DeSoto County is located in the northwestern corner of Mississippi and is home to a population of approximately 172,000 people. The majority of DeSoto County’s population are white (71%), followed by African American (22%), Hispanic or Latino (4%), Asian (2%) and American Indian or Alaskan Native (1%). The median age in the county is 38 years old. See top counties in Mississippi.
The median household income in DeSoto County is $65,895, which is higher than the national average. However, nearly 16% of the population live below the poverty line. The unemployment rate in the county stands at 4.4%, which is lower than the national average.
Education levels in DeSoto County are higher than the national average with 90% having earned at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Of those who have graduated from college or university, 25% have earned at least an Associate’s degree and 11% have earned at least a Bachelor’s degree.
Most residents of DeSoto County work in manufacturing-related jobs such as food processing, automotive and aerospace parts manufacturing, and metal fabrication. Other major industries include retail trade (11%), health care and social assistance (10%) and professional services such as legal services and accounting firms (7%).
DeSoto County has several parks for residents to enjoy including Hernando Point Park which features walking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds; Vaiden Park which offers volleyball courts; Luke Wood Park which has swimming beaches; Northwest Mississippi Community College Nature Trail which provides hiking trails; Southaven Towne Center Splash Pad which features water fountains; Horn Lake City Park where visitors can explore its wooded areas; Desoto Central Park where visitors can see its beautiful gardens; Turrell Arkabutla Lake Wildlife Management Area which offers fishing spots; Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge where visitors can see hundreds of species of birds; as well as many other parks throughout the county that provide recreational activities for all ages to enjoy.
History of DeSoto County, Mississippi
DeSoto County, Mississippi is located in the northwest corner of the state and is home to approximately 172,000 people. The county was established in 1836 and was named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto who explored much of the southeastern United States during his travels in 1539-1543.
The area that would become DeSoto County was first inhabited by the Chickasaw tribe who had settled there centuries before. During this time, the area was known as “Tunica Country” and was part of what became known as the Chickasaw Cession of 1832. After the Chickasaw ceded their lands to the United States government, settlers from other states began moving into Tunica Country and began establishing farms and plantations.
During this period, DeSoto County became a major center for cotton production due to its rich soil and mild climate. The county’s economy flourished during this time as it provided goods and services to nearby Memphis, Tennessee. By 1860, DeSoto County had become one of the wealthiest counties in Mississippi with an estimated population of over 13,000 people.
When the Civil War began in 1861, DeSoto County sided with the Confederacy but did not experience any battles on its soil due to its location away from major battlefields. After Reconstruction ended in 1877, white Democrats regained control of local government which led to increased racial segregation throughout DeSoto County until after World War II when civil rights gains were made throughout Mississippi.
Since then, DeSoto County has experienced a period of growth and economic development which has led to increased population levels as well as increased educational opportunities for residents. The county now boasts a higher median household income than average for both Mississippi and the nation overall along with a lower unemployment rate than average for both states as well. In addition to its growing economy, DeSoto County also offers residents plenty of recreational activities such as hiking trails at Hernando Point Park or fishing at Turrell Arkabutla Lake Wildlife Management Area among many other parks throughout the county that provide recreational activities for all ages to enjoy.
Major cities and towns in DeSoto County, Mississippi
DeSoto County, Mississippi is home to a number of cities and towns that provide residents with a variety of amenities and activities. The county seat is Hernando, which is the largest city in the county with an estimated population of 15,000 people. Hernando is home to the DeSoto County Courthouse as well as several other government buildings such as the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and the DeSoto County Tax Collector’s Office. The city also offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking trails at Hernando Point Park or fishing at Turrell Arkabutla Lake Wildlife Management Area.
Olive Branch is another popular city in DeSoto County with an estimated population of 33,000 people. Olive Branch offers a wide range of shopping and dining options as well as plenty of recreational activities such as golf courses, parks, and sports complexes. It also serves as home to several large employers including FedEx Corporation and Walmart Distribution Center.
Southaven is another major city in DeSoto County with an estimated population of 52,000 people. Southaven offers numerous attractions for visitors including Landers Center Arena which hosts concerts and sporting events from time to time. The city also features a variety of shopping centers, restaurants, movie theaters, and museums along with plenty of recreational activities such as golf courses and parks.
Other cities in DeSoto County include Horn Lake (population 18,000), Walls (population 1,400), Nesbit (population 1,200), Nodena (population 500), Lewisburg (population 434), and Cockrum (population 300). Each city provides its own unique attractions for visitors including historical sites such as Cockrum’s Civil War Battlefield or Lewisburg’s Old Town Square Park which features monuments dedicated to veterans from all branches of service.
In addition to these cities and towns are numerous unincorporated communities throughout DeSoto County such as Eudora (population 250) or Pleasant Hill (population 200). These small towns provide residents with access to services such as churches or grocery stores while still maintaining their rural charm by offering plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing or hunting on nearby public lands.
There are many cities and towns throughout DeSoto County that offer plenty for both visitors and residents alike. Whether you are looking for historical sites or outdoor recreation opportunities there is something here for everyone.
Population in DeSoto County, Mississippi
According to Iamaccepted, DeSoto County, Mississippi is located in the northwest corner of the state and is home to a population of over 170,000 people. It is one of the most diverse counties in the state, with nearly 40% of its population being African American and 22% Hispanic or Latino. The county has seen significant growth over the last decade due to an influx of people from other parts of the country looking for employment opportunities and a better quality of life.
The largest city in DeSoto County is Southaven, which has an estimated population of 52,000 people. Southaven serves as a major hub for business and industry in the region, with numerous shopping centers, restaurants, movie theaters, and museums located within its boundaries. Other large cities include Olive Branch (33,000), Horn Lake (18,000), Nesbit (1,200), Lewisburg (434), and Cockrum (300). The county also has many unincorporated areas such as Eudora (250) or Pleasant Hill (200).
The majority of DeSoto County’s population lives in urban areas such as Southaven or Olive Branch but there are still plenty of rural communities throughout the county that are home to farmers and ranchers who make their living off the land. These rural communities often have limited access to services such as grocery stores or churches but they do offer plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing or hunting on nearby public lands.
DeSoto County offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for employment opportunities or recreational activities there is something here for everyone. With its diverse population and variety of attractions, this county truly has something for everyone.