CountyScore

Cass County

Indiana · IN

#63 in Indiana
70.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Cass County, Indiana

Cass ranks well above national median

Cass County's composite score of 70.3 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties. This strong national standing reflects the county's competitive advantage across affordability and tax climate.

Slightly below Indiana's typical county

At 70.3, Cass County scores just below Indiana's state average of 71.2, ranking solidly in the middle tier of the state's 92 counties. This positions it as a dependable option among Indiana communities, though not the state's top performer.

Tax breaks and affordable housing shine

Cass excels in cost of living, with a Cost Score of 83.4 and homes averaging $118,700, paired with an exceptionally low Tax Score of 82.7 reflecting a 0.694% effective tax rate. Health outcomes also perform reasonably well at 66.1, supporting a balanced quality of life.

Income growth lags behind state peers

The county's most pressing limitation is its Income Score of just 20.3, with median household income at $56,525—notably below state and national benchmarks. Limited data on schools, safety, and water quality also prevents a fuller livability picture, though health outcomes suggest underlying community wellness.

Sweet spot for budget-conscious families

Cass County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability, low taxes, and stable health infrastructure over high-wage job markets. It's an ideal choice for those seeking rural or small-town living with financial breathing room, though higher earners may find limited income-growth opportunities.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax82.7Cost83.4SafetyComing SoonHealth66.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.3Risk43.2WaterComing Soon
🏛82.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡43.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Cass County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Petersburg Borough
Alaska
70.3
Median income: $77,026
Trinity County
California
70.3
Median income: $53,498
Johnson County
Georgia
70.3
Median income: $54,183
Pulaski County
Georgia
70.3
Median income: $47,688
Webster County
Georgia
70.3
Median income: $40,764

Deep Dives

Cass County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cass County

via TaxByCounty

Cass County taxes far below national average

At 0.694% effective rate, Cass County homeowners pay roughly one-quarter what the typical American household pays in property taxes. The median tax bill here is just $824 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—putting Cass in a distinctly affordable bracket nationwide.

Middle of the pack in Indiana

Cass County's 0.694% effective rate sits slightly above Indiana's state average of 0.671%, ranking it in the moderate tier among the state's 92 counties. Most Hoosier homeowners in similar-sized counties see comparable tax burdens.

Lower taxes than regional peers

Cass County's effective rate of 0.694% beats neighboring Clark County (0.737%) and nearly matches Clinton County (0.622%). The region shows consistent variation, with Clay County offering the lowest rates at 0.457%.

Median Cass home costs $824 annually

A homeowner with Cass County's median property value of $118,700 pays roughly $824 per year in property taxes. Adding mortgage and escrow costs, the annual bill rises to approximately $970.

Your assessment might be too high

Many Cass County property owners are assessed above market value, leaving potential savings on the table. Indiana allows homeowners to challenge assessments during the annual reassessment window—a free process that frequently results in reduced tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cass County

via CostByCounty

Cass County's rent burden vs. nation

Renters in Cass County spend 16.5% of their income on housing—slightly above the national median while earning $56,525 annually, nearly $18,000 less than the U.S. average of $74,755. Despite lower overall wages, Cass County's affordability sits just above the national median, suggesting housing costs are relatively reasonable for the region.

Slightly tighter than Indiana norm

Cass County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks it slightly above Indiana's average of 15.6%, placing it in the middle tier of Indiana counties for housing affordability. At $778 per month, median rent is $105 below the state average, helping offset lower local incomes.

How Cass compares nearby

Cass County's $778 monthly rent is the lowest among its peer counties, beating Crawford County ($629) only by its renter income; however, neighboring Clinton County ($915) and Clark County ($1,058) command significantly higher rents. This positions Cass as a more affordable option for renters seeking lower monthly housing costs in the region.

Where Cass income goes

With a median household income of $56,525, Cass residents allocate roughly $778 monthly to rent or $729 to mortgage payments, consuming 16.5% and 15.5% of income respectively. Owner costs are slightly lower than rents, suggesting homeownership offers modest savings for those able to purchase a $118,700 median-valued home.

Consider Cass for affordability

If you're weighing Indiana counties for relocation, Cass County offers below-state-average rents without the income penalty of wealthier counties. Compare it side-by-side with neighboring Clay and Daviess counties if you're prioritizing affordable monthly costs combined with reasonable home values under $120,000.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cass County

via IncomeByCounty

Cass County trails national income levels

Cass County's median household income of $56,525 falls $18,230 below the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower half nationally. This 24% gap suggests local earning power lags behind most U.S. counties, driven partly by a regional manufacturing base that has faced decades of structural change.

Below-average income among Indiana counties

At $56,525, Cass County ranks below Indiana's state median of $68,681—a shortfall of $12,156 that reflects economic challenges shared with rural portions of the state. The county's per capita income of $29,370 also trails the state average of $34,773, indicating both household and individual earning constraints.

Neighboring counties earn notably more

Nearby Clay County ($67,676) and Daviess County ($68,561) both earn $11,000+ more per household than Cass, while Clinton County ($63,690) also outpaces the local median. These comparisons suggest that even small geographic shifts reveal significant income variation across the region.

Modest rent burden, but affordability stretched

Cass County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% sits within the healthy range (under 30%), meaning housing costs remain manageable for renters. However, the median home value of $118,700 requires household savings discipline—at current income levels, first-time homebuyers face a meaningful down-payment hurdle.

Build wealth despite modest starting income

For Cass County households earning $56,525 annually, prioritizing emergency savings and low-cost index funds can compound over decades. Even small, consistent investments—starting with 5-10% of take-home pay—can offset the county's income gap and create long-term financial security for families.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Cass County

via HealthByCounty

Cass County trails US life expectancy

At 74.9 years, Cass County residents live roughly 5 years less than the US average of 79 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, a figure slightly higher than the national rate of 18%, signaling persistent health challenges in the county.

Nearly middle of the Indiana pack

Cass County's 74.9-year life expectancy sits just 0.2 years below Indiana's state average of 75.1 years, placing it near the statewide median. The county's 21.4% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average, suggesting room for targeted health interventions.

Comparable to surrounding counties

Cass County's life expectancy mirrors nearby Clay County (75.0 years) and Clinton County (74.4 years), though it lags slightly behind Dearborn County (76.2 years). Primary care availability at 45 providers per 100,000 matches Clay County and exceeds Clinton's 15 per 100,000.

Uninsured rate slightly above state

An estimated 9.4% of Cass County residents lack health insurance, outpacing Indiana's 8.4% rate. With 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, access to routine care is adequate, though mental health services at 226 per 100,000 provide strong support.

Check your coverage options today

If you're among the 9.4% uninsured in Cass County, marketplace plans and Medicaid expansion may be within reach. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore coverage tailored to your income and needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cass County

via RiskByCounty

Cass County faces moderate national risk

Cass County's composite risk score of 56.77 puts it above the national average, indicating above-average exposure to natural hazards. While not among the highest-risk counties nationally, residents here face real and measurable disaster threats that merit preparation and insurance coverage.

Above average risk for Indiana

At 56.77, Cass County scores 25% higher than Indiana's state average of 45.52, ranking it in the middle-to-upper tier of the state's 92 counties. This positions Cass County as one of the more hazard-exposed areas in Indiana, though well below the state's highest-risk counties.

Riskier than most adjacent counties

Cass County (56.77) faces notably higher risk than neighboring Clinton County (30.53) and Dearborn County (45.23), but slightly lower risk than Daviess County (58.81). Local residents should understand that disaster preparedness varies significantly across the region.

Earthquakes and tornadoes top threats

Cass County residents face highest risk from earthquakes (62.40) and tornadoes (60.43), both well above national baselines. Flood risk (64.09) ranks third and poses a serious threat during heavy rainfall or spring snowmelt events.

Earthquake and tornado coverage essential

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover earthquake damage—add a separate earthquake policy given Cass County's 62.40 earthquake risk score. Ensure your policy includes tornado coverage and maintain a home emergency kit, especially given the 60.43 tornado risk that puts this county in active storm country.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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