Median Income
$89,440
19% higher than US avg
Home Value
$117,600
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
45/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.2%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$590
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.6%
87% lower than US avg
How De Soto Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population497
Median Age57.2 yrs
Density428/mi²
Male / Female57% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans18.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$89,440
Per Capita$36,662
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty1.6%
County GDP$780M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$117,600
Rent$590
Ownership88.0%
Zillow$228,908
Housing Units307
Rent Burden21.7%
Crime
F
Violent45/100K
Property1,498/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking15.3%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation746 ft (227 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.2%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.81
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute36 min
Broadband94.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is De Soto a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, De Soto receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. De Soto offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in De Soto is $89,440, 19% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. 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 $117,600, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $590 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
De Soto is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,498 per 100,000, 24% below the national average.
Education
9.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
De Soto experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches, including 35.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
De Soto has a population of 497 with a density of 428 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 57.2 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.5% female and 56.5% male. The city is predominantly White (97.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 18.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.2yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in De Soto is $89,440, which is 19% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,662. The average weekly wage is $881, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 472 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $89,440 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,662 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $881 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,956 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.6% |
| 87% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 472 |
| County GDP | $780M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 63 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,042 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.6% |
| Public Transit | 1.4% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in De Soto is $117,600, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,908, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $590 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 307 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $3,042. 21.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $117,600 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $228,908 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $590 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.0% |
| Housing Units | 307 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,042 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.59% |
In De Soto, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,741. The dentist ratio is 1:2,792. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: De Soto vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,741 |
| Dentists | 1:2,792 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,519 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,990/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
De Soto has a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,498 per 100,000, 24% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, De Soto receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: De Soto vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 45.4/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,497.6/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
De Soto experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches. The area receives 35.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 746 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 746 ft (227 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 428/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4291°N, 91.1963°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Allamakee County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
353 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 166 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
97 km |
2 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
70 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 2012 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.7 in |
|
De Soto has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.1").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $688 |
| Toddler | $593 |
| Preschool | $593 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $452 |
| Toddler | $445 |
| Preschool | $445 |
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 497 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 428 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.5% female and 56.5% male.
Is De Soto expensive to live in?
De Soto is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $89,440, 19% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $117,600 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $590 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, 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 45 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,498 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 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches, with 35.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in De Soto?
The job market in De Soto is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $881. There are 472 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in De Soto?
The median home value in De Soto is $117,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,908. For renters, the median monthly rent is $590. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,042.
How are the schools in De Soto?
Schools in De Soto score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.2% of adults in De Soto hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is De Soto?
The obesity rate in De Soto is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,741.
What is transportation like in De Soto?
The average commute in De Soto is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.6% of workers drive alone to work, 1.4% use public transit, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of De Soto?
The racial and ethnic makeup of De Soto is 97.2% White. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 18.9% of the population are military veterans. 20.8% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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