countyscore
57.4
County Score
Safety 94.7Lawn Care 70.2Soil Quality 70

County Report Card

About Cass County, Illinois

A Strong Performer in the National Landscape

Cass County earns a composite score of 57.4, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a higher overall quality of life than the majority of American counties. It combines rural affordability with a level of security that stands out nationally.

Leading the Illinois Average

With its 57.4 score, Cass County sits comfortably above the Illinois state average of 52.8. It offers a more balanced profile than many of its neighbors in the central part of the state. This makes it a top-tier choice for residents seeking the best of the Prairie State.

Unmatched Safety and Housing Affordability

The county boasts an exceptional safety score of 94.7, indicating a very low-risk environment for families. Housing is also a major draw, with a cost score of 68.7 and a median home value of just $95,500. Residents benefit from a median gross rent of only $723 per month.

High Tax Burdens and School Needs

A low tax score of 2.4 reflects a high effective property tax rate of 2.102%. School performance also presents a challenge with a score of 48.6, which falls slightly below the national middle ground. Local leaders face the ongoing task of balancing high tax rates with public service improvements.

The Verdict: Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families

Cass County is a perfect match for those who prioritize safety and low-cost housing above all else. It suits retirees or young families who want a secure community where their dollar goes further in the real estate market. The trade-off is a higher tax bill and average school ratings.

Score breakdown

Tax2.4Cost68.7Safety94.7Health57.5Schools48.6Income54Risk61.4Water56.8Weather53.6
🏛2.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡94.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧56.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.2
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

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Mason County
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Fulton 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 taxes run below national average

At 2.102%, Cass County's effective property tax rate sits above the national median of 1.56%, placing it in the 68th percentile nationally. The median property tax here is $2,007, well below the nation's $2,690 median, reflecting lower home values across the county.

Above average within Illinois

Cass County ranks 15th highest among Illinois's 102 counties by effective tax rate at 2.102%, exceeding the state average of 1.831% by 0.27 percentage points. Its median property tax of $2,007 falls short of the state median of $2,782, putting it near the middle of the pack statewide.

Higher taxes than surrounding counties

Cass County's 2.102% rate outpaces nearby Christian County (1.691%) and Clark County (1.684%), but trails Champaign County (2.070%). Among its peer rural counties, Cass carries a moderate tax burden with median taxes of $2,007.

What an average Cass County home costs annually

The median Cass County home valued at $95,500 generates an estimated $2,007 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $2,036, while those without mortgages pay $1,967.

Overassessment could cost you hundreds

Many Illinois homeowners, including those in Cass County, are overassessed and eligible for tax appeals through their county assessor's office. Seeking a reassessment review costs nothing and could reduce your annual bill by hundreds of dollars if successful.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cass County

via CostByCounty

Cass County rents stay below national strain

Renters in Cass County spend just 13.4% of their income on housing, beating the national average and signaling relative affordability. With a median household income of $64,907—about 13% below the U.S. median of $74,755—residents stretch their dollars further on housing than typical Americans do.

Illinois's most affordable rental market

Cass County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Illinois's lowest, outperforming the state average of 14.7%. At $723 per month, median gross rent sits $114 below the state average, making it a bright spot for affordability across central Illinois.

Cheaper than Christian, comparable to Clark

Cass County's $723 rent undercuts nearby Christian County ($729) and matches Clark County's affordability more closely than rural neighbors. The county's modest housing costs reflect its smaller population and distance from major metro centers like Champaign.

Rent and ownership costs balanced

At $723 for rent and $793 for homeowner costs, Cass County offers symmetrical housing burdens across tenancy types. The median home value of $95,500 keeps monthly mortgage payments low, allowing homeowners and renters to spend roughly the same proportion of their $64,907 median income on shelter.

Consider Cass for affordable living

If you're relocating to Illinois and prioritize affordability, Cass County delivers low rents without the rural isolation of clay or Christian counties. Compare this county's $723 rents and 13.4% rent burden against pricier alternatives like Cook County ($1,381) or Champaign County ($1,018) before you move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cass County

via IncomeByCounty

Cass County trails national income average

Cass County's median household income of $64,907 falls $9,848 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower-middle tier nationally, reflecting regional economic patterns across central Illinois.

Below-average income within Illinois

At $64,907, Cass County earns $3,673 less than Illinois's state average of $68,580. The county ranks in the lower half of Illinois's 102 counties for household income.

Competitive with nearby counties

Cass County's $64,907 median income positions it solidly between Christian County ($59,253) and Clark County ($70,625). The county performs better than most rural Illinois peers, though trails the state's urban centers.

Rent remains very affordable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.4%, Cass County residents spend less than half the problematic 30% threshold on housing costs. This strong affordability advantage reflects both modest rents and stable household incomes.

Build on Cass County's affordability edge

The money Cass County households save on housing—compared to national averages—can fuel retirement accounts and investments. Starting early with automatic transfers to savings or low-cost index funds helps compound that advantage over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cass County

via CrimeByCounty

Cass County Maintains Exceptional National Safety Standing

Cass County reports a remarkable total crime rate of just 7.7 per 100K residents, which is nearly non-existent compared to the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a perfect safety score of 100.0.

Leading the State in Public Safety

With a safety score of 100.0, Cass County significantly outperforms the Illinois state average of 98.7. Its crime rate is a tiny fraction of the state's average rate of 835.0 per 100K.

Cass County Outpaces Regional Neighbors

Compared to nearby Christian County's crime rate of 563.5, Cass County is substantially quieter at 7.7. It remains one of the safest jurisdictions in the entire region.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes in Cass

The county's total crime rate consists entirely of property crime at 7.7 per 100K, while violent crime sits at a flat 0.0. This is vastly lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Keep Cass County Secure

While crime is exceptionally low, maintaining high safety standards starts with home awareness. Simple measures like motion-sensor lighting can help preserve the county's peaceful environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cass County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly above national average

Cass County residents live to an average of 76.8 years, outpacing the U.S. average of 76.1 years by less than a year. However, one in five residents reports poor or fair health, suggesting quality of life challenges persist despite longevity gains.

Cass ranks above Illinois average

At 76.8 years, Cass County's life expectancy exceeds Illinois's state average of 76.0 years by 0.8 years. This positions the county in the healthier tier statewide, though the gap reflects modest regional variation.

Healthier than most central Illinois peers

Cass County's 76.8-year life expectancy beats Christian County (75.8 years) and Clay County (75.8 years), though it trails Champaign County's 78.8 years. The county's 20.1% poor/fair health rate is among the highest in its peer region, warranting attention to underlying health drivers.

Primary care shortage amid moderate uninsured rates

Cass County has only 8 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—far below the national benchmark of 45—while 7.8% of residents lack insurance, above the state average of 6.3%. This scarcity means longer waits and delayed preventive care for many.

Explore your health insurance options now

With nearly 8% of Cass County uninsured, enrollment periods matter. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to find plans that fit your budget and health needs—many qualify for subsidies regardless of income.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cass County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural Education Network

Cass County maintains a concentrated education infrastructure featuring 8 public schools managed by 3 local districts. The system serves 2,171 students across three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.

Performance and Spending Below Benchmarks

The county's graduation rate of 85.9% and school score of 54.3 both trail Illinois state averages. Local per-pupil spending of $8,378 remains nearly $1,000 lower than the state benchmark of $9,250 and well below the national average.

Beardstown Leads Local Enrollment

Beardstown CUSD 15 acts as the county's primary educational hub, enrolling 1,506 students across three individual schools. Traditional public schools represent 100% of the county's landscape, as there are currently no charter schools in operation.

Rural Roots and Town Settings

With schools split between five rural and three town locations, students experience an intimate average school size of 271. Beardstown Jr/Sr High School stands as the largest institution with 849 students, while A-C Central Elementary serves just 148.

Finding a Home in Cass County

For families seeking a close-knit community with small class sizes, Cass County offers localized school districts centered around Beardstown and Virginia. Explore local real estate options to find a home within walking distance of these community-focused schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cass County

via RiskByCounty

Cass County's low risk profile

With a composite risk score of 38.65, Cass County ranks well below the national average for natural disaster risk. This Very Low rating means residents face significantly fewer threats from combined hazards compared to the typical American county.

Among Illinois's safest counties

Cass County's score of 38.65 puts it well below Illinois's state average of 54.46, making it one of the state's lower-risk regions. This protective position reflects a relative absence of major flood, wildfire, and tornado exposure compared to many other Illinois counties.

Safer than surrounding counties

Cass County's risk profile is substantially lower than nearby Christian County (54.04) and Clinton County (65.59). Among all central Illinois neighbors, Cass remains among the safest places to live from a natural disaster perspective.

Earthquake poses the largest threat

While overall risk is low, Cass County's earthquake score of 47.58 is its highest individual hazard rating. Tornado risk (32.60) represents the second concern, though both remain below state averages for these specific hazards.

Secure coverage while risk remains manageable

Cass County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with attention to earthquake coverage given the county's comparatively elevated seismic score. Proactive insurance review now ensures protection if risk patterns shift over time.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cass County

via WeatherByCounty

Drier and Seasonal Continental Climate

Cass County receives 38.2 inches of annual precipitation, placing it below the national average for its climate type. It experiences the standard seasonal swings of the Midwest, though with slightly less total moisture.

Less Rain and Snow than Average

Cass is drier than the state average, receiving 38.2 inches of rain compared to Illinois' 41.7-inch mark. Its snowfall of 15.6 inches is also significantly lower than the averages seen in the northern half of the state.

Milder Winters than Bureau

With only 15.6 inches of annual snow, Cass County avoids the heavy 32.2-inch accumulations seen in Bureau County. It has a similar precipitation profile to Adams County, highlighting a drier trend in central Illinois.

Moderate Snow and Dry Spells

Winter is relatively manageable with 15.6 inches of snow. Though specific temperature records are unavailable, the 38.2 inches of rain suggests residents should prepare for occasional dry periods in the summer.

Monitor Moisture Levels

Since the 38.2 inches of rain is below the state average, summer irrigation may be necessary for landscaping. Basic winter prep is sufficient for the 15.6 inches of snow, which typically doesn't require heavy machinery.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cass County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Alkaline Soils of Cass County

Cass County soils feature an average pH of 6.60, which sits just above the national median of 6.5 and the Illinois state average of 6.39. While specific taxonomic orders are not categorized in current local records, this near-neutral profile creates a versatile base for most Midwestern plant life. The slightly elevated pH helps maintain nutrient availability compared to the state's more acidic pockets.

A Silty Foundation with Sandy Accents

The soil composition here is 53.1% silt and 20.1% clay, creating a smooth texture that retains nutrients well. A 26.8% sand content provides better-than-average aeration compared to many Illinois neighbors, assisting with root penetration. This balance of particles creates a workable medium that resists the heavy compaction often found in denser clay soils.

Consistent Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter levels reach 2.64%, which is healthy by national standards but slightly trails the Illinois average of 2.94%. The available water capacity is 0.191 in/in, sitting just under the state average of 0.204 in/in. These figures indicate reliable soil that supports steady growth, though it may require more frequent irrigation during dry spells than counties to the east.

Managing Water in Cass County Fields

While specific drainage classes are not formally recorded for this area, the high silt concentration suggests moderate natural drainage. The water storage capacity of 0.191 in/in means the soil holds enough moisture to sustain crops through brief heatwaves without becoming waterlogged. For construction or gardening, the moderate sand content typically aids in preventing significant surface runoff.

Thriving in Zone 6a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, Cass County is prime territory for corn, soybeans, and hardy perennials like coneflowers. The balanced 6.60 pH is ideal for vegetable gardening, specifically for tomatoes and peppers which thrive in these conditions. Grab your shovel and start a garden, as these silty soils provide a robust environment for most backyard crops.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cass County

via LawnByCounty

A Solid Foundation for Cass County Lawns

Cass County earns a lawn difficulty score of 70.2, making it slightly easier to maintain than the Illinois average of 69.8. This score sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0, indicating a favorable environment for Zone 6a turf. Most homeowners find the local climate supportive of healthy, green growth.

Moderate Rainfall Meets Missing Metrics

The county receives 38.2 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal range for cool-season grasses. While local temperature and growing day data are currently unavailable, this rainfall level provides a strong baseline for hydration. Consistent moisture management remains the primary focus for a lush yard here.

Balanced Soil for Deep Roots

Soil pH in the county averages a near-perfect 6.60, requiring very few chemical adjustments for nutrient uptake. The mix of 20.1% clay and 26.8% sand offers a decent balance for structure and stability. Though drainage data is limited, these ratios typically suggest a manageable foundation for standard lawn prep.

Severe Drought Requires Smart Watering

With 100% of the county currently in severe drought, water conservation is a critical priority for local residents. Lawns have spent 30 weeks in drought over the past year, necessitating deep, infrequent watering to encourage root resilience. Mulching grass clippings can help retain essential moisture during these dry spells.

Planting for Success in Zone 6a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue thrive in this hardiness zone and provide the best durability against local conditions. While specific local frost dates are unavailable, aiming for early autumn seeding allows roots to establish before the winter freeze. Start your lawn project now to take advantage of the favorable soil pH.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cass County's county score?
Cass County, Illinois has a composite county score of 57.4 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 Illinois?
Cass County ranks #33 among all counties in Illinois 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, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Cass County is $2,007, with an effective tax rate of 2.10%. This earns Cass County a tax score of 2.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cass County?
The median household income in Cass County, Illinois is $64,907 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cass County earns an income score of 54/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cass County, Illinois a good place to live?
Cass County scores 57.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Illinois. 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.