De Soto, IL
Population 1,701 · Illinois
About De Soto, IL
De Soto is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,701 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,131 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in De Soto features a median home value of $88,800, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes De Soto one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $749, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 812 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (334 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (407 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in De Soto shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in De Soto have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.4% of De Soto residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in De Soto, IL
Compared to national averages, De Soto has a median household income of $52,131 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,800, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $749 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, De Soto's income is 31% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 46% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in De Soto, IL?
De Soto offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $749/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,131) that falls below the national average. However, De Soto’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
De Soto has a population of 1,701 with a median age of 35.7 years. Compare De Soto with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near De Soto
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier Mills | 1,702 | $50,269 | $57,300 | Compare |
| Cairo | 1,699 | $35,493 | $28,200 | Compare |
| Heritage Lake | 1,708 | $117,422 | $210,600 | Compare |
| Teutopolis | 1,693 | $96,875 | $230,400 | Compare |
| Venice | 1,682 | $34,609 | $54,000 | Compare |
| Hillcrest | 1,679 | $77,609 | $151,900 | Compare |
| Greenup | 1,678 | $48,516 | $90,900 | Compare |
| Washington Park | 1,728 | $42,008 | $43,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare De Soto With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about De Soto
What is the population of De Soto, IL?
The population of De Soto, IL is 1,701 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in De Soto?
The median household income in De Soto, IL is $52,131 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in De Soto?
The median home value in De Soto, IL is $88,800, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in De Soto?
The median monthly rent in De Soto, IL is $749, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in De Soto?
The unemployment rate in De Soto, IL is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is De Soto, IL a good place to live?
De Soto offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,701 and a median age of 35.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is De Soto, IL?
17.4% of residents in De Soto aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in De Soto?
Key cost-of-living indicators for De Soto, IL: median home value is $88,800 (64% below national), median rent is $749/month, and median household income is $52,131. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in De Soto?
The poverty rate in De Soto, IL is 16.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is De Soto, IL?
De Soto's population is 0.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.