51.3
County Score
Soil Quality 72.4Lawn Care 67.1Cost of Living 66.8

County Report Card

About Cass County, Indiana

Slightly Above the National Median

Cass County earns a composite score of 51.3, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. This score suggests a standard of living that is consistent with the middle tier of American counties.

Trailing the Indiana Average

The county falls below the Indiana state average score of 55.9. While it remains competitive, it lags behind several higher-performing counties in the north-central part of the state.

Affordable Living and Low Taxes

Housing affordability is a major advantage, with a cost score of 66.8 and a median gross rent of just $778 per month. Residents also benefit from a manageable tax burden, reflected in a tax score of 63.9.

Economic and Educational Hurdles

The income score is a low 28.8, with a median household income of $56,525 that sits below many state peers. Additionally, the school score of 36.9 suggests room for growth in local educational outcomes.

Best for Budget-Conscious Residents

Cass County is an excellent fit for retirees or remote workers looking to stretch their dollars. Its low housing costs and modest taxes create a high level of financial accessibility.

Score breakdown

Tax63.9Cost66.8Safety50.3Health43.1Schools36.9Income28.8Risk43.2Water48.8Weather55.7
🏛63.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠66.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼28.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡50.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
43.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓36.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
43.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧48.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤55.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨72.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱67.1
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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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 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.

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.

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.

Safety in Cass County

via CrimeByCounty

Cass County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Cass County maintains a total crime rate of 1118.5 per 100K residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This strong performance earns the county a high safety score of 98.2 out of 100.

Tracking Above State Crime Averages

The county's total crime rate sits above the Indiana state average of 693.8 per 100K. However, Cass excels in violent crime prevention, reporting only 29.1 incidents per 100K compared to the state's 102.9 average.

Cass County vs Regional Neighbors

Cass County reports a higher crime rate than nearby Clinton County's 381.6 but remains far safer than more urbanized areas. It effectively balances local safety needs while keeping property crime significantly below national levels.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Property crime accounts for 1089.4 of the total incidents per 100K, making up the vast majority of local law enforcement activity. Violent crime is exceptionally rare, occurring at a rate nearly 13 times lower than the national average.

Maintaining a Secure Cass County

Focusing on property security like smart lighting and deadbolts helps address the county's primary crime category. Staying alert and connected with neighbors ensures the community remains a safe place to live.

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.

Schools in Cass County

via SchoolsByCounty

Cass County's Educational Infrastructure

The county supports 6,781 students across 17 public schools, including six elementary, three middle, and seven high schools. These facilities are organized into three distinct school districts that serve the local population. The infrastructure includes dedicated special education and alternative school options to meet diverse student needs.

Strong Graduation Rates in Cass County

The county maintains a high 92.4% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the 87% national average. While the per-pupil expenditure of $5,101 sits below the state average of $5,507, the county achieves a school score of 50.7. This demonstrates a focused efficiency in delivering educational outcomes relative to national benchmarks.

Spotlight on Logansport Community Schools

Logansport Community School Corporation is the largest provider in the county, managing 10 schools and serving 4,393 students. The county has zero charter schools, meaning all public education is delivered through traditional district structures. Lewis Cass Schools and Pioneer Regional School Corporation provide additional options for over 2,200 local students.

A Blend of Town and Rural Learning

Education in Cass County is characterized by smaller settings, with an average school size of 484 students. The locale mix features 10 schools in town settings and seven in rural areas. Logansport Community High School is the largest campus with 1,224 students, while smaller rural schools offer more intimate environments.

Education Excellence for Your Future Home

With a graduation rate exceeding 92%, Cass County offers a reliable educational foundation for growing families. School quality is a primary driver of long-term property value in this region. Prospective buyers should explore neighborhoods near top-rated schools like Landis Elementary to secure their children's academic success.

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.

Weather & Climate in Cass County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler Midwestern Profile

Cass County’s annual average temperature of 50.5°F sits roughly four degrees below the national median. This puts the area in a humid continental climate zone defined by cold winters and warm summers.

Below the Indiana Average

The county is cooler than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It ranks as one of the chillier northern counties, receiving 41.2 inches of annual precipitation.

Drier than the State Average

Cass receives about 2.7 inches less precipitation annually than the Indiana average of 43.9 inches. It maintains a colder winter profile than central neighbors like Clinton County.

Cold Winters and Brief Heat

Winter brings 22 inches of snow and a chilly 27.8°F seasonal average. Summers are moderate, though residents still face 14 extreme heat days above 90°F each year.

Prepare for the Freeze

Homeowners should prioritize high-efficiency heating to manage the 24.8°F January average. Snow removal equipment is a necessity for the 22 inches of typical annual accumulation.

Soil Quality in Cass County

via SoilByCounty

Loamy Sand Soils define Cass County

Cass County features Alfisol soils with a 6.20 average pH, making them slightly more acidic than the 6.5 national median. The dominant texture is loamy fine sand, which feels lighter and grainier than the heavy clays found in other parts of the state.

A Silty and Sandy Mix

The soil contains 35.7% sand and 45.1% silt, balanced by a modest 15.4% clay content. This composition offers excellent workability and enough silt to maintain structure without becoming excessively heavy or difficult to till.

Strong Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter reaches 4.98%, which exceeds both the national average and the Indiana state average of 4.90%. While fertility is high, the available water capacity of 0.190 in/in sits slightly below the state benchmark of 0.202.

Rapid Drainage for Resilient Roots

These soils are somewhat excessively drained and belong to hydrologic group A. This means water moves quickly through the profile, preventing pooling but requiring gardeners to monitor moisture during dry summer weeks.

Ready for Early Season Success

In USDA zone 6a, these well-drained loams are perfect for root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. With an overall soil score of 72.4, this land is naturally more productive than the average Indiana county.

Lawn Care in Cass County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Maintenance in Cass County

Cass County earns a 67.1 lawn difficulty score, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0 but trailing the Indiana average of 71.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, homeowners here face a moderate challenge in keeping turf healthy compared to easier counties in the south.

Manageable Heat and Rain Patterns

The county receives 41.2 inches of annual precipitation, slightly below the state average of 44.2 inches. With only 14 extreme heat days and 3147 growing degree days, the climate generally supports steady growth without constant summer dormancy risks.

Loamy Sand Needs Steady Hydration

The local soil features a loamy fine sand texture with a healthy pH of 6.20, which is ideal for nutrient uptake. However, because the soil is somewhat excessively drained, grass may struggle to retain moisture during the peak of summer.

Severe Drought Risks Dominate Recent Seasons

Current data shows 91% of the county is in a severe drought, and lawns have weathered 46 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root systems that can survive these extended dry spells.

Planting for Success in Zone 6a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are top choices for Cass County's 6a hardiness zone. Plan to seed after the last spring frost on April 25 or before the first fall frost on October 23 for optimal results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cass County's county score?
Cass County, Indiana has a composite county score of 51.3 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 Indiana?
Cass County ranks #70 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Cass County is $824, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Cass County a tax score of 63.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cass County?
The median household income in Cass County, Indiana is $56,525 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cass County earns an income score of 28.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cass County, Indiana a good place to live?
Cass County scores 51.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Indiana. 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.