DeSoto County, Mississippi

Geography The county has a total area of 1,287 km² (497 mi²). 1,238 km² (478 mi²) of it is land and 49 km² (19 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 3.81% water.

Demographics As of 2000, there are 107,199 people, 38,792 households, and 30,102 families residing in the county. The population density is 87/km² (224/mi²). There are 40,795 housing units at an average density of 33 persons/km² (85 persons/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 85.78% White, 11.40% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.13% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. 2.35% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 38,792 households out of which 39.40% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.70% are married couples living together, 11.60% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 22.40% are non-families. 18.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.60% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.75 and the average family size is 3.11.

In the county the population is spread out with 28.20% under the age of 18, 8.20% from 18 to 24, 32.70% from 25 to 44, 22.10% from 45 to 64, and 8.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 98.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 95.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $48,206, and the median income for a family is $53,590. Males have a median income of $38,032 versus $26,474 for females. The per capita income for the county is $20,468. 7.10% of the population and 5.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 8.30% are under the age of 18 and 9.50% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Hernando
• Horn Lake
• Lynchburg
• Memphis
• Olive Branch
• Southaven