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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 60.3% of the population. DeSoto County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 188,598. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Mississippi in the country, at #3 by population.
Median household income is $82,980, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.9%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $248,700, with typical rent around $1,341.
About 28.3% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.4%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in DeSoto County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
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.