City in Dallas County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro

Living in DeSoto, TX

D

62nd of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 23 of 100
143rd of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

We give DeSoto a D. It ranks 62nd of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on home ownership and internet access, and trails on getting around and schools.

  • Schools scores low (14 of 100)
  • Getting around scores low (3 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where DeSoto isHoustonSan AntonioAustinDeSoto
Where DeSoto is in Texas.
Population
56,681+1.0% since 2020
Median rent
$1,66619% higher than Texas
Median home value
$319,40013% higher than Texas
Household income
$82,782Median
Average commute
31 minOne way
Violent crime
283Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in DeSoto

DeSoto sits about 15 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 56,681 people lived here in 2025, up 1.0% from 2020. It is suburban.

Places locals use include Grimes Park, Elerson Park and Moseley Park.

The median age is 41.9, 31% of households have children, 70% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $82,782 a year (5% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in DeSoto

No clear standouts in our data.

Cons of living in DeSoto

  • Weaker school ratings. Only 55% of the 11 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
  • Higher rent. Median rent is $1,666, 19% higher than the Texas median.
  • Higher unemployment. 8.9% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
  • Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 31 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of heat waves and hail as very high here.

Who DeSoto suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 55% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 27% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 38% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 5% higher than the Texas median, with 145 restaurants and 10 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 14% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 27% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 35% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 94% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,666 is 19% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 38% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,666 is 19% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 5% for people on a budget.

DeSoto report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare DeSoto with other US cities of 50,000+ people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

  • Cost of living: grade C-

    Median rent $1,666, homes cost 3.9x income.

    34 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade C

    Median household income $82,782, 8.9% unemployed.

    45 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade D-

    11 rated campuses, 55% rated A or B.

    14 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade C

    283 violent crimes per 100k, 1,581 property crimes per 100k.

    45 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade C+

    8 grocery stores, 145 restaurants, 20 parks mapped in town.

    54 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade F

    Average commute 31 min, 17% work from home.

    3 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade C+

    30% have a bachelor’s degree.

    49 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade D+

    14% of adults uninsured.

    31 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade B+

    70% of homes owner-occupied.

    78 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade B-

    94% of homes have broadband.

    59 of 100 vs US cities

Where DeSoto stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 70%7 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • People below the poverty line: 7.6%6 points lower than Texas (14%)
  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 14%6 points lower than Texas (20%)

Worse than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 70%18 points higher than Texas (52%)
  • Median rent: $1,66619% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 31 min15% higher than Texas (27 min)

Cost of living in DeSoto

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in DeSoto is $1,666 a month, 19% higher than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $67,000 a year. Right now 70% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,536 for a one-bedroom, $1,807 for a two-bedroom and $2,275 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $319,400, 13% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,748 before tax, or $2,191 with property tax. That is $525 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in DeSoto pays $5,316 a year, 26% higher than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for DeSoto

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in DeSotoStudio$1,4911 bedroom$1,5362 bedrooms$1,8073 bedrooms$2,2754 bedrooms$2,892
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Dallas, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent19% higher than Texas$1,666$1,403$1,413
Median home value13% higher than Texas$319,400$283,800$332,700
Home value to income7% higher than Texas3.9x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent18 points higher than Texas70%52%51%
Median property tax per year26% higher than Texas$5,316$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them7 points higher than Texas70%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199319921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$2,191
Mortgage payment
$1,748
Property tax
$443
Median rent, for comparison
$1,666

Based on a $319,400 home in DeSoto, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is DeSoto safe?

In 2025, DeSoto Police Department reported 161 violent crimes and 899 property crimes. That works out to 283 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 27% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,581 property crimes per 100,000, 24% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 11% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in DeSoto by yearTexas28320212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
283
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,581
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in DeSoto by yearTexas1,58120212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, DeSoto Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in DeSoto

DeSoto has 11 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 55% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Desoto ISD, International Leadership of Texas (Iltexas) and Uplift Education.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
14
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
76
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • BAmber Terrace Early Childhood Learning CenterOther, Desoto ISD87 of 100
  • BKatherine Johnson Technology Magnet AcademyOther, Desoto ISD87 of 100
  • BIltexas Lancaster Desoto High SchoolHigh, International Leadership of Texas (Iltexas)85 of 100
  • BRuby Young Talented and Gifted AcademyOther, Desoto ISD81 of 100
  • BUplift Gradus Prep PsElementary, Uplift Education81 of 100

Best neighborhoods in DeSoto

We grade 9 areas inside DeSoto. The top three are The Creeks at Windmill Hill (C+), Southwest DeSoto (C+) and West DeSoto (C). If price matters most, The Creeks at Windmill Hill has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $2,260 a month. West DeSoto is the priciest, at $3,150. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank DeSoto neighborhoods your way

    What matters to you?

    Move a slider and the list re-ranks right away.

    Most
    A lot
    Most
    A lot
    A lot
    A lot
    Some
    A lot
    Some
    A little

    The grade is our overall grade. Fit shows how well each one matches your sliders, from 0 to 100, against the others in this list.

    9 DeSoto neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1C+Southwest DeSoto4,989 people, median rent $3,050, home $372,000100fit
    2. 2C+The Creeks at Windmill Hill2,281 people, median rent $2,260, home $397,00088fit
    3. 3CWest DeSoto3,334 people, median rent $3,150, home $405,00075fit
    4. 4D+Southeast DeSoto8,839 people, median rent $2,070, home $217,00063fit
    5. 5D+South DeSoto6,712 people, median rent $1,790, home $292,00050fit
    6. 6DNorthwest DeSoto2,073 people, median rent $1,460, home $420,00038fit
    7. 7D-East DeSoto4,632 people, median rent $1,550, home $258,00025fit
    8. 8D-Central DeSoto22,418 people, median rent $1,710, home $325,00013fit
    9. 9FNorth DeSoto621 people, median rent $1,2000fit
    All 9 DeSoto neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in DeSoto

    Everyday places mapped inside DeSoto, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Grimes Park, Elerson Park, Moseley Park.

    The average one-way commute is 31 minutes, 15% longer than the Texas average. 17% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

    Downtown Dallas is about 15 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in DeSoto work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $82,782, income per person is $39,003, unemployment is 8.9% and 30% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    8
    Pharmacies
    8
    Restaurants
    145
    Cafes
    10
    Bars
    14
    Parks
    20
    Gyms
    20
    Hospitals and urgent care
    13
    Childcare
    21
    Libraries
    1

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income5% higher than Texas$82,782$78,476$80,734
    Income per person4% lower than Texas$39,003$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate4 points higher than Texas8.9%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line6 points lower than Texas7.6%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher4 points lower than Texas30%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher6 points higher than Texas92%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance6 points lower than Texas14%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet2 points higher than Texas94%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute15% higher than Texas31 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home3 points higher than Texas17%14%15%
    Workers who work from home17%
    Workers who take transit0.3%
    Workers who walk0.4%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in DeSoto

    Under 1821%
    18 to 3420%
    35 to 6443%
    65 and over16%

    Median age 41.9 years. 31% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White8.6%
    Hispanic or Latino19%
    Black67%
    Asian0.9%
    Other or more than one race4.5%

    Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

    Weather in DeSoto

    DeSoto has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 38°F. There are about 104 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 38 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in DeSoto30°50°70°90°57J62F69M76A84M91J96J96A89S79O67N59DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Dallas Redbird Ap, 5 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is moderate, hurricane risk is low, tornado risk is high and hail risk is very high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

    • River floodingModerate
    • HurricanesLow
    • TornadoesHigh
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • WildfiresHigh
    • Winter stormsModerate
    • Strong windLow

    Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

    Places near DeSoto

    Nearby, Duncanville gets a D-, Glenn Heights gets a D- and Ovilla gets an A-. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. D-DuncanvilleSmall city, 39,683 people4 mi
    2. D-Glenn HeightsSmall city, 18,096 people5 mi
    3. A-OvillaTown, 4,375 people5 mi
    4. FLancasterSmall city, 40,820 people6 mi
    5. D+Cedar HillSmall city, 48,879 people6 mi
    6. A+Oak LeafTown, 1,827 people7 mi

    DeSoto in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

    How it ranks among 181 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+Flower Mound78,389 people26 mito downtown
    2. 2A+Trophy Club13,733 people29 mito downtown
    3. 3A+University Park25,155 people4 mito downtown
    4. 140D+Western Lake1,165 people62 mito downtown
    5. 141D+Venus6,745 people30 mito downtown
    6. 142D+Seagoville19,352 people16 mito downtown
    7. 143DDeSoto56,211 people15 mito downtown
    8. 144DCockrell Hill3,703 people8 mito downtown
    9. 145DItaly2,372 people43 mito downtown
    10. 146DArlington397,742 people22 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

    Living in DeSoto: common questions

    Is DeSoto, TX a good place to live?

    We give DeSoto a D. It ranks 62nd of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on home ownership and internet access, and trails on getting around and schools.

    How much does it cost to live in DeSoto?

    Median rent in DeSoto is $1,666 a month, 19% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $319,400, 13% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.9x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $2,191, including property tax.

    Is DeSoto safe?

    In 2025, DeSoto Police Department reported 283 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 27% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,581 per 100,000, 24% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in DeSoto?

    We found 11 rated public school campuses inside DeSoto. 55% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 14 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in DeSoto?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in DeSoto are The Creeks at Windmill Hill, Southwest DeSoto and West DeSoto. We score 9 areas in the city.

    Does DeSoto flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in DeSoto as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, heat waves, hail and wildfires. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in DeSoto?

    Summers in DeSoto peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 38°F. Expect around 104 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 38 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in DeSoto?

    The average one-way commute is 31 min, 15% higher than the Texas average. About 17% of workers work from home. It is about 15 miles from downtown Dallas.

    Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.