History:
De Soto, Missouri is a small town located in eastern Missouri, approximately 50 miles south of St. Louis.
Urban Form:
De Soto was built around the railroad tracks that run through the eastern edge of the town. As a result, De Soto’s historic center of commerce, Main Street, is a long linear row of storefronts. De Soto has a street grid that largely remains intact today. Unfortunately, there are few sidewalks in the majority single-family home neighborhoods. The fairly narrow street widths help slow traffic and therefore are great for bicycling. The absence of sidewalks and bicycle facilities on many streets discourage walking and biking.
Demographics:
- Population: ~6500
- Has remained fairly steady for the past 10 years
- 97% Caucasian
- Median household income: $30,725
- Poverty rate: 15% (which is higher than the state percentage of 12%)
- Careers:
- 20% educational, health and social services
- 14% manufacturing
- 13% construction
- 13% retail
Partners:
Latest News:
De Soto Launches Farmers Market - May, 2009
De Soto Adopts Complete Streets Policy - November 2008.
Contact:
Jennifer Allen, Active Transportation Manager, at 314-436-1324 x121