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Is DeSoto a Good Place to Live? DeSoto, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
DeSoto ranks #884 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #370 of 524 smaller cities and #50 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (30.8 min, #435 of 524) and high unemployment (5.2%, #385 of 476).
DeSoto by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with DeSoto's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in DeSoto?
DeSoto's cost of living index is 103.1, 3% above the US level of 100 and #842 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,666/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $320,428, 7% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | DeSoto | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 103.1#842 of 1,308 | 97 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $320,428#433 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,130/mo#771 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $319,400#585 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,666/mo#847 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.2%#920 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
DeSoto housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. DeSoto is in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is DeSoto safe?
DeSoto recorded 283 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 24% below the US rate of 373 and 29% below Texas's 401. That ranks #528 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #235 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by DeSoto Police Department. Property crime runs 1,581 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | DeSoto | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 283#528 of 1,083 | 401 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,581#512 of 1,083 | 2,463 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in DeSoto?
The median household in DeSoto earns $82,782, 8% above the US figure of $76,827 and 13% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 5.2% (US 4.2%). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | DeSoto | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $82,782#567 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.2%#878 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.6%#292 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +1.7% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in DeSoto?
The median resident of DeSoto is 41.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #787 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | DeSoto | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 41.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 30.1%#787 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 69.6% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are DeSoto's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for DeSoto; its public schools have 15.7 students per teacher and spend $13,389 per pupil. 40.1% of adults are obese and 15.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | DeSoto | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.7#584 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,389#780 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 40.1%#1125 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 15.2%#1173 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 14%#1023 of 1,311 | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 5,978 students are enrolled in DeSoto's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in DeSoto?
The average commute in DeSoto is 30.8 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.3% of workers take transit and 17% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index DeSoto scores 10.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #665 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 84.3°F and winters 49.3°F, with 37.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | DeSoto | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 30.8 min#1154 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 10.9%#1106 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.8% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.4% | 1.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 17% | 11% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10.3#665 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57.4 | 37.8 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 61.5 | 41.1 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 69 | 48.3 | 3.6 |
| Apr | 76.2 | 55.2 | 3.7 |
| May | 83.6 | 64.2 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 91.4 | 72 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 95.9 | 75.4 | 1.9 |
| Aug | 96.4 | 75 | 1.8 |
| Sep | 89.3 | 68.2 | 3 |
| Oct | 78.8 | 57.5 | 4.5 |
| Nov | 67.3 | 47.1 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 58.8 | 39.3 | 3.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dallas Redbird Airport.
| Measure | DeSoto | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 66.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 84.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 49.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 37.7 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dallas Redbird Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in DeSoto?
Dallas County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 41% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dallas County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 58% of US counties.
| Measure | DeSoto | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#567 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Dallas County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Dallas County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.029% | 97% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.02% | 86% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.073% | 39% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does DeSoto compare with similar-size cities?
DeSoto is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #370 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 56,211.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeSoto, TXPop. 56,211 | #884 | 52.0 | $82,782 | $1,666/mo | 283 | 30.8 min |
| Coeur d'Alene, IDPop. 56,447 | #408 | 59.9 | $72,338 | $1,468/mo | 235 | 18.1 min |
| New Brunswick, NJPop. 56,345 | #914 | 51.5 | $65,810 | $1,814/mo | 504 | 23.3 min |
| Kingsport, TNPop. 56,262 | #927 | 51.3 | $52,490 | $907/mo | 572 | 19.1 min |
| Fountain Valley, CAPop. 56,258 | #450 | 59.0 | $115,237 | $2,631/mo | 176 | 26 min |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #640 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 | 24 min |
| Bozeman, MTPop. 56,114 | #210 | 64.2 | $85,747 | $1,717/mo | 397 | 15.5 min |
| Tigard, ORPop. 56,011 | #352 | 60.9 | $108,823 | $1,782/mo | 256 | 22.9 min |
| Olympia, WAPop. 55,951 | #497 | 58.1 | $81,302 | $1,599/mo | 475 | 20 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does DeSoto compare with the rest of Texas?
DeSoto ranks #50 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 52 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 13% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 29% below the statewide rate. Homes are 7% above the typical Texas home.
| City | Rank in TX | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #1 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #2 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #3 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #4 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #5 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year |
| Round Rock, TXPop. 127,786 | #6 | 64.9 | $99,287 | $1,763/mo | 125 |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #7 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #8 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #9 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #10 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | … #46 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #47 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 |
| Texas City, TXPop. 55,364 | #48 | 52.3 | $68,776 | $1,307/mo | 249 |
| Abilene, TXPop. 128,053 | #49 | 52.0 | $62,648 | $1,157/mo | 457 |
| DeSoto, TXPop. 56,211 | #50 | 52.0 | $82,782 | $1,666/mo | 283 |
| San Marcos, TXPop. 70,897 | #51 | 51.4 | $51,281 | $1,322/mo | 422 |
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #52 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 |
| Longview, TXPop. 82,923 | #53 | 51.1 | $63,340 | $1,101/mo | 346 |
| Dallas, TXPop. 1,307,930 | #54 | 50.7 | $70,518 | $1,472/mo | 577 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of DeSoto among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is DeSoto's score calculated?
DeSoto scores 52 out of 100, #884 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Texas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in DeSoto. Similar-size median 55.5.
49.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by DeSoto's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
77.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in DeSoto. Similar-size median 58.9.
39.2 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in DeSoto's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
46.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
DeSoto's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
62.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in DeSoto. Similar-size median 56.1.
62.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in DeSoto. Similar-size median 42.4.
34.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in DeSoto. Similar-size median 50.0.
42.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across DeSoto's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
48.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
45.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: DeSoto's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories DeSoto has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in DeSoto
Is DeSoto, TX a good place to live?
DeSoto ranks #884 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #370 of 524 smaller cities and #50 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (30.8 min, #435 of 524) and high unemployment (5.2%, #385 of 476).
What is the cost of living in DeSoto?
DeSoto's cost of living index is 103.1, 3% above the US level of 100 and #842 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,666/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $320,428, 7% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in DeSoto?
DeSoto recorded 283 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 24% below the US rate of 373 and 29% below Texas's 401. That ranks #528 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #235 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by DeSoto Police Department. Property crime runs 1,581 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in DeSoto?
The median household in DeSoto earns $82,782, 8% above the US figure of $76,827 and 13% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 5.2% (US 4.2%). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in DeSoto?
Median rent in DeSoto is $1,666/mo (Census), #847 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,130/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in DeSoto?
Zillow's typical home value in DeSoto is $320,428, down 1.4% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $319,400.
How are the public schools in DeSoto?
There is no city graduation rate for DeSoto; its public schools have 15.7 students per teacher and spend $13,389 per pupil.
How long is the commute in DeSoto?
The average commute is 30.8 minutes, #1154 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 10.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in DeSoto?
DeSoto averages 66.9°F over the year, 84.3°F in summer and 49.3°F in winter, with 37.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is DeSoto walkable?
DeSoto scores 10.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #665 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is DeSoto at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dallas County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 58% of US counties.
How is the air quality in DeSoto?
Dallas County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 41% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in DeSoto?
DeSoto has 56,211 residents. The median resident of DeSoto is 41.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #787 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does DeSoto compare with the rest of Texas?
DeSoto ranks #50 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 52 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 13% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 29% below the statewide rate. Homes are 7% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to DeSoto?
The tracked cities in other states closest to DeSoto's population of 56,211 are Coeur d'Alene, ID (#408 overall), New Brunswick, NJ (#914 overall), Kingsport, TN (#927 overall), Fountain Valley, CA (#450 overall), and Southaven, MS (#640 overall). DeSoto is #884.