Overview
DeSoto is a city in Dallas County, Texas (USA). As of the 2000 U.S.
Census, the city's population was 37,646 (though a 2005 estimate placed the
population at 45,514).
DeSoto is a suburb of Dallas and is part of the Best Southwest area, which
includes DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and Lancaster.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of
55.9 km² (21.6 mi²), all land.
History
The area was first settled in 1847, making it one of the oldest communities
in North Texas. A post office was established in 1881 and the settlement was
named DeSoto in honor of Thomas Hernando DeSoto Stewart, a doctor dedicated
to the community.
By 1885, DeSoto was home to approximately 120 people, a cotton gin, and a
general store. Soon after, the population declined to below 50. In 1930,
there were 97 people living in the community and several businesses.
After World War II, DeSoto and surrounding areas began to grow. In order to
improve the inadequate water distribution system, residents felt the need to
incorporate the town. On February 17, 1949, a petition signed by 42 eligible
voters was presented to the Dallas County judge requesting an election for
incorporation. The vote took place on March 2. Of the 52 people who cast
ballots, 50 voted in favor of incorporation and 2 were opposed. On March 3,
1949, the results were entered into the records of the Dallas County
Commissioners Court, thereby creating the City of DeSoto. The new city was
less than one square mile in size. On March 15, Wayne A. Chowning was
elected mayor along with five aldermen. The first city council meeting was
held two days later.
The first census conducted after DeSoto's incorporation occurred in 1950.
There were 298 people and eight businesses in the city. Following a series
of annexations in 1953, the city covered approximately 15 square miles. By
1960, the population had grown to 1,969. In 1970, DeSoto was home to 6,617
people and seventy-one businesses.
During the 1970s, continued growth brought about improvements to the
municipal infrastructure, including road construction, and a new
water/sewage system. Industrial, commercial, and residential construction
also increased.
On October 26, 1974, an election was held to determine the status of
Woodland Hills, a small incorporated community located northwest of DeSoto.
The result was 221 votes in favor of a merger with DeSoto and 219 opposed.
Woodland Hills had a population of 366 at the time of annexation.
The rapid growth that began in the early 1970s was sustained throughout the
1980s. 1980 census figures put the city's population at slightly over
15,000. By 1984, DeSoto had a total of 360 businesses - up from 168 in 1980.
The population surpassed 30,000 in 1990. City development progressed in the
following years. A primary example of this was the creation of DeSoto's Town
Center. Officials converted an abandoned strip center located at one of the
city's main intersections into a unique central business district. Since its
opening, the Town Center has become an anchor of the community, housing city
hall, the public library and chamber of commerce, along with civic and
recreation centers. There is also a 180-seat auditorium and outdoor
amphitheater.
DeSoto's All-America City Logo
Throughout the 1990s, DeSoto experienced a significant change in the
demographic composition of the city. In the 1990 census, Whites constituted
75.97% of the city's population, but that figure had declined to 48.83% in
the 2000 census. By contrast, the African American population grew rapidly.
In 2000, African Americans were 45.53% of the population, up from 20.83% in
1990. Hispanics accounted for 4.98% of the population in 1990 and 7.30% in
2000.
With approximately 45,500 residents as of 2005, DeSoto is the largest and
most diverse city in southwest Dallas County.
On June 11, 2006, the National Civic League named DeSoto an "All-America
City". The All-America City Award is the nation's oldest community
recognition program and recognizes communities whose citizens work together
to identify and tackle community-wide challenges and achieve uncommon
results.
Demographics
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 37,646 people, 13,709 households,
and 10,459 families residing in the city. The population density was
673.5/km² (1,744.5/mi²). There were 14,069 housing units at an average
density of 251.7/km² (652.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 48.83%
White, 45.53% African American, 0.31% Native American, 1.29% Asian, 0.03%
Pacific Islander, 2.56% from other races, and 1.44% from two or more races.
Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.30% of the population.
There were 13,709 households out of which 39.5% had children under the age
of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 14.1%
had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.7% were
non-families. 20.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.1%
had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average
household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.14.
In the city the population was spread out with 28.2% under the age of 18,
7.6% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.3% who
were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100
females there were 88.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there
were 83.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $57,699, and the median
income for a family was $66,986. Males had a median income of $41,847 versus
$33,179 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,650. About
4.1% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line,
including 7.8% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.
Government
DeSoto is a home-rule city with a council-manager form of government.
Under this type of local government, the day-to-day management of the city
is directed by a city manager. The city manager is appointed by the city
council and serves as chief administrative officer for the city. The city
charter states this position will execute the laws and administer the
government of the city. Jim Baugh is the current city manager of DeSoto.
The city council consists of the mayor and six council members. The mayor
represents the city as a whole and six council members represent particular
districts (places) within the city. All are elected citywide for a term of
three years.
Current City Council Members Education
Most of DeSoto lies within the DeSoto Independent School District. The
district has 12 schools (7 Elementary, 3 Middle, a High School and Freshman
Campus) that serve approximately 8,000 students. The district's mascot is
the eagle.
A small portion of the city is located in the Duncanville Independent School
District. Another small portion is in the Dallas Independent School
District.
There are several private and parochial schools in or near the city.