Median Income
$35,714
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
587/100K
55% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.8%
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.6%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
38.5%
210% higher than US avg
How De Soto Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population112
Median Age32.8 yrs
Density30/mi²
Male / Female34% / 66%
Largest GroupWhite 62%
Veterans87.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$35,714
Per Capita$17,335
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty38.5%
County GDP$906M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$101,969
Housing Units172
Rent Burden40.8%
Crime
F
Violent587/100K
Property4,898/100K
Health
Obesity43.6%
Uninsured15.3%
Smoking23.5%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain60.1 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation239 ft (73 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.8%
High School+88.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.24
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Broadband48.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries2
Is De Soto a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, De Soto receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. De Soto faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in De Soto is $35,714, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 38.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 587 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,898 per 100,000, 150% above the national average.
Education
13.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
De Soto enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 60.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
De Soto has a population of 112 with a density of 30 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age is 32.8 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 66.1% female and 33.9% male. The city is predominantly White (61.6%), with 38.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 87.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 61.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.8yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in De Soto is $35,714, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,335 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $834, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 38.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 393 business establishments, including 32 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,714 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,335 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $834 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,929 |
| Gini Index | 0.505 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 38.5% |
| 210% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 393 |
| County GDP | $906M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,371 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $101,969. Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 172 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $2,371 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 40.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 172 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,371 |
| 32% below US avg |
In De Soto, 43.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 46.6% have high blood pressure. 23.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.3% report binge drinking. 41.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.2% experience frequent mental distress. 15.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,285. The dentist ratio is 1:6,560. 41.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: De Soto vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.6% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 46.6% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 10.8% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 5.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.5% |
| 68% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.0% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 22.2% |
| Physical Distress | 18.2% |
| Short Sleep | 42.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 61.0% |
| Uninsured | 15.3% |
| 78% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,285 |
| Dentists | 1:6,560 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,516 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.6% |
| Dental Visits | 5.9% |
| Premature Death | 15,308/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
De Soto has a violent crime rate of 587 per 100,000 residents, 55% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,898 per 100,000, 150% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, De Soto receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: De Soto vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 587.2/100K |
| 55% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,898.1/100K |
| 150% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
De Soto enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 313 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 60.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 239 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 65.2°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 239 ft (73 m) |
| Area | 3.8 sq mi (9.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 30/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.9668°N, 88.7239°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wayne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hattiesburg/Laurel Regional (PIB)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
60.1"
58% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.54"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 25.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
31 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jul 16, 1993 |
2 km SSW of Silas, Alabama |
M3.7 |
44 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
12 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.5 |
130 km |
| Mar 25, 1996 |
11 km NNE of Quitman, Mississippi |
M3.5 |
19 km |
| Jun 24, 1998 |
11 km W of Demopolis, Alabama |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
9 km NNE of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
64 km |
| Sep 30, 2003 |
10 km NNW of Atmore, Alabama |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
7 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
143 km |
| Jun 29, 2015 |
6 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
143 km |
| Mar 12, 2015 |
14 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| May 16, 2008 |
10 km W of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.1 |
54 km |
| Feb 27, 2015 |
11 km WSW of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| May 21, 2002 |
7 km ESE of York, Alabama |
M3.0 |
72 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
5 km NNE of Magee, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
92 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Sep 25, 2003 |
14 km N of Atmore, Alabama |
M2.9 |
146 km |
| May 7, 1998 |
9 km SSE of Bellamy, Alabama |
M2.8 |
73 km |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
Mississippi |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Feb 19, 2015 |
14 km W of Union, Alabama |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| Aug 13, 2015 |
9 km WSW of Union, Alabama |
M2.7 |
128 km |
| Feb 19, 2015 |
13 km W of Union, Alabama |
M2.7 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
12 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Ida (2021, Cat 3).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
249 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
181 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 2 |
65 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
176 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 3 |
187 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
64 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
116 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
153 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
191 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
210 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
191 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
174 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
676 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 52 fatalities, 1,070 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
99 km |
3 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
74 km |
7 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 1987 |
EF4 |
72 km |
6 |
| Mar 12, 1986 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| May 1, 1953 |
EF4 |
45 km |
2 |
| Jun 18, 2023 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Nov 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2013 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Oct 17, 2012 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
7 |
| Apr 15, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
4 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (6,712 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
6,712 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,819 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,657 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
369 D |
5,362 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,062 |
47 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,999 |
52 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,991 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
CHICKASAWHAY - CPT 398 399 |
4,697 |
47 km |
| 2014 |
BIEN 75-78 |
4,658 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
BIENVILLE - CPT 38-39-40 |
4,545 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,500 |
42 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,281 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,245 |
52 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,189 |
54 km |
| 2010 |
CPT 341 |
4,101 |
48 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,097 |
59 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,007 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,956 |
53 km |
| 2022 |
RANGE 40 |
3,918 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,836 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
5.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
6.5 in |
Wettest |
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
78°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
49°F (9°C) |
5.8 in |
|
De Soto has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 48°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.8 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.5") and October the driest (3.0").
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) |
$218 ($131–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$305 ($174–$479) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$305) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,914 ($696–$4,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$218 ($131–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($44–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$522 ($348–$870) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$305) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$131) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($44–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($131–$696) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,090 ($3,480–$10,440) |
| Roof Repair |
$870 ($348–$1,740) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,830 ($4,785–$13,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,305 ($435–$3,045) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,050 ($4,350–$26,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,350 ($1,740–$8,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,305 ($696–$2,610) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$870) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,175 ($870–$4,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$131 ($65–$218) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.57 ($2.61–$4.79) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.05 ($2.18–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.31 ($2.18–$4.79) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.92 ($2.61–$5.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.79 ($3.48–$6.53) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.57) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$218) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$131) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($44–$131) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,740 ($1,044–$3,045) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.96–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$218) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,044 ($522–$2,175) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$870 ($435–$1,740) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$609) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$870 ($348–$2,175) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,875 ($4,350–$26,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($44–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $514 |
| Toddler | $468 |
| Preschool | $468 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About De Soto
What is the population of De Soto?
De Soto has a population of 112 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 30 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 66.1% female and 33.9% male.
Is De Soto expensive to live in?
De Soto is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $35,714, 52% below the national average of $75,149.
Is De Soto safe?
The violent crime rate in De Soto is 587 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,898 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 60.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in De Soto?
The job market in De Soto is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $834. There are 393 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in De Soto?
Schools in De Soto have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.8% of adults in De Soto hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is De Soto?
The obesity rate in De Soto is 43.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.5% of adults are smokers. 41.0% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 15.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 41.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,285.
What are the demographics of De Soto?
The racial and ethnic makeup of De Soto is 61.6% White, 38.4% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 87.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.6% of residents have a disability. 61.0% have health insurance coverage.
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