countyscore
42.7
County Score
Lawn Care 75.7Soil Quality 72.5Cost of Living 64.2

County Report Card

About Cass County, Iowa

Below the National Median

Cass County receives a composite score of 42.7, which is below the national median of 50.0. This suggests that the county faces some headwinds in maintaining standard livability metrics compared to the rest of the country.

Trailing the State Average

The county's score of 42.7 is well below the Iowa state average of 55.6. Lower scores in safety and income contribute to this gap, though the county remains very affordable.

Affordable Housing and Good Health

A cost score of 64.2 is the county's strongest asset, with median home values sitting at an accessible $133,300. The health score of 63.8 also provides a solid foundation for resident well-being.

Safety and Tax Concerns

The safety score of 27.3 and tax score of 16.2 are significant challenges for the area. With an effective tax rate of 1.428%, residents pay more relative to the services and security currently provided.

Ideal for Value Seekers

Cass County is best for individuals focused on low-cost homeownership who are willing to navigate some community challenges. It offers an entry point into the Iowa property market for those on a strict budget.

Score breakdown

Tax16.2Cost64.2Safety27.3Health63.8Schools42.5Income44.1Risk40Water27.6Weather46.4
🏛16.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤63.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Audubon County
Iowa
59.7
Montgomery County
Iowa
53.5
Adams County
Iowa
61.1
Adair County
Iowa
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Shelby County
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Guthrie County
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Union County
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Pottawattamie County
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Deep Dives

Cass County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cass County

via TaxByCounty

Cass County's tax rate above national average

Cass County's effective tax rate of 1.428% exceeds the national median, placing it in the upper quarter of American tax jurisdictions. The median property tax of $1,904 remains below the national median of $2,690, but Cass's higher effective rate means homeowners pay a steeper percentage on lower-valued properties.

Highest tax rate among surveyed Iowa counties

Cass County ranks at the top of Iowa counties surveyed for effective tax rates at 1.428%, significantly above the state average of 1.344%. Its median annual tax of $1,904 is moderate statewide, but the county's elevated rate warrants attention from budget-conscious homeowners.

Steepest tax burden in the immediate region

Cass County's 1.428% effective rate tops all surveyed neighbors, including Butler County (1.379%), Bremer County (1.349%), and Carroll County (1.052%). This represents the highest property tax rate in the region.

Annual property taxes average $1,904

A homeowner with Cass's median-valued $133,300 home pays approximately $1,904 annually in property taxes—$1,816 with a mortgage, $2,019 without. Monthly property tax costs average around $159 for typical households.

High rates make assessment appeals critical

With Cass County's above-average tax rate, an overassessment has magnified financial impact on homeowners' budgets. Filing an assessment appeal with the county assessor is essential to ensure you're not overpaying for property taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cass County

via CostByCounty

Cass County struggles with affordability

Cass County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches Buena Vista as one of Iowa's least affordable counties, exceeding the state average of 14.1% by a full percentage point. The county's lowest median income in this cluster ($61,657) compounds the challenge for renters.

Cass among Iowa's toughest markets

At 15.0%, Cass County's rent-to-income ratio ranks near the bottom statewide, meaning renters here face greater affordability pressure than most Iowans. Combined with the region's lowest median income, housing costs consume a worrying share of household earnings.

Lowest income, challenging rents

Cass County's $61,657 median income is the lowest in its eight-county group, while rents of $769 remain middle-range; together, they create a squeeze. Neighboring counties with higher incomes (Bremer, Buchanan, Cedar) or lower rents (Calhoun, Carroll, Butler) offer clearer financial ground.

Housing burden hits hardest here

Renters spend $769 monthly and owners $781, with median home values of $133,300, all supported by just $61,657 household income—the region's tightest fit. At 15.0% of earnings, housing costs leave little room for other expenses.

Cass County requires careful financial planning

Relocating to Cass County demands honesty: the 15.0% rent-to-income ratio is among Iowa's worst, and median income of $61,657 is the lowest in this region. Explore Calhoun, Carroll, or Butler counties for meaningfully better financial outcomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cass County

via IncomeByCounty

Cass significantly lags national average

Cass County's median household income of $61,657 falls 18% below the national median of $74,755, the lowest among these eight Iowa counties. The county faces economic headwinds typical of smaller rural regions with limited employer diversity.

Iowa's income laggard

At $61,657, Cass County ranks well below Iowa's state median of $69,830—a shortfall of $8,173 per household. The county ranks in the lowest decile statewide, reflecting structural economic challenges.

Lowest earnings in the regional cluster

Cass ($61,657) underperforms all seven comparison counties, trailing even Buena Vista ($66,564) by $4,900. The county's per-capita income of $36,881 is second-lowest in the group, suggesting concentrated poverty amid overall rural struggle.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Cass's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% is among the highest, meaning renters dedicate a significant portion of earnings to housing. The median home value of $133,300 is affordable in absolute terms, but represents a heavier burden relative to the county's low median income.

Strategic action required for progress

Cass County households must prioritize debt reduction and skill development in higher-wage sectors to improve long-term outcomes. Free or low-cost financial counseling, employer retirement plans, and remote work opportunities offer pathways to increased earning power.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cass County

via CrimeByCounty

Cass County Remains Safer than US Average

Cass County reports a total crime rate of 1,761.2 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance contributes to a respectable safety score of 97.2.

Understanding the Iowa Context

Cass County's total crime rate of 1,761.2 is higher than the Iowa average of 1,095.3. Its safety score of 97.2 falls slightly below the statewide average of 98.3.

Cass Compared to Neighboring Carroll

Cass County's crime rate is more than double that of Carroll County, which sits at 820.2. Two local agencies actively report data to help address these regional differences in safety.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

Property crime accounts for 1,380.0 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 381.2. While property crime is the bigger factor, the violent crime rate is only slightly above the national average of 369.8.

Boosting Security in Cass County

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, residents should focus on securing homes and vehicles. Alarm systems and exterior lighting are effective ways to deter theft and improve local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cass County

via HealthByCounty

Cass County faces significant health challenges

At 76.2 years, Cass County residents' life expectancy falls short of the U.S. average of 78.9 years by 2.7 years—the largest gap among the counties studied. With 18.6% reporting poor or fair health compared to the national 15.1%, Cass faces concentrated health challenges affecting longevity and daily wellness.

Iowa's lowest life expectancy in this study

Cass County's 76.2-year life expectancy ranks lowest among the eight counties studied and trails Iowa's 77.7-year average by 1.5 years. The 18.6% poor/fair health rate suggests residents face significant chronic disease burdens and limited access to preventive care quality.

Wellness gap widens versus surrounding counties

Cass's 76.2-year life expectancy stands roughly 3 years below Bremer (79.7) and nearly 3 years below Cedar (79.1), marking it as an outlier in the region. The 18.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds all neighbors, indicating concentrated health vulnerabilities requiring targeted intervention.

Mental health resources abundant, but access barriers loom

Paradoxically, Cass County offers 457 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—by far the highest in this study—yet residents struggle with poor overall health. The 6.6% uninsured rate and broader health challenges suggest barriers beyond provider availability: possibly affordability, transportation, or health literacy gaps.

Break the health cycle with coverage

Cass County's 6.6% uninsured rate compounds the county's health crisis—coverage alone won't solve all challenges, but it removes a critical barrier. Healthcare.gov and Iowa Medicaid provide pathways to the abundant mental health services and primary care that could help reverse Cass County's longevity gap.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cass County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Options Across the County

Cass County features 13 public schools across three districts, educating 3,427 students. This includes six elementary schools and four high schools, providing a complete K-12 path for local residents.

Consistent Performance and Solid Rates

Cass County maintains an 88.2% graduation rate, staying ahead of the national average. While its per-pupil expenditure of $7,223 is slightly below the state average, the county still maintains a competitive school score of 53.1.

Atlantic and CAM Drive Enrollment

The Atlantic Community School District is the largest with 1,555 students, though the CAM District also has a significant presence with 1,441 students. No charter schools exist in the county, emphasizing the role of these local districts.

Modern Options in a Rural Setting

The county features nine rural and four town-based schools, with an average size of 264 students. Uniquely, Iowa Connections Academy High School serves 595 students, providing a large-scale virtual high school option alongside traditional town schools.

Flexible Schooling in the Heart of Iowa

Whether you prefer traditional town schools or modern digital academies, Cass County has options. Families moving to Atlantic or Griswold will find dedicated school systems and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cass County

via RiskByCounty

Cass County's risk ranks notably high

With a composite risk score of 60.05, Cass County ranks in the Relatively Low category but exceeds roughly 60% of U.S. counties in disaster exposure. This is Iowa's highest risk among the eight counties analyzed.

Iowa's riskiest county in this group

Cass's score of 60.05 towers 51% above Iowa's state average of 39.68, making it one of the state's highest-risk counties overall. Only a handful of Iowa counties present comparably elevated natural disaster vulnerability.

Distinctly riskier than all peers

Cass (60.05) exceeds even Carroll County (57.60) by a narrow margin, dwarfing all eastern neighbors like Bremer (24.55) and Buchanan (24.05). The county stands in a risk category almost unto itself within this regional grouping.

Compound threat from multiple hazards

Tornado risk (75.76) and flood risk (43.35) are both elevated, with wildfire risk (40.55) adding a third major concern—an unusual combination for Iowa. Earthquake risk (16.22) and hurricane risk (17.56) remain secondary but non-negligible.

Multi-hazard insurance strategy essential

Cass County residents must address tornado, flood, and wildfire risks through a layered insurance approach: ensure wind and hail coverage, evaluate flood insurance through the NFIP, and check defensible space around your home. Consider a safe room retrofit and emergency kit as foundational investments.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cass County

via WeatherByCounty

Closing the Gap on National Medians

Cass County averages 49.3°F annually, the warmest in this regional group and only 3.7 degrees below the national median. This southern-shifted location brings more intense summer heat to the local landscape.

Warmest of the Selected Counties

Averaging 1.3 degrees above the Iowa state mean of 48.0°F, Cass County represents the warmer side of the state. It also sees 36.8 inches of precipitation, slightly exceeding the state average.

More Heat than Northern Peers

Cass is significantly warmer than Carroll (48.3°F) and Calhoun (47.2°F). It receives less snow than northern counties, averaging 27.3 inches per year.

Significant Summer Highs

July averages 74.8°F, but the standout figure is the 22 days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F. Winters are the mildest in this set, with a January average of 20.6°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Hydration

The 22 days of extreme heat require residents to have reliable air conditioning and heat-safety plans. Lower snowfall of 27.3 inches makes winter travel easier here than in Iowa's northern counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cass County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Silt-Rich Soils

Cass County has a more acidic soil profile with an average pH of 6.22, notably lower than the 6.5 national median. The county’s soil score of 72.5 is almost identical to the Iowa state average of 72.9. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the chemistry suggests a typical loess-derived soil common in western Iowa.

Dense Silt and Clay Focus

Cass County has very little sand at only 15.1%, with a heavy focus on 55.0% silt and 29.9% clay. This creates a fine-textured soil that is very smooth and has a high capacity for holding onto minerals. However, this lack of sand means the soil can become sticky and difficult to work when it is wet.

Exceptional Water Storage Capacity

The available water capacity in Cass is 0.201 in/in, which is among the highest in the region and beats the state average of 0.195 in/in. While organic matter is lower than the state average at 3.17%, it still beats the national average of 2.0%. This soil acts as a powerful reservoir, keeping crops hydrated during dry Iowa summers.

Slower Drainage, Higher Retention

No specific drainage class is currently mapped, but the high clay and silt content (nearly 85% combined) suggests slow water movement. This soil is designed to hold onto every drop of rain it receives, which is a major advantage in non-irrigated agriculture. Gardeners should be mindful of drainage to prevent soil from becoming waterlogged during wet springs.

Growing in a Milder Zone 5b

Cass County sits in Zone 5b, offering a slightly longer growing season than its neighbors to the north. The high water capacity makes it an ideal spot for moisture-loving perennials and berry bushes. Use the nutrient-holding power of this silty soil to grow a productive and resilient backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cass County

via LawnByCounty

Warmer Transitions in Cass County

Cass County has a lawn difficulty score of 75.7, which is slightly more demanding than the state average but still very manageable. Unlike its neighbors to the north, Cass sits in Zone 5b, indicating slightly milder winters. This allows for a wider variety of grass types, though summer heat becomes a bigger factor.

High Summer Heat Impacts Lawns

Lawns here must withstand 22 extreme heat days per year, which is well above the Iowa average of 16. The county receives 36.8 inches of annual rain, providing a good baseline of moisture for the 3,215 growing degree days. This high heat and growth potential mean that summer dormancy is common without careful irrigation.

Heavy Clay Soil Requires Management

The soil in Cass County has a high clay content of 29.9% and a low sand content of 15.1%, which can lead to drainage issues and compaction. A soil pH of 6.22 is very favorable for grass health, but the heavy texture means aeration is critical to prevent waterlogging. Homeowners should avoid mowing when the ground is wet to protect the soil structure.

Current Dry Conditions in Cass

Cass County is currently 81.5% abnormally dry and has faced 16 weeks of drought over the past year. In this heavy clay soil, drought can cause the ground to crack and roots to struggle, so slow, deep watering is essential. Adding organic matter through top-dressing can help improve water infiltration during these dry cycles.

Timing for a Zone 5b Climate

Tall Fescue is a great choice for Cass County because it handles the 22 annual heat days better than other cool-season grasses. Planting should occur after the last frost on April 30, but be aware of the early first frost on October 2. The fall seeding window is slightly shorter here, so start your autumn projects by early September.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cass County's county score?
Cass County, Iowa has a composite county score of 42.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Cass County rank among counties in Iowa?
Cass County ranks #85 among all counties in Iowa on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Cass County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Cass County is $1,904, with an effective tax rate of 1.43%. This earns Cass County a tax score of 16.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cass County?
The median household income in Cass County, Iowa is $61,657 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cass County earns an income score of 44.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cass County, Iowa a good place to live?
Cass County scores 42.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #85 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Cass County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Cass County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.