# Living in DeSoto, TX: Realust Score 69

> Source: Realust (realust.com), data as of October 2026. Cite: https://realust.com/city/desoto/

URL: https://realust.com/city/desoto/
County: Dallas
Realust Score: 69/100 (B-, Above Average), tied for #73 of 84. Base 69 + price-tier bonus 0.
Category scores: Prosperity 66, Schools 71, Safety 64, Lifestyle 76, Market 78, Affordability 81, Commute 60, Growth 63
Median home price: $320K
Population: 56,211
Market momentum: Growing (home prices -1.4% over 1 year, +12.5% over 5 years)

DeSoto, TX is a south-of-Dallas suburb that appeals to renters and buyers who want a quieter, neighborhood-first feel while staying within easy reach of major job centers. Located near key routes like I-35E, I-20, and US-67, it works well for commuting across southern Dallas County and into Downtown Dallas. Housing is primarily single-family, with a range of established communities and newer options, plus apartments along main corridors—often making DeSoto a practical contender for people prioritizing space, parking, and a more residential pace. Lifestyle in DeSoto centers on everyday convenience and outdoor access rather than nightlife: parks, sports fields, and local recreation options support family routines and active weekends. You’re also close to bigger nature escapes like Cedar Hill State Park and Joe Pool Lake, which adds real value if you like trails, water, and quick day trips. Shopping and dining are easy to reach in surrounding areas, and the city continues to see gradual reinvestment and small-business growth. In side-by-side comparisons, DeSoto tends to stand out for commute flexibility, a calmer suburban environment, and solid “home base” livability at a typically more approachable price point than many north-side suburbs.

Strengths:
- Easy access to Dallas and other parts of the DFW metroplex
- Less traffic and noise than larger cities, offering a slower-paced lifestyle
- Good schools, parks, and quiet neighborhoods ideal for raising kids

Trade-offs:
- Fewer restaurants, bars, and cultural venues compared to Dallas or Irving
- Fewer shopping and healthcare options locally – Residents may need to drive to nearby cities for certain services
- Highways leading to Dallas can get busy during peak times

Data:
- Demographics / Population: Total Population 56,211; People per sq mile 2,598; 5-Year Growth +5.9%
- Demographics / Mobility & Migration: Moved Last Year 9.9%; Same Home 1+ Year 90.1%; From Out of State 0.9%; From Different County 2.4%
- Demographics / Age Distribution: Under 18 20.6%; 25-34 11.8%; 35-44 13.3%; 65+ 15.9%; Median Age 41.9 years
- Demographics / Households: Avg Household Size 2.7; Family Households 69.0%; Homeownership Rate 69.6%; With Kids 30.9%; Married 41.8%; Single Parent 9.0%; Living Alone 28.3%; Seniors Alone 10.1%
- Demographics / Education Level: High School+ 92.2%; Bachelor's+ 30.1%; Graduate Degree 12.8%
- Demographics / Connectivity & Remote Work: Broadband Access 93.7%; Have Computer 97.5%; Work From Home 15.6%
- Real Estate / Home Prices: Per Sq Ft $149; Starter Home $412,990; Median Price $320,428; Premium Home $674,950
- Real Estate / Home Price Trends: 1-Year Change -1.4%; 5-Year Change +12.5%
- Real Estate / Rent Trends: 1-Year Change -1.8%; 5-Year Change +30.9%
- Real Estate / Market Health: Active Listings 153; Median Days on Market 66; Under Contract 26.1%; Price Reduced 8%
- Real Estate / Market Insights: Cheaper to Rent $114/mo; Seller's market 2.8 mo; Rental Yield 6.2%; Income to Buy 3.9x; vs Region Avg -34%
- Real Estate / Fit Scores: Remote Work Fit 80; Family Fit 54; Investment 94
- Real Estate / Typical Home: Sq Ft 3,022; Beds 4; Baths 3.2; Lot Sq Ft 28,469; Year Built 2002; Garage 2.2-car
- Real Estate / Property Mix: Single Family 97.5%; Townhome 0%; Condo 0%
- Real Estate / Common Features: Pool 5.5%; Garage 96.5%; Single Story 30%; Fireplace 34.5%; Central Air 20.5%
- Real Estate / Costs & Ownership: Est. Monthly Payment $1,775; Median Rent $1,661; Avg HOA Fee $36/mo; Have HOA 11%
- Real Estate / Investment Indicators: Rental Vacancy 0.4%; New Construction 69.5%; Per Bedroom $126,605
- Lifestyle / Lifestyle Scores: Area Feel Dense Suburban; Family Friendly 5.3; Outdoor Activities 5.3; Nightlife 4.7; Health & Fitness 6; Diversity 8; Weather 6.7
- Lifestyle / Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles): Restaurants 40; Parks 60+; Gyms 41; Grocery 15; Coffee 47; Bars 36; Theaters 2; Daycares 60+; Hospitals 38; Pharmacies 60+; Dentists 60+; Libraries 1; Dog Parks 60+
- Lifestyle / Getting Around: Walk Score 20; Bike Score 26
- Lifestyle / Seasonal Temperatures (high / low): January 57° / 40°; April 74° / 56°; July 95° / 77°; October 78° / 59°
- Lifestyle / Annual Conditions: Sunny Days/Year 214; Rainy Days/Year 151; Annual Rainfall 52.1"
- Crime & Safety / Safety Overview: Safety Grade C+; Violent crime (per 1,000) 2.86; Property crime (per 1,000) 15.99
- Crime & Safety / Violent Crime (per 100,000): Assault 219.52; Robbery 56.65; Murder 3.56; Rape 47.8
- Crime & Safety / Property Crime (per 100,000): Burglary 175.26; Theft 1134.75; Vehicle Theft 332.81
- Job Market / Income: Median Household $82,782; Average Household $102,608; Per Capita $39,003
- Job Market / Employment: Unemployment Rate 8.9%; Job Growth (1 yr) +1.8%; Poverty Rate 7.6%
- Job Market / Income Distribution: $150k+ 19.9%; $100k-$150k 20.7%; $75k-$100k 14.6%; $50k-$75k 18.5%; $25k-$50k 14.8%; Under $25k 11.6%
- Education / School District: Primary district Desoto ISD; District Grade B; State Ranking Top 77%
- Education / Schools: Elementary 6; Middle 2; High School 2
- Education / Elementary Schools: Woodridge Elementary C (75); Cockrell Hill Elementary D (67)
- Education / Middle Schools: Desoto West Middle F (51)
- Education / High Schools: Desoto High School B (80)
- Education / Academic Info: Student-Teacher Ratio 18.3:1
- Education / Graduation Rates (Class of 2024): Graduation Rate 86.6%; Dropout Rate 11.1%
- Education / College Readiness (Class of 2023): Took SAT/ACT 100%; College Ready 4.3%; TSI Ready 8.9%
- Transportation / Mobility Scores: Walk Score 20; Bike Score 26
- Transportation / Commute: Avg Minutes 31; Drive Alone 74.3%; Carpool 8.0%; Work from Home 15.6%
- Transportation / Distance To: Downtown Dallas 16.4 mi; DFW Airport 28.4 mi; Love Field 21.8 mi
- Transportation / EV Charging: Public Stations 14; DC Fast Ports 17; Level 2 Ports 22
- Cost of Living / Cost Index (100 = National Average): Overall 100; Housing 113; Utilities 97; Groceries 100; Transportation 102; Healthcare 100
- Cost of Living / Monthly Utilities: Electric $142; Water $52; Gas $44; Internet $72
- Cost of Living / Everyday Costs: Monthly Groceries (Family of 4) $823; Gas Price (per gallon) $2.82
- Cost of Living / Taxes: Sales Tax Rate 8.3%; Property Tax Rate 2.2%

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