DeSoto
Mississippi

What stands out

Three things set DeSoto County apart from the other 3,142 counties: home internet speed is in the top 2% of American counties (324 Mbps), rainfall is in the top 6% of American counties (56 inches a year), and natural-hazard risk is in the top 9% of American counties (91 of 100). Within Mississippi it ranks 4th of 82 counties for home internet speed.

Where you are

You live in DeSoto County, Mississippi. 186,214 people live here with you. The population grew 1.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,946).

Mississippi exempts all retirement income from its income tax, which is a flat 4% on income over $10,000 for 2026 and is scheduled to be eliminated over the coming decade. Home prices and overall cost of living are the lowest in the country. The state also ranks last or near last on health, income and school measures, and the Gulf coast carries hurricane exposure.

Money

The typical household here brings in $79,666 a year, higher than 87% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $45,687. Unemployment runs 3.2%, lower than 57% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

Mississippi takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,787 a year.

Home

The median home costs $303K, pricier than 70% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,155 a month. Property tax is 0.67% of home value, roughly $1,529 a year on that median home, lower than 69% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than 65% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 21 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 74.8 years, shorter than 62% of American counties. There are 192 active physicians in the county, about 10.3 per 10,000 people. 9.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.21 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 81% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 26 points. 58% of eligible voters turned out. Under Mississippi law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 63°F, highs near 73 and lows near 54, warmer than 78% of American counties. About 56 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 91 out of 100, riskier than 91% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 324 Mbps down, faster than 98% of American counties. There are 6 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.