countyscore
41.1
County Score
Health 69Income & Jobs 61.9Lawn Care 60.4

County Report Card

About Cass County, Michigan

Cass County approaches national averages

Cass County earns a composite score of 41.1, keeping it within reach of the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a strong economic foundation paired with some infrastructure challenges.

Competitive with state peers

The county's score of 41.1 is slightly below the Michigan state average of 47.1. While it isn't a state leader, it outperforms many neighboring counties in terms of resident income and health.

Prosperous residents and healthy living

Cass County shines with a health score of 69.0 and an income score of 61.9. A median household income of $68,011 suggests a relatively prosperous local population compared to regional averages.

Schools and water need attention

The county's school score of 24.1 and water score of 26.9 are the most significant areas for improvement. These scores indicate that infrastructure and public education are not currently keeping pace with the county's economic wealth.

A solid choice for working professionals

Cass County is a great fit for individuals who earn above-average incomes and value wellness. With a low effective tax rate of 0.961%, it is an attractive option for those who can supplement educational needs privately.

Score breakdown

Tax41Cost39.1Safety27.8Health69Schools24.1Income61.9Risk52.3Water26.9Weather52.7
🏛41
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨54.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.4
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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District of Columbia
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Nearby counties

Elkhart County
Indiana
36.6
St. Joseph County
Michigan
38.4
St. Joseph County
Indiana
41.4
Berrien County
Michigan
32.7
Van Buren County
Michigan
38.3
LaGrange County
Indiana
58
Marshall County
Indiana
56.9
Kalamazoo County
Michigan
31

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 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

Safety in Cass County

via CrimeByCounty

Cass County Maintains Solid National Standing

Cass County’s total crime rate of 1,740.2 per 100,000 residents is well below the national average of 2,385.5. The county currently holds a strong safety score of 97.3.

Close to Michigan's Safety Benchmarks

The county’s safety score of 97.3 is nearly in line with the Michigan average of 97.8. Its total crime rate remains slightly higher than the state average of 1,371.8 per 100,000.

A More Secure Option than Berrien

Cass County is significantly safer than Berrien County, which reports over 2,500 crimes per 100,000. It offers a quieter alternative while remaining more active than Michigan's northernmost counties.

Low Violent Crime Rates for Residents

Violent crime stands at 296.5 per 100,000, which is below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main contributor to local data, at 1,443.7 incidents.

Focus Security on Property Protection

Home security efforts should focus on preventing theft through well-lit driveways and smart locks. These steps help address the property-heavy nature of local crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Cass County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Schooling Across Five Districts

Cass County operates 23 public schools serving 6,535 students within five distinct school districts. The county features a mix of nine elementary schools and eight high schools, emphasizing a stable educational path for local families.

Academic Success with Lean Investment

Cass County maintains a strong graduation rate of 84.3%, outperforming the Michigan state average. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $6,523, which is significantly leaner than the $7,394 state and $13,000 national averages.

Spotlighting Edwardsburg and Dowagiac

Edwardsburg Public Schools and Dowagiac Union School District are the largest systems, serving 2,642 and 1,890 students respectively. There are currently no charter schools in Cass County, focusing all resources on the five traditional public districts.

A Diverse Rural and Suburban Mix

Over half of the county's schools are in rural locales, but there is also a significant suburban presence with six schools. Average school size is 284 students, providing a more intimate atmosphere than the larger neighboring counties.

The Right Fit for Your Family in Cass

Families often look to the high-performing Edwardsburg district when considering a move to this part of Michigan. The county's blend of rural peace and suburban accessibility makes it a compelling choice for school-focused homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Cass County

via WeatherByCounty

Wetter and Warmer Southern Michigan Living

Cass County averages 48.1°F annually, which is roughly 7 degrees cooler than the national median. It is characterized by significant annual moisture and a southern latitude that softens the winter.

High Precipitation in the Southern Tier

The county's 41.7 inches of annual precipitation far exceeds the state average of 34.5 inches. Despite the rain, it remains warmer than the Michigan average, recording 48.1°F annually.

Leading the Region in Rainfall

Cass is one of the wettest counties in the area, receiving nearly 7 inches more precipitation than the Michigan average. While specific snowfall data is limited for this county, the high total precipitation suggests wet winters.

Humid Summers and Frequent Heat

July averages 70.8°F and the county endures 11 days of extreme heat above 90°F each year. Winter remains fairly typical for the southern border with a 26.3°F average.

Manage Water and Summer Humidity

Given the high 41.7 inches of rain, residents must focus on sump pumps and landscape grading. Cooling systems are essential to navigate the 11 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cass County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soils with Significant Organic Depth

Cass County features a notably acidic profile with an average pH of 5.02, falling below the state average of 5.30. Despite this acidity, the county maintains a respectable soil score of 54.2. This indicates a soil that is highly responsive to proper management and amendment.

High Sand and Low Clay Profile

With 54.5% sand and only 7.0% clay, the soil is light, porous, and very easy to work. The silt content of 17.4% adds some mineral diversity to the sandy base. This composition is excellent for crops that require fast drainage and loose soil for root expansion.

Rich Organic Matter and Solid Water Capacity

The soil is rich in life, with 14.60% organic matter, nearly seven times the national average. It also features a strong available water capacity of 0.183 in/in, one of the higher ratings in the region. This combination provides a fertile reservoir for plants even during dry spells.

Fast-Draining Soils for Active Growing

The low clay and high sand percentages suggest that these soils drain very quickly. This reduces the risk of standing water and allows farmers to get into their fields earlier in the spring. It is an ideal setup for intensive gardening where water control is vital.

Diverse Potential in Hardiness Zone 6a

In hardiness zone 6a, Cass County is well-suited for berries and root vegetables that thrive in loose soil. The naturally acidic conditions are perfect for growing prize-winning blueberries. Start your garden today and take advantage of the high organic matter in your backyard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cass County

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Care Reality in Cass County

Cass County earns a lawn difficulty score of 60.4, aligning almost perfectly with the Michigan state average. As part of USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, the county offers a manageable environment compared to the national median of 50.0. You will find that standard Michigan lawn care practices work well here.

Wet Climate Drives Heavy Growth

Cass County is one of the wetter areas in the state, receiving 41.7 inches of rain annually—well above the 34.4-inch state average. You also face 11 extreme heat days and 2,634 growing degree days. This combination of high moisture and heat can lead to rapid growth and increased humidity-related fungal risks.

The Challenge of Very Acidic Soil

With a pH of 5.02, your soil is significantly more acidic than the 6.0-7.0 ideal for healthy turf. The soil is 54.5% sand and only 7.0% clay, providing fast drainage but poor nutrient storage. Heavy liming is essential to raise the pH and prevent moss or weeds from taking over your lawn.

Surprising Resilience Despite Sandy Soil

The county is currently 0% abnormally dry, though it endured 18 weeks in drought over the last year. Your high annual precipitation usually compensates for the sandy soil's low water retention. During dry spells, keep your grass height at 3 inches or more to shade the soil and reduce water loss.

Optimizing Your Short Frost-Free Window

Choose grass types like Turf-Type Tall Fescue that can handle both the high rainfall and the 11 annual heat days. Your growing window starts after May 4th and is relatively short, with a first frost arriving by October 11th. Focus on early fall maintenance to ensure your lawn is hardy enough for the winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cass County's county score?
Cass County, Michigan has a composite county score of 41.1 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 Michigan?
Cass County ranks #60 among all counties in Michigan 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, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Cass County is $1,972, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Cass County a tax score of 41/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cass County?
The median household income in Cass County, Michigan is $68,011 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cass County earns an income score of 61.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cass County, Michigan a good place to live?
Cass County scores 41.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Michigan. 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.