DeSoto County, Florida Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 48th-largest in Florida
The population of DeSoto County, Florida is 34,719 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 48th-largest county in Florida. The median household income is $50,868, the median home value is $151,500, and the median age is 42.8.
The population of DeSoto County has grown 5.2% since 2010 (34,935 → 36,744), a +0.36% annualized rate.
34,719
Population
+0.36%
Annual growth
55
People / sq mi
$50,868
Median Income
$151,500
Median Home Value
DeSoto County covers 637 sq mi of land at 54.5 people per square mile.
About DeSoto County, FL
Educational attainment is the headline number in DeSoto County: 11.0% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. DeSoto County is a county in Florida with a population of 34,719. It ranks #48 among counties in Florida by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $50,868, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 17.8%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $151,500, with typical rent around $910.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 11.0%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.8%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
DeSoto County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of DeSoto County had a population of 34,935 in 2010 and 36,744 in 2024, a 5.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 37,821 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 0.41%.
36,744
Population (2024)
34,935
Population (2010)
37,821
Peak (2019)
0.41%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 34,935 |
| 2011 | 34,847 |
| 2012 | 35,003 |
| 2013 | 34,903 |
| 2014 | 35,333 |
| 2015 | 35,644 |
| 2016 | 36,228 |
| 2017 | 37,159 |
| 2018 | 37,128 |
| 2019 | 37,821 |
| 2020 | 34,089 |
| 2021 | 34,341 |
| 2022 | 35,483 |
| 2023 | 36,274 |
| 2024 | 36,744 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 67.7% |
| Black or African American | 12.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.8
Median Age
45.0%
Female
55.0%
Male
23.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.4% · Seniors (65+): 23.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,868$-20,843 vs state |
| Mean household income | $63,257 |
| Per-capita income | $24,462 |
| Poverty rate | 17.8%+8.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 43.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in DeSoto County is construction, accounting for 17.1% of workers.
How residents commute
1.5%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
68.2%
Public transit
5.8%
Work from home
29.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$151,500$-173,500 vs state
Median home value
$910
Median rent
71.3%
Homeownership rate
15,713
Total housing units
80.5%
Occupied
19.5%
Vacant
28.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
81.2%
With health insurance
92.4%
With broadband internet
36.9%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
20.5%
With a disability
79.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
73.0%
High School+
11.0%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
DeSoto County, Florida has a population of 34,719 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 48th-largest county in Florida. Population density is 55 people per square mile.
The population of DeSoto County has grown 5.2% since 2010 (34,935 → 36,744), a +0.36% annualized rate.
The median household income in DeSoto County, Florida is $50,868, with mean (average) household income of $63,257 and per-capita income of $24,462. 17.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In DeSoto County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (67.7%), Black or African American (12.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in DeSoto County, Florida is 42.8 years. Residents are 45.0% female and 55.0% male.
The median home value in DeSoto County is $151,500 and median monthly rent is $910. 71.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,713 total housing units, 19.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in DeSoto County, Florida is construction, employing 17.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.
Jacksonville is among the largest cities associated with DeSoto County, Florida, with a population of 961,739.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.