CountyScore

Cass County

Michigan · MI

#36 in Michigan
69.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Cass County, Michigan

Cass County Ranks in National Upper Tier

Cass County's composite score of 70.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 41%, placing it firmly among America's most livable counties. This strong showing reflects balanced excellence across tax burden, housing costs, and household income. Cass ranks among the nation's preferred destinations for quality of life.

Above Michigan's State Benchmark

Cass County scores 70.5 versus Michigan's 68.7 state average, ranking it in the upper tier of Michigan's counties. The county's above-average performance places it among Michigan's most sought-after communities. Residents enjoy livability conditions that exceed most of the state's remaining counties.

Tax Efficiency Meets Solid Incomes

Cass County shines with a Tax Score of 75.2, featuring an effective tax rate of just 0.961%, paired with a median household income of $68,011 reflecting economic stability. Housing remains reasonable with median rents of $870/month and home values of $205,200. This combination of low taxes, solid incomes, and balanced costs creates strong livability for established households.

Missing Critical Livability Data

While Cass excels on economic metrics, complete assessment is limited by absent data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions. These missing dimensions represent important quality-of-life considerations for any relocation decision. Prospective residents should independently research these factors before committing.

Ideal for Balanced-Priorities Families

Cass County appeals to established families and professionals seeking low taxes, reasonable housing costs, and steady household incomes without premium pricing. Its well-rounded profile suits those wanting economic stability and tax efficiency in equal measure. Cass delivers Michigan's sweet spot for balanced livability living.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75.2Cost77.6SafetyComing SoonHealth73.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.8Risk52.3WaterComing Soon
🏛75.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡52.3
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

Clay County
Arkansas
69.8
Median income: $48,500
Liberty County
Florida
69.8
Median income: $53,824
McDuffie County
Georgia
69.8
Median income: $54,058
Webster County
Kentucky
69.8
Median income: $58,786
Evangeline Parish
Louisiana
69.8
Median income: $42,273

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 below national median

Cass County's effective tax rate of 0.961% sits below the national median of 1.09%, placing it in roughly the 40th percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $1,972 falls well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a moderate tax rate and a lower median home value of $205,200.

Among Michigan's lowest-tax counties

Cass County ranks in the bottom quartile of Michigan counties with an effective rate of 0.961%, about 18% below the state average of 1.166%. The median annual tax of $1,972 undercuts Michigan's median of $2,102, offering relatively favorable conditions for homeowners.

Most tax-friendly in Southwest Michigan

Cass County's 0.961% rate is the lowest in the Southwest region, significantly undercutting Branch (1.229%) and well below the county sample average. It competes with Benzie, Charlevoix, and Cheboygan as one of Michigan's most affordable tax environments.

What your home tax bill looks like

On Cass County's median home value of $205,200, the 0.961% rate yields approximately $1,972 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,091, while those without mortgages pay $1,819.

Consider appealing your assessment

Even in low-tax counties, overassessments exist and appeals are worthwhile. File during Michigan's March-June window at no cost to potentially reduce your already-favorable tax burden further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cass County

via CostByCounty

Cass County Delivers Solid Affordability

Renters in Cass County spend just 15.3% of income on housing, undercutting Michigan's state average of 16.3% and offering genuine relief. With a $68,011 median household income and $870 monthly rent, Cass ranks among the most financially balanced counties in the region.

Above-Average Affordability in Michigan

Cass County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Michigan's most affordable surveyed counties, while its $870 median rent slightly undercuts the state average of $873. This alignment of moderate income and moderate costs creates stable housing conditions relative to state benchmarks.

Balanced Costs Across South-Central Region

Cass's $870 rent sits between Bay ($809) and Branch ($900), while its 15.3% burden beats all southern Michigan peers except Charlevoix. At a $205,200 median home value, Cass homebuyers find mid-range pricing that supports the county's strong affordability story.

Ownership Costs More Here

Cass renters pay $870 monthly (15.3% of income), but homeowners commit $995 (17.4%), a significant jump that reflects above-average home values. This ownership premium suggests renting offers better short-term value, while buying requires substantial down payment and income stability.

Cass Suits Balanced Households

If affordability and stability matter equally, Cass County's 15.3% rent burden and $68,000+ median income create genuine breathing room for household budgets. Consider Cass over higher-burden options like Calhoun (18.6%), Branch (17.4%), or Berrien (17.5%) to maximize housing value and financial flexibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cass County

via IncomeByCounty

Cass County approaches national income

Cass County's median household income of $68,011 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $6,744, or 9%. This represents a smaller gap than most peer counties.

Above Michigan's county average

At $68,011, Cass County exceeds Michigan's county median of $64,304 by over $3,700, or 6%. This positions Cass in the upper-middle tier among Michigan's counties.

Cass leads Southwest Michigan region

Cass County's $68,011 ranks among the region's highest, second only to northern Charlevoix County ($76,495). This income leadership reflects Cass's stronger economic position relative to nearby Branch and Berrien counties.

Housing costs are most manageable here

Cass County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in its regional peer group at 15.3%, well below affordability stress thresholds. This allows households to dedicate income more freely to savings and investments.

Strong position for wealth building

Cass County households earning $68,011 with low housing-cost burdens are well-positioned to invest in retirement accounts, education, and asset diversification. This combination of income and affordability creates meaningful wealth-building opportunity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Cass County

via HealthByCounty

Cass County health slightly below national pace

Cass County's life expectancy of 76.1 years trails the U.S. average of 78.9 years by 2.8 years, mirroring broader Midwestern health patterns. One in six residents (16.3%) report poor or fair health, slightly exceeding the national average of 15%, indicating above-average chronic disease prevalence.

Cass ranks at Michigan's middle tier

Cass County's 76.1-year life expectancy sits just below Michigan's average of 76.3 years, while its 16.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average, reflecting concentrated health challenges. The county's 6.9% uninsured rate slightly outpaces the state average of 6.4%.

Cass struggles with provider scarcity

Cass's 76.1-year life expectancy matches Branch but trails Charlevoix (78.0 years) and Benzie (77.1 years), with notably weaker healthcare infrastructure. At just 21 primary care providers per 100K—the lowest among all eight counties—Cass residents face significant access barriers to routine care.

Severe provider shortages hamper access

Cass County has only 21 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the lowest capacity in this region and well below evidence-based needs, making routine preventive care difficult to access. Mental health capacity at 107 per 100K compounds the access problem, leaving residents with limited options for behavioral health support.

Explore coverage and rural care options

Cass County's 6.9% uninsured rate means roughly 1,400 residents lack reliable health access despite rural provider shortages. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Cass County Community Health Centers to explore Medicaid, telehealth options, and subsidized plans that help bridge rural care gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cass County

via RiskByCounty

Cass County: Below-Average Risk

Cass County's composite risk score of 47.71 sits slightly below the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating and reflecting manageable natural hazard exposure. The score indicates that Cass faces fewer threats than many U.S. counties, though local risks still warrant attention and basic preparedness. This favorable positioning makes Cass one of Michigan's safer communities.

Below Michigan's State Average

Cass County's composite risk of 47.71 falls just under Michigan's state average of 49.56, positioning it as one of the state's lower-risk counties. The county benefits from geographic and climatic conditions that limit exposure to major hazards. Residents face fewer natural disaster threats than typical Michigan communities.

Safest in Southwest Michigan

Cass County (47.71) ranks lower than both Branch County (51.81) and significantly lower than Berrien County (81.71), making it the safest county in its southwest Michigan region. The county's distance from Lake Michigan and location away from seismic zones reduce key hazards. This favorable geography positions Cass as a refuge from regional disaster risks.

Modest but Present Threats

Flood risk is Cass's highest concern at 55.57, reflecting some vulnerability to heavy rainfall and water accumulation in low-lying areas. Tornado risk (64.47) remains moderate, requiring basic awareness during severe weather season. These hazards are present but significantly below state averages, allowing residents to focus on standard preparedness measures.

Maintain Standard Precautions

Ensure your homeowners insurance includes comprehensive flood and wind coverage, reviewing your policy annually to maintain adequate replacement value. Keep a weather alert radio and emergency kit accessible, and know where to shelter if a tornado warning is issued. Your lower-risk position allows you to focus on maintenance and standard preparedness rather than extensive retrofitting.

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.