DeSoto vs Duncanville: which is better to live in?
DeSoto gets D overall and Duncanville gets D-. DeSoto comes out ahead on our index, though keep in mind each is graded against Texas places of its own size.
DeSoto wins on jobs and income, schools, safety, education levels, health, home ownership and internet access. Duncanville wins on errands and things to do and getting around.
DeSoto suits families and retirees better, while Duncanville suits young professionals and remote workers better.
Side by side
| DeSoto | Duncanville | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | D | D- |
| Population | 56,681 | 38,915 |
| Growth since 2020 | +1.0% | -4.4% |
| Median rent | $1,666 | $1,630 |
| Median home value | $319,400 | $255,500 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $2,191 | $1,723 |
| Median household income | $82,782 | $76,457 |
| Property tax per year | $5,316 | $3,893 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 283 | 260 |
| Property crime per 100k | 1,581 | 2,041 |
| Schools rated A or B | 55% | 14% |
| Average commute | 31 min | 26 min |
| Work from home | 17% | 12% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 30% | 25% |
| Median age | 41.9 years | 36.2 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 104 | 104 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Moderate | Moderate |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| DeSoto | Duncanville | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | C- (34) | C- (34) |
| Jobs and income | C (45) | D+ (32) |
| Schools | D- (14) | F (5) |
| Safety | C (45) | C- (32) |
| Errands and things to do | C+ (54) | A- (83) |
| Getting around | F (3) | D+ (28) |
| Education levels | C+ (49) | D (18) |
| Health | D+ (31) | D- (14) |
| Home ownership | B+ (78) | C+ (50) |
| Internet access | B- (59) | C+ (55) |
Cost of living
Duncanville is the cheaper of the two.
Median rent is about the same: $1,666 a month in DeSoto and $1,630 in Duncanville.
The median home is worth $319,400 in DeSoto and $255,500 in Duncanville. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $2,191 a month against $1,723, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.9 times income in DeSoto and 3.3 times in Duncanville.
Commute and location
Commutes average 31 minutes in DeSoto and 26 in Duncanville.
The two are about 4 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Duncanville has less violent crime. DeSoto reported 283 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Duncanville reported 260 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 55% of DeSoto's 11 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 14% of Duncanville's 14.
Common questions
Is DeSoto or Duncanville better to live in?
DeSoto grades higher overall (D vs D-). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is DeSoto cheaper than Duncanville?
No. Duncanville has lower typical rent and home prices.
Which is safer, DeSoto or Duncanville?
Duncanville, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.