DeSoto County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Mississippi
The population of DeSoto County, Mississippi is 188,598 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $82,980, the median home value is $248,700, and the median age is 37.0.
The population of DeSoto County has grown 21.1% since 2010 (161,797 → 195,871), a +1.37% annualized rate.
188,598
Population
+1.37%
Annual growth
396
People / sq mi
$82,980
Median Income
$248,700
Median Home Value
DeSoto County covers 476 sq mi of land at 395.9 people per square mile.
About DeSoto County, MS
DeSoto County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 188,598. It ranks #3 among counties in Mississippi by population. The median age is 37.0, younger than the national median. The population is 48.3% male and 51.7% female.
The median household income in DeSoto County is $82,980, above the US median of $74,580. 7.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $248,700, with monthly rent averaging $1,341. The homeownership rate of 77.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in DeSoto County reflects 28.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.3 minutes each way.
DeSoto County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of DeSoto County had a population of 161,797 in 2010 and 195,871 in 2024, a 21.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 195,871 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.38%.
195,871
Population (2024)
161,797
Population (2010)
195,871
Peak (2024)
1.38%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 161,797 |
| 2011 | 164,133 |
| 2012 | 166,521 |
| 2013 | 168,502 |
| 2014 | 170,923 |
| 2015 | 173,470 |
| 2016 | 175,950 |
| 2017 | 179,265 |
| 2018 | 182,406 |
| 2019 | 185,385 |
| 2020 | 186,129 |
| 2021 | 188,957 |
| 2022 | 191,585 |
| 2023 | 193,961 |
| 2024 | 195,871 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 59.5% |
| Black or African American | 32.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.0
Median Age
51.7%
Female
48.3%
Male
13.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.3% · Seniors (65+): 13.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $82,980+$28,065 vs state |
| Mean household income | $98,245 |
| Per-capita income | $36,569 |
| Poverty rate | 7.9%-6.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in DeSoto County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.5%
Carpool
81.7%
Public transit
7.4%
Work from home
26.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$248,700+$87,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,341
Median rent
77.8%
Homeownership rate
74,066
Total housing units
93.6%
Occupied
6.4%
Vacant
22.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.7%
With health insurance
96.4%
With broadband internet
60.3%
Foreign-born
7.3%
Veterans (18+)
12.3%
With a disability
94.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.4%
High School+
28.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
DeSoto County, Mississippi has a population of 188,598 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 396 people per square mile.
The population of DeSoto County has grown 21.1% since 2010 (161,797 → 195,871), a +1.37% annualized rate.
The median household income in DeSoto County, Mississippi is $82,980, with mean (average) household income of $98,245 and per-capita income of $36,569. 7.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In DeSoto County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (59.5%), Black or African American (32.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in DeSoto County, Mississippi is 37.0 years. Residents are 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
The median home value in DeSoto County is $248,700 and median monthly rent is $1,341. 77.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 74,066 total housing units, 6.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in DeSoto County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with DeSoto County, Mississippi, with a population of 149,827.
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Statewide data for Mississippi
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Mississippi
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.