RANK #706 / 996 · POP 186,214 · MS
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.0%
DeSoto County, Mississippi, offers a blend of suburban living and natural beauty, often highlighted by locals for its proximity to Memphis, Tennessee, just a 25-35 minute commute away. The county seat, Hernando, features a historic courthouse square, while Olive Branch boasts an Old Towne district with shops and cafes. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with Arkabutla Lake in Hernando providing opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and hunting across 30,000 acres. Numerous parks throughout the county, like Olive Branch City Park and Southaven's Central Park, offer walking trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities. The community maintains a small-town feel despite its growth.
Life in DeSoto County appeals to families and young professionals seeking suburban amenities with access to a major metropolitan area. The public school system is highly rated, with Lewisburg High School ranking among the best in the state. Commute options include major interstates like I-55 and I-69, and a county-wide bus service is available. The economy is expanding, driven by sectors such as transportation, warehousing, and manufacturing, with a notable increase in data center investments. The area has seen growth in e-commerce and biomedical product distribution, benefiting from its access to major logistics hubs.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 5.8x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
xAI Data Center (MACROHARDRR)
xAI (Elon Musk)
|
$20,000M | Under Construction |
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center
Amazon
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Delta Landing Mixed-Use Community
Undisclosed (Seller offering concessions)
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Crosswinds Planned Unit Development
Undisclosed
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
DeSoto County has a Boom Town Index score of 29/100, ranking #706 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.2% and a median household income of $79,666, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in DeSoto County is $227,600 with median rent at $1,252/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.35, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.2%. Home values changed +1.0% in the past 12 months.