DeSoto County Mississippi and its five distinctive municipalities afford a quality of life in the Mid South that is unequalled. Our commitment to education, regional health care, the arts, recreation, leadership development and the most comprehensive greenways planning program in the state truly set us apart. Couple these amenities with a secure, suburban environment next door to a major metropolitan center, Memphis, and you can claim the "best of both worlds" honor. Explore further the quality of living in DeSoto County by touring the subcategories found as you hold the cursor over the Our Community link. Enjoy your visit and hope to see you soon.

Money Magazine announced its "2020 Best Places to Live In The U.S.", which featured "50 Towns and Cities With Strong Economies, Job Growth and Booming Housing Markets Despite COVID-19 Disruptions."

And coming in at No. 35, was:

Olive Branch, Mississippi
"Located on the Mississippi-Tennessee border, Olive Branch is just a 30-minute drive from downtown Memphis. Residents enjoy a median household income of $78,000 — 46% higher than in nearby Memphis.
While homes are pricier than some in Memphis — the median in early 2020 was $239,000 — the city enjoys enviable diversity: 33% of the population is non-White, and income inequality is low. Another big draw is the town’s strong schools: Lewisburg High is ranked second in the state.
Olive Branch is a culturally eclectic place. Shop for antiques in the historic Old Towne district, drop by Brussel’s Bonsai to learn to cultivate these tiny trees or enjoy the popular Fat Panda special at Sidestreet Burgers, which features Korean-style marinated sirloin. Fans of the King of Rock and Roll will feel right at home, too:  Graceland is only 20 minutes away." — Mayra Paris


The cities of Hernando, Horn Lake, Olive Branch, Southaven, and Town of Walls have Mayor-Board of Aldermen forms of government.

DeSoto County is governed by a Board of Supervisors made up of one supervisor from each of five districts. The supervisors are elected by the citizens of DeSoto County and the board in turn elects their own president. For Fire, Police, Sheriff Departments Links, see individual "City Links" below.

City Links

DeSoto County
Hernando
Horn Lake
Olive Branch
Southaven
Town of Walls

Quality of Life is….

that competitive edge that makes or breaks an area’s ability to attract and retain the best industry, the best employees and the best neighbors. And in DeSoto County, we have it!

DeSoto County enjoys the “best of both worlds” being so near the cultural and recreational amenities of metropolitan Memphis, yet offering a secure suburban environment with affordable housing costs.

DeSoto County is one of the fastest growing counties in the Mid-South area. There are a wide range of social, religious, recreation, and outdoor and community activities. The county’s residential neighborhoods, apartment complexes, medical and retail facilities are all expanding, while education remains a strong part of the community.

Chambers of Commerce

Hernando Chamber
Horn Lake Chamber
Olive Branch Chamber
Southaven Chamber

Tourism

DeSoto County Tourism

When you live in Desoto County, you can count on comprehensive, modern health care for yourself, your family, and your employees.Two major hospitals are located here: Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto located at I-55 and Goodman Road in Southaven, and Methodist Healthcare-Olive Branch located at Highway 78 (future I-22) and Bethel Road. A psychiatric and chemical dependency hospital also serves the area, as well as the DeSoto County Health Department.

Minutes away is Memphis, which is a regional healthcare hub with several major hospitals, including the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where many doctors serve medical internships. Memphis is also home of two leaders in research and treatment of children’s diseases, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center.

Following is further detail on DeSoto County’s medical services and a listing of area hospitals.


Baptist Memorial Hospital – DeSoto

7601 Southcrest Parkway, Southaven (662) 772-4000

Baptist DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services. In 2010, Baptist Desoto received the Hospital of the Year Award (100 beds or more) from the Mississippi Nurses Association. The hospital offers open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services, and the emergency department's heart attack response rate is, on average, 30 minutes faster than the national benchmark. Baptist DeSoto's inpatient rehabilitation program ranked in the top 1 percent in the nation for quality in a report based on performance outcomes. In 2010, the hospital's Women's Center became the first breast imaging facility in DeSoto County to offer digital mammography. In 2011, Baptist DeSoto's emergency department was upgraded to a level III trauma designation. In 2012, Baptist Desoto ranked No. 1 in the state of Mississippi for heart services by HealthGrades. For more information about Baptist Desoto, please call 662.772.4000 or visit desoto.baptistonline.org.


Methodist Olive Branch Hospital

4250 Bethel Road, Olive Branch, MS (662) 932-9000

Methodist Olive Branch Hospital is the newest hospital in the Methodist system, designed to provide healthcare services to the residents of northwest Mississippi. The five-story, 100 bed hospital opened on August 16, 2013 and is accredited by the Joint Commission. The full-service hospital offers several specialties including general and minimally invasive surgery, maternity, cardiology, urology and cancer care, among others. Emergency services, lab and imaging are also available. A variety of physician offices located onsite offer specialty care close to home. The hospital is the first inpatient facility in the United States to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Healthcare Gold Certification byt the U.S. Green Building Council.

A Family Partner Council, made up of former patients or their family members, works in partnership with the leadership and clinical staff of the hospital to build a culture of Patient and Family-Centered Care throughout the institution. The council is involved in staff and family education, facility design and communication development to improve the overall healthcare experience. For more information, call 662.932.9000 or visit MethodistHealth.org/Olive Branch.


Parkwood Behavioral Health System

8135 Goodman Road, Olive Branch (662) 895-4900

Parkwood Behavioral Health System offers psychiatric and chemical dependency for children, adolescents, and adults in a peaceful 38-acre wooded setting. The 112-bed facility provides programs for recovery from emotional, behavioral, and addictive disorders. Parkwood offers a full continuum of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization, residential treatment, and aftercare groups. Also located on the campus is a 30-event ropes course which can be utilized by outside groups. This course is designed to develop teamwork, communication skills, group cohesiveness, and increase self-esteem.  For more information, call Parkwood Behavioral Health System 662.895.4900, or visit their website ParkwoodBHS.com.


DeSoto County Health Department

The DeSoto County Health Department operates in three convenient locations in DeSoto County:

6569 Highway 305 N, Olive Branch, MS (662) 895-3090

8705 Northwest Drive, Building A Suite 1, Southaven, MS (662) 393-2775

3212 Highway 52 South, Suite A, Hernando, MS (662) 429-9814


Health Clubs

DeSoto County is fortunate to have several health clubs throughout the county. The Olive Branch Family YMCA, in particular, offers physical therapy programs that work closely with local hospitals. They are located at 8555 Goodman Road, Olive Branch, MS 38654. (662) 890-9622.


Hospital Websites

Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis
Baptist Memorial Hospital Germantown
Baptist Memorial Hospital Collierville
Baptist Memorial Hospital Women’s
Baptist Memorial Hospital Restorative Care
Lakeside Hospital
Delta Medical Center
LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center
Methodist Healthcare Central
Methodist Healthcare University
Methodist Healthcare Germantown
Methodist Healthcare North
Methodist Healthcare South
Regional Medical Center
St. Francis Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Faith is a very important part of the Southern life, and DeSoto County is no different. As the county has grown in recent years, we’re happy to note that our churches have grown as well. A number of congregations have memberships of several thousand, yet we still have many small, well-attended country churches.

The growth is reflected by more than $20 million in improvements or additions at DeSoto County churches. But more importantly, DeSoto County is proud of the way its church members contribute to the community’s overall well-being.

Many church members of all denominations are active in interfaith charity efforts, such as Habitat for Humanity and many other volunteer programs that make our community strong.

We don’t think it’s any accident that DeSoto County is home to more than 130 churches and houses of worship representing more than 20 denominations.

Desoto County Area Denominations and Affiliations

Assembly of God Disciples of Christ
Baptist Episcopal
Catholic Holiness
Charismatic Jehovah’s Witness
Christian Lutheran
Church of Christ Methodist
Church of God in Christ Non-Denominational
Church of Jesus Christ Pentecostal
Church of God of Prophecy Presbyterian
Church of God Seventh Day Adventist
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Synagogues (Memphis area)
Church of the Nazarene  

DeSoto County is home to some of the best and busiest libraries in the state; each offering a full range of collections, programs and services.

As part of the award-winning First Regional Library, our citizens have access to over three million titles through membership in the Mississippi Library Partnership.

Thanks to your library card, through the library's homepage, you get free access to exceptional web-based services like Ancestry.com and Rosetta Stone that you can enjoy from your home or on your iPad.

  • Want to find fun activities for kids, teens and families? Click on those links.
  • Need to write a research papger? Go to Databases.
  • Want to find the nearest pre-school storytime? Go to the Activities Calendar.
  • Want to expand your horizons? Take a Universal Class
  • We invite you to take full advantage of this wonderful community resource.

First Regional Library (Click Here for Home Page)

  • Hernando Public Library 370 West Commerce, Hernando, MS 38632 Phone: (662) 429-4439 Fax: (662) 429-8625
  • Horn Lake Public Library 2885 Goodman Rd, Horn Lake, MS 38637 Phone: (662) 393-5654 or (662)-393-5614 or (662) 393-5612 Fax: (662) 342-9468
  • Olive Branch Public Library (B.J. Chain Public Library) 6619 Hwy 305 North, Olive Branch, MS 38654 Phone: (662) 895-5900 Fax: (662) 895-9171
  • Southaven Public Library 8554 Northwest Drive, Southaven, MS 38671 Phone: (662) 342-0102 Fax: (662) 342-0556
  • Walls Public Library 7181 Delta Bluff Parkway, Walls, MS 38680 Phone: (662) 781-3664 Fax: (662) 781-3427

DeSoto County Newspapers and Magazines

Newspaper Coverage Circulation
DeSoto Appeal DeSoto County 26,000
DeSoto Times Tribune DeSoto County 17,500
Click Magazine NW MS Free
DeSoto Magazine NW MS Free

Area Television Stations

Area Radio Stations

It’s true that the recreational and cultural offerings of Memphis are just minutes away from DeSoto County. But there’s plenty to do to stretch the body, mind, and spirit closer to home. A few of the options are listed.

Landers Center

For information about events at the Landers Center, or for ticket information, call 662.280.9120

The multipurpose Landers Center was completed in September 2000. The 10,000 seat arena also has 20,000 square feet of meeting space, which makes this facility ideal for all types of events. A 400-seat community theater is attached to the Civic Center.


Theater Groups & Arts Councils

DeSoto Family Theatre

At DeSoto Family Theatre (DFT)area youth are cast in our productions, as are moms, dads, and grandparents. We have entire families who act, sing, dance or contribute backstage and in other capacities. Each year, DFT conducts Summer Theatre Camps for local youth. DFT camps are structured to develop appreciation and talent for theatre, teamwork and presentation skills. Even though not all children may pursue theatre arts as a career, we strongly believe the confidence gained and skills learned will impact them for the rest of their lives.

The Kudzu Players

The Kudzu Players were founded in 1982 as the Northwest Mississippi Theater Guild and originally produced one show every year. The number of productions now reaches as many as five every year, and since 1987, the Kudzu Players have won a number of national competitions. To join the all-volunteer group or find out about performances, call (662) 429-4439.

DeSoto Arts Council

The mission of the DeSoto Arts Council is to stimulate increased participation in the arts, integrate art into people’s everyday lives, advance community support of the arts, and use the arts to affect community unity and change in DeSoto County, Mississippi.

The DeSoto Arts Council serves as an umbrella planning and service organization, coordinating the arts for DeSoto County. It is chartered as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit corporation. Ongoing DeSoto Arts Council programs include:

  • Community arts grants and mini-grants
  • Web site featuring an Online calendar of community arts events
  • Online artists’ directory
  • E-newsletter
  • Art show and sale
  • Arts workshops, lectures and demonstrations
  • DeSoto Artist Series
  • Kids programs
  • Comprehensive arts and cultural planning
  • Membership events

 

Olive Branch Arts Council

The Olive Branch Arts Council’s mission is to promote an appreciation of the arts in the Olive Branch community. This membership-driven organization sponsors events such as concerts and art camps to promote arts appreciation. The group also brings artists into the area for exhibits and demonstrations.


Sports

DeSoto County offers recreational facilities for numerous athletic programs. From T-ball to junior football to cheerleading to horseback riding, youth of all ages can enjoy the outdoors.

Each of the four municipalities has its own youth sports league. For more information click on the links below.

Hernando
Horn Lake
Olive Branch
Southaven


Golf

If chasing a small white ball over hill and dale is your idea of a good day’s work, DeSoto County is your kind of place. Whether you want a quiet game for two or a corporate tourney for hundreds, the greens of four public courses and two private country clubs are just waiting for you and your golfing companions.

Cherokee Valley Golf Club
Hernando Hills Country Club
North Creek Golf Club
Olive Branch Country Club
Timber Truss Golf Course
Wedgewood Golf Club


Other Attractions

If your idea of a relaxing vacation does not include sports, DeSoto County offers a wealth of attractions that fit every visitor’s need. Many shops, restaurants, and unique lodging are located throughout the County, and Tunica and Memphis are just minutes away with all they have to offer. Click on the links below for a comprehensive list of attractions in DeSoto County and surrounding areas.

DeSoto County Tourism
DeSoto County Museum
Tunica, Mississippi
Memphis, Tennessee
Mississippi Department of Tourism
Mississippi State Parks

Mission

The mission of the DeSoto County Greenways program is to establish a greenway system that connects public and private open and green spaces with sidewalks throughout DeSoto County Mississippi while protecting, restoring and linking the natural features and their functions in order to achieve a healthynatural environment and ecological diversity.

The DeSoto County Greenways program encompasses scenic pathways, protected green space and trails designed to help improve the quality of life for the people of Desoto County Mississippi.The Greenways system takes advantage of nature and its beauty and will encompass a variety of multipurpose trails and green space suitable for hiking, skating, jogging, walking, running, equestrian use, canoeing and kayaking and biking.

Visit the Greenways website for more information.

The DeSoto County Foundation For Excellence in Education is a tax exempt, non-profit corporation formed by the DeSoto Council under Mississippi law, qualifying for 501©(3) ruling by the IRS.  Pursuant to Miss. Code 79-11-503, the Foundation is registered as a charity with the Secretary of State of Mississippi to receive and maintain private funds to be used exclusively for educational purposes. This means that contributions to the Foundation will be tax deductible to the donor. This is the only organization in DeSoto County sanctioned by the Board of Education for tax exempt solicitation purposes.

The Foundation will also provide assistance in initiating programs that demonstrate effective ways to meet student needs and increase motivation to learn. The Foundation grew out of an effort to foster a high level of cooperation and support for all schools, encompassing business/industry, local citizens, civic and social organizations, and the schools.  Therefore, your investment in the schools is an investment in creativity and excellence in education, and an investment in the future of this county.

Donations can be made to the Foundation general fund or may be designated for specific purposes by the donor. The general funds will be used for “mini-grants” to teachers, business/industry partnerships, endowments for college scholarships, teacher incentive programs, purchase of technological equipment, sponsorship of fine arts programs, faculty and student recognition, guest speakers, and other education programs. Funds will not be used for administrative costs or additional personnel to operate the Foundation Program. Those contributions for specific purposes as designated by the donor will be honored and used in the said manner. All gifts and contributions will be administered as determined by the Board of Directors. You have the opportunity to help us make a difference in the classroom. Having given over a million dollars in teacher grants since its founding, the Foundation is excited to be working hard for the next million. The primary mission of the Foundation is Teacher Grants. These grants are awarded to teachers based on a selection process held each year from grants received.  Teachers apply and those selected are awarded up to $500 each to use in the classroom with their students.

To Apply for a Teacher Grant through the Foundation, download the Online Teacher Grant Application here.

Quality of education represents the lifeblood of any community. In order for DeSoto County to continue to grow and prosper, it is imperative that the schools offer the best educational experiences possible. Many of the DeSoto County public schools have been awarded State honors, academic as well as athletic.  Several of our Middle and High Schools have been awarded the coveted award of Blue Ribbon School, and several of our Middle and High Schools have consistently been named in the top 10 schools in the state for the past 10 years. DeSoto County schools also win State Championships in sports, as well as Band. For detailed information on DeSoto County Public Schools, visit their website here and also see our City Educational Attainment Demographics section on our website by clicking here.

DeSoto County also has excellent Private and Parochial Schools with an enrollment percentage of 27%. This percentage includes Northpoint, Magnolia Heights, DeSoto Academy, and Cottage Schools, etc.