DeSoto County, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
191,301
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$85,297/yr
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
75,437
1.9% year-over-year change

Desoto County population

How many people live in Desoto County

Desoto County is home to 191,301 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.1% of Desoto County locals are male, and 51.9% are female.

Total population
191,301
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.1%
92,094
Female
51.9%
99,207
Value Percent YoY change
Male 92,094 48.1% 1.1%
Female 99,207 51.9% 1.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Desoto County is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.1% are children under 15, then 13.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.2% of the population, while another 25.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.1%
15 to 24
13.7%
25 to 44
27.2%
45 to 64
25.6%
Over 65
13.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 38,384 20.1% 0.4%
15 to 24 26,257 13.7% 1.8%
25 to 44 52,021 27.2% 1.7%
45 to 64 48,900 25.6% 1.1%
Over 65 25,739 13.4% 2.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Desoto County, 95.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 57.2% of locals are Caucasian, 32.6% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 182,107 95.2% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,297 2.8% -6.0%
Non-citizens 3,897 2% 1.9%
Racial breakdown
White
57.2%
Black or African American
32.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
3.3%
Value Percent
White 109,406 57.2%
Black or African American 62,459 32.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 466 0.2%
Asian 2,575 1.4%
Two or more races 10,011 5.2%
Other 6,384 3.3%

Households in Desoto County

A peek inside Desoto County households

Desoto County has 70,986 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.5% are families, while the remaining 26.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
70,986
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
18,834
Family households
52,152
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 18,834 26.5% 4.6%
Family households 52,152 73.5% 1.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Desoto County

The housing landscape of Desoto County

Desoto County's housing consists of 75,437 units, with 83.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
75,437
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 62,728 83.2%
1 unit, attached 942 1.2%
2 units 498 0.7%
3 or 4 units 1,898 2.5%
5 to 9 units 3,168 4.2%
10 to 19 units 1,481 2%
20 to 49 units 617 0.8%
50 or more units 1,096 1.4%
Mobile home 2,923 3.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 86 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
2,849
83.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Desoto County

In Desoto County, the median construction year is 1999. About 1.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 26.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 16.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 797 1.1% -18.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 411 0.5% -34.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,108 1.5% -5.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,405 5.8% -5.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6,852 9.1% -6.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 9,662 12.8% 3.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 16,678 22.1% -3.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 20,210 26.8% 3.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 12,465 16.5% 6.6%
Built in 2020 or later 2,849 3.8% 83.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Desoto County occupancy rates

Out of the 70,986 occupied housing units in Desoto County, 77.9% are owner-occupied, while 22.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
70,986
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15,708
Owner occupied
55,278
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15,708 22.1% 2.0%
Owner occupied 55,278 77.9% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
5.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Desoto County housing costs

Housing costs in Desoto County come to a median of $1,388 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,451.

Median housing costs per month
$1,388/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Desoto County
$1,451/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Desoto County

Desoto County education at a glance

About 36.9% of the population in Desoto County went to high school, while 23.3% pursued college studies. Another 11% earned an associate degree and 17.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,501 2.4% -2.7%
High school diploma 52,950 36.9% 2.4%
College diploma 33,420 23.3% -2.6%
Associate degree 15,725 11% 3.4%
Bachelor's degree 24,586 17.1% 3.4%
Graduate degree 13,229 9.2% 6.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Desoto County

How much people earn in Desoto County

The average annual household income in Desoto County was $101,760 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $85,297, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Desoto County
$101,760/year
3.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Desoto County
$85,297/year
2.8% year-over-year change

Desoto County income by age

In Desoto County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $88,716. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $103,401 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $53,382, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $60,365 in earnings. Overall, 90.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $53,382 -4.0%
25 - 44 $88,716 4.3%
45 - 64 $103,401 2.7%
Over 65 $60,365 3.0%
Above poverty level
169,859
Below poverty level
18,185
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 169,859 90.3% 1.8%
Below poverty level 18,185 9.7% -1.7%

Employment in Desoto County

Workforce and job types in Desoto County

The job market in Desoto County is powered by 96,783 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.9% run their own businesses, 69.2% are employed by private companies, and 13.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
96,783
2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
70,561
Blue collar
26,222
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 70,561 72.9% 2.9%
Blue collar 26,222 27.1% 1.5%
Employer type
Self employees
8.9%
Private companies
69.2%
Governmental workers
13.6%
Not for profit companies
8.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 8,577 8.9% 10.9%
Private companies 66,959 69.2% 0.8%
Governmental workers 13,202 13.6% 3.6%
Not for profit companies 8,045 8.3% 7.5%
Unemployment rate
3.2%
-12.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Desoto County stands at 3.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Desoto County

How people get around in Desoto County

Commuting methods vary: 90.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 86,288 90.4% 1.5%
Taxicab 96 0.1% 3,100.0%
Bus or trolleybus 47 0% -58.8%
Motorcycle 7 0% 0.0%
Walk 381 0.4% -11.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Desoto County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38611 16,537 6,307 $58,830 $77,514
38632 31,374 11,527 $93,583 $113,861
38637 26,647 10,072 $53,311 $69,606
38641 2,450 961 $96,208 $118,378
38651 8,731 3,290 $98,760 $113,356
38654 57,898 20,919 $103,092 $120,022
38671 37,319 14,532 $61,843 $77,665
38672 16,436 5,797 $116,184 $121,763
38680 6,839 2,715 $59,503 $88,307

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Desoto County demographics 

What is the total population of Desoto County?

Desoto County has a total population of 191,301 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Desoto County?

The gender ratio in Desoto County is as follows:
  • 48.1% males (92,094 residents)
  • 51.9% females (99,207 residents)

What is the median age in Desoto County?

The median age in Desoto County is 37.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Desoto County?

The age distribution in Desoto County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.1% (38,384 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.7% (26,257 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.2% (52,021 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.6% (48,900 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.4% (25,739 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Desoto County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Desoto County is as follows:
  • White: 57.2% (109,406 residents)
  • Black or African American: 32.6% (62,459 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (466 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (2,575 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.2% (10,011 residents)
  • Other: 3.3% (6,384 residents)

What percentage of the population in Desoto County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.2% of the population in Desoto County.

How many housing units are there in Desoto County?

There are 75,437 housing units in Desoto County, reflecting a +1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Desoto County and what is the average household size?

Desoto County has a total of 70,986 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Desoto County?

Desoto County has a median household income of $85,297, representing a +2.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Desoto County?

The employment rate is 96.8% in Desoto County, with a workforce of 96,783 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.9% (70,561 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.1% (26,222 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.9% (8,577 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.2% (66,959 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.6% (13,202 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.3% (8,045 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025