
4 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
52 km |
2 |
| Dec 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
72 km |
3 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
60 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
44 km |
21 |
| Feb 24, 1956 |
EF4 |
47 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
81 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
40 km |
1 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
60 km |
2 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SMITH MILL HOLLOW (3,978 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
SMITH MILL HOLLOW |
3,978 |
44 km |
| 2021 |
COUNCIL BLUFF |
3,035 |
58 km |
| 2024 |
COUNCIL BLUFF WEST RX |
2,846 |
58 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,751 |
54 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,688 |
48 km |
| 2010 |
COUNCIL BLUFF LAKE |
2,651 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
58 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,399 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
BEAR PAW |
2,080 |
55 km |
| 2024 |
BEAR PAW RX |
2,067 |
55 km |
| 2004 |
CICERO CREEK |
1,846 |
42 km |
| 2021 |
BERRYMAN BLOCK B AND C |
1,728 |
50 km |
| 2015 |
CARTY |
1,674 |
79 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,586 |
54 km |
| 2010 |
DELBRIDGE SOUTH |
1,574 |
54 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,552 |
55 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,483 |
55 km |
| 2020 |
MARCOOT |
1,456 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
HARMON SPRING RX |
1,330 |
48 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
Average costs for common services in De Soto. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
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 4.3 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 considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,857 per 100,000 (below 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. The homeownership rate is 58.9%.
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.