District 1
RANK #450 / 996 NAT · #14 / 15 MS · POP 186,214
1YR FORECAST: +0.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +25%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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 scores 54/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#450). Median household income is $79,666 and job growth is running at +2.2%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in DeSoto County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $227,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.35, with rents averaging $1,252/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
DeSoto County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.6% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.2% clip. Home values shifted +1.0% in the past year.
Not particularly — 1.64% of DeSoto County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.