DeSoto County, Florida

History De Soto County was created in 1887. It was named for Hernando de Soto, Spanish explorer, whose name was also honored in Hernando County.

Geography The county has a total area of 1,656 km² (640 mi²). 1,651 km² (637 mi²) of it is land and 6 km² (2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.35% water.

Demographics As of 2000, there are 32,209 people, 10,746 households, and 7,672 families residing in the county. The population density is 20/km² (50/mi²). There are 13,608 housing units at an average density of 8 persons/km² (21 persons/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 73.33% White, 12.72% African American, 1.59% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 10.49% from other races, and 1.43% from two or more races. 24.90% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 10,746 households out of which 26.50% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.50% are married couples living together, 10.30% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 28.60% are non-families. 21.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.40% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.70 and the average family size is 3.00.

In the county the population is spread out with 22.70% under the age of 18, 11.20% from 18 to 24, 26.70% from 25 to 44, 20.50% from 45 to 64, and 19.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 128.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 134.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $30,714, and the median income for a family is $34,726. Males have a median income of $22,572 versus $20,004 for females. The per capita income for the county is $14,000. 23.60% of the population and 14.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 31.50% are under the age of 18 and 7.30% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Arcadia
• Southeast Arcadia