DeSoto County, Florida Demographics 2026

Population Overview

DeSoto County is located in Florida with a total population of 34,719. It is the 48th most populous county out of 67 in Florida.

Age Demographics

The median age in DeSoto County is 42.8 years. This is about average than the state median of 42.6 years. 10.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in DeSoto County is $50,868. This is 29% lower than the state median of $71,711. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 35% lower. The poverty rate stands at 23.1%. This is 83% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 8.6%. This is 79% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $151,500. Housing costs are 53% lower than the state median of $325,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 71.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% higher than the state average of 67.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in DeSoto County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 55.5% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 29.8%. The Asian population (0.0%) is well below the state average of 2.8%.

Education

11.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 67% lower than the state rate of 33.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 73.0%.