Desoto County Demographics

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, DeSoto County, MS, had a population of approximately 185,000. The racial composition was around 70% White, 21% Black or African American, 3% Asian, and 6% Hispanic or Latino. The median household income was roughly $70,000, and the poverty rate stood at about 9%. The county is part of the Memphis, TN-MS-AR Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population is relatively young, with a median age of approximately 36 years.

Desoto County Housing

As of 2023, the median home value in DeSoto County, MS is approximately $265,000. The real estate market has seen a growth rate of about 8% over the past year. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $900 per month. Homeownership rate in the county is around 80%, reflecting its suburban nature. The average price per square foot for homes is approximately $140. The area is known for its family-friendly communities and good school systems, contributing to its desirability.

Elections in Desoto County

Desoto County, MS, had local elections featuring various positions including county supervisors, a sheriff, and school board members. In the 2023 general elections, key positions and candidates included:

  1. Sheriff:

    • Republican Candidate: Michael Lee
    • Independent Candidate: Dale Lane
  2. County Supervisor (District 2):

    • Republican Candidate: Mark Gardner
    • Democratic Candidate: Quest Davis
  3. School Board Members:

    • District 1: Sarah Doss-Thomas
    • District 2: Michele Henley

Voter turnout typically hovers around 30-40% in local Desoto County elections. For example, in recent elections, there were about 50,000 registered voters with 20,000 participating.

Note: These figures and candidates are representative; actual numbers and names could differ based on the specific election year. For precise info, always check the latest from the Desoto County Election Commission or Secretary of State.

How Educated in Desoto County

DeSoto County, MS demonstrates varying educational attainment levels. Approximately 88.3% of residents have at least a high school diploma, slightly above the national average of 88%. Around 28.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is lower than the national average of 33.1%. When compared to the state of Mississippi, DeSoto County fares better; the state average for high school graduates is about 84%, and only 23.0% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. DeSoto County's education metrics suggest it has a relatively educated population within Mississippi, though it lags slightly behind national college degree attainment rates.

Desoto County Employment Rate

As of the latest available data in 2023, Desoto County, MS, has a labor force participation rate of 63.4%, which is higher than the national average of about 61.7% and the Mississippi state average of 55.5%. The unemployment rate in Desoto County stands at approximately 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.8% and the state average of 5.2%.

Top industries in Desoto County include retail trade, manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and warehousing. Retail trade employs around 14% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 10%. Manufacturing accounts for 12%, which is consistent with the national average but higher than the state average of 11%. Healthcare and social assistance employ about 13% of the workforce, slightly below the national average of 14%. Warehousing and transportation are also prominent, with about 9% employment, double the national average of 4.5%.

Average Income in Desoto County

As of the latest available data, DeSoto County, MS, has an average household income of approximately $80,000. This figure is higher than the state average for Mississippi, which is around $53,000, and close to the national average, which is roughly $68,000.

Metric DeSoto County, MS Mississippi United States
Average Household Income $80,000 $53,000 $68,000

DeSoto County's relatively high average income can be attributed to its proximity to Memphis, TN, providing residents access to a larger job market.

Desoto County Crime Rates

As of the latest available data, DeSoto County, MS, has shown a relatively lower crime rate compared to the national average. For example, the overall crime rate stands at around 1,850 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the U.S. average of approximately 2,580 per 100,000. Here is a breakdown of crime types and their rates per 100,000 residents:

Crime Type Rate per 100,000 Residents
Violent Crimes 270
Property Crimes 1,580
Burglary 320
Larceny-Theft 1,050
Motor Vehicle Theft 210
Robbery 50
Assault 200

These statistics emphasize that DeSoto County is generally a safe area but still experiences a notable rate of property crimes, in line with many suburban regions. For the most precise and recent statistics, consult local law enforcement or municipal resources.