DeSoto County, Mississippi Demographics 2026

Population Overview

DeSoto County is located in Mississippi with a total population of 188,598. It is the 3rd most populous county out of 82 in Mississippi.

Age Demographics

The median age in DeSoto County is 37.0 years. This is 4% lower than the state median of 38.4 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in DeSoto County is $82,980. This is 51% higher than the state median of $54,915. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 6% higher. The poverty rate stands at 10.0%. This is 48% lower than the state poverty rate of 19.1%. The unemployment rate is 3.7%. This is 38% lower than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $248,700. Housing costs are 54% higher than the state median of $161,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 77.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 69.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in DeSoto County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 58.0% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 31.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (5.6% vs 3.6%).

Education

28.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 17% higher than the state rate of 24.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.4%.