DeSoto vs Lancaster: which is better to live in?
DeSoto gets D overall and Lancaster gets F. DeSoto comes out ahead on our index, though keep in mind each is graded against Texas places of its own size.
DeSoto wins on cost of living, jobs and income, safety, errands and things to do, education levels, health, home ownership and internet access. Lancaster wins on schools and getting around.
DeSoto is the better pick for families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers.
Side by side
| DeSoto | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | D | F |
| Population | 56,681 | 40,526 |
| Growth since 2020 | +1.0% | -1.8% |
| Median rent | $1,666 | $1,704 |
| Median home value | $319,400 | $246,300 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $2,191 | $1,671 |
| Median household income | $82,782 | $68,302 |
| Property tax per year | $5,316 | $3,869 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 283 | 345 |
| Property crime per 100k | 1,581 | 2,099 |
| Schools rated A or B | 55% | 42% |
| Average commute | 31 min | 29 min |
| Work from home | 17% | 8.9% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 30% | 25% |
| Median age | 41.9 years | 35.7 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 104 | 106 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Moderate | Moderate |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| DeSoto | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | C- (34) | D+ (24) |
| Jobs and income | C (45) | D (21) |
| Schools | D- (14) | D (21) |
| Safety | C (45) | D (23) |
| Errands and things to do | C+ (54) | D+ (29) |
| Getting around | F (3) | F (8) |
| Education levels | C+ (49) | D (23) |
| Health | D+ (31) | D- (11) |
| Home ownership | B+ (78) | B- (62) |
| Internet access | B- (59) | C- (34) |
Cost of living
Lancaster is the cheaper of the two.
Median rent is about the same: $1,666 a month in DeSoto and $1,704 in Lancaster.
The median home is worth $319,400 in DeSoto and $246,300 in Lancaster. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $2,191 a month against $1,671, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.9 times income in DeSoto and 3.6 times in Lancaster.
Commute and location
Commutes average 31 minutes in DeSoto and 29 in Lancaster.
The two are about 6 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
DeSoto has less violent crime. DeSoto reported 283 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Lancaster reported 345 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 55% of DeSoto's 11 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 42% of Lancaster's 12.
Common questions
Is DeSoto or Lancaster better to live in?
DeSoto grades higher overall (D vs F). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is DeSoto cheaper than Lancaster?
No. Lancaster has lower typical rent and home prices.
Which is safer, DeSoto or Lancaster?
DeSoto, 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.