countyscore
57.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 77.1Safety 66.8

County Report Card

About Cass County, Minnesota

Exceeding National Living Standards

With a composite score of 57.2, Cass County sits well above the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced lifestyle that ranks highly compared to the average American county.

A Strong Contender in Minnesota

The county outperforms the Minnesota state average of 55.8 by a noticeable margin. It provides a more attractive profile than many of its rural and suburban counterparts across the state.

Low Taxes and Pure Water

Cass County excels with a tax score of 77.1, thanks to a very low effective tax rate of 0.576%. It also maintains a high water score of 86.0 and a respectable safety score of 66.8.

Academic and Income Gaps

The school score of 43.0 suggests room for improvement in local educational outcomes. Furthermore, the median household income of $64,937 leads to a mid-range income score of 54.2.

Best for Tax-Conscious Retirees

This county is a perfect match for those prioritizing low tax burdens and natural water quality over school systems. It is an ideal spot for retirees or remote workers who don't rely on local educational infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax77.1Cost39.3Safety66.8Health62.1Schools43Income54.2Risk46.5Water86Weather49
🏛77.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.1
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Hubbard County
Minnesota
50.3
Crow Wing County
Minnesota
49.3
Wadena County
Minnesota
62.5
Itasca County
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56.4
Aitkin County
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Morrison County
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Todd County
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Becker 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 offers surprisingly low tax rates

Cass County's 0.576% effective tax rate ranks in the lowest 15% nationally, far below the 1.0% median. Homeowners here pay just $1,512 annually—43% less than the national median of $2,690.

Minnesota's second-lowest tax burden overall

Cass ranks 85th (second-lowest) among Minnesota's 87 counties by effective rate, at 0.576% versus the state average of 0.968%. The median property tax of $1,512 is the lowest in the state, making Cass an exceptional value for homeowners.

Far below all nearby northern counties

Cass's 0.576% rate is dramatically lower than Carlton (1.169%), Clearwater (0.732%), and Cook (0.790%), offering the region's most affordable tax environment. Even Chisago County's 1.123% is nearly double Cass's rate.

Median home taxes just $1,512 yearly

With a median home value of $262,300 and Cass's exceptionally low 0.576% rate, the annual property tax bills approximately $1,512. This remains one of Minnesota's most tax-friendly counties despite modest property values.

Even low rates merit periodic review

While Cass offers excellent tax value, homeowners should still verify their assessment annually to catch any inflated valuations. Filing an appeal takes minimal effort and can further reduce an already modest tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cass County

via CostByCounty

Cass County's affordability challenge

Cass County residents spend 16.4% of their income on rent—well above the national benchmark of 14.5%—despite earning $64,937, which is 13% below the national median. This mismatch marks Cass as one of the tighter affordability spots in the region.

Minnesota's affordability strain point

Cass County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in Minnesota, exceeding the state average by 1.9 percentage points. The county sits in the lower-income tier while facing rental costs that capture disproportionate household budgets.

Lower rents, but also lower incomes

While Cass's median rent of $889 undercuts Carlton ($967) and Clay ($1,000), residents earn less too—$64,937 versus Carlton's $80,042. This unfavorable income-to-cost ratio makes Cass renters stretch harder despite cheaper absolute rent prices.

Housing consumes more income here

Cass renters pay $889 monthly while homeowners spend $954, together consuming roughly 16-18% of the median $64,937 income. The affordability crunch hits renters hardest, who devote 16.4% to housing alone.

Cass demands budget-conscious planning

Relocating to Cass County requires careful financial discipline—housing will claim a larger income share than regional norms suggest comfortable. If you're seeking the lowest absolute rents and can manage tighter budgets, Cass offers opportunity; otherwise, neighboring counties provide better margins.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cass County

via IncomeByCounty

Cass Falls Below National Median

Cass County's median household income of $64,937 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 13.2 percent, placing it below national norms. This $9,818 shortfall signals economic challenges requiring local attention and household financial planning.

Struggles Against State Average

Cass ranks well below Minnesota's state median of $75,757, earning $10,820 less per household annually. With per capita income of $36,470—nearly 7 percent below state average—the county faces broader economic headwinds affecting both individual and household earnings.

Among Lowest in Region

Cass's $64,937 median ranks among the lowest here, exceeding only Clearwater County ($64,934) in this dataset. The county lags regional peers like Carlton ($80,042) and Chippewa ($69,192), reflecting a challenging local job market.

Housing Stress Signals Caution

Cass County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4 percent—the highest among these counties—signals emerging housing affordability pressure. Combined with below-average income, families here need careful budgeting to manage median home values of $262,300.

Strategic Savings Build Security

Even modest income requires intentional saving to build financial resilience in Cass County. Prioritize an emergency fund of 3-6 months expenses first, then direct any surplus to lower-cost index funds or retirement accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cass County

via CrimeByCounty

High National Safety Scores in Cass County

Cass County earns a robust safety score of 98.8, with a total crime rate of 782.5 per 100,000 residents. This rate is about one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the Minnesota State Average

Cass County's safety score of 98.8 is higher than the Minnesota average of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 782.5 per 100K remains well below the statewide average of 1123.5.

A Secure Destination in Lake Country

Six reporting agencies work together to maintain a crime rate of 782.5 per 100K, providing a safer environment than many neighboring recreational hubs. The county offers a peaceful alternative to higher-crime regions in the state.

Understanding Local Crime Categories

Property crime is the primary concern at 607.5 per 100K, while violent crime is reported at 175.0. Although the violent crime rate is slightly above the state average of 153.0, the overall risk to residents remains extremely low.

Securing Property in North-Central Minnesota

With 607.5 property crimes reported per 100K residents, securing seasonal cabins and homes is a smart priority. Utilizing deadbolts and timed lighting can effectively deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cass County

via HealthByCounty

Cass faces significant health challenges

At 74.7 years, Cass County residents live about 4 years less than the U.S. average of 78.8 years, placing the county among America's lower life expectancy regions. With 15.7% of residents reporting poor or fair health—more than double the national average—Cass faces substantial health burden.

Minnesota's lowest life expectancy

Cass County's 74.7-year life expectancy falls 4 years below Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years, ranking it among the state's worst-performing counties. The 15.7% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds Minnesota's typical outcomes, signaling a population facing considerable health obstacles.

Most struggling county in region

Cass's 74.7-year life expectancy is the lowest in its regional peer group, trailing Carlton County (76.3 years) and Clearwater County (76.0 years). Its 15.7% poor/fair health rate is the highest among neighbors, marking Cass as facing the steepest health challenges in its region.

Severe provider shortage, high uninsured

Cass County's 7.7% uninsured rate exceeds Minnesota's state average of 6.0%, leaving more residents without coverage. The county critically lacks providers with just 29 primary care providers and 89 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest provider densities in the state.

Don't wait to get covered

With 7.7% uninsured and provider shortages, coverage is essential in Cass. Visit MNSure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 immediately to find affordable plans and connect with available healthcare resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cass County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Education Across Cass County

Cass County operates 18 public schools within 7 districts, providing education for 4,433 students. The system is comprised of 5 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 9 high schools.

High Investment in Student Success

The county invests $9,603 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average of $8,463. While the graduation rate currently sits at 73.4%, the high per-pupil spending reflects a commitment to improving local educational outcomes.

Pillager and Cass Lake-Bena Highlights

The Pillager Public School District is the largest in the county, serving 1,245 students. One charter school provides an alternative option, making up about 5.6% of the county's total school inventory.

A Purely Rural Schooling Experience

All 18 schools in the county are situated in rural locales, offering a consistent environment for all students. The average school size is small at 261 students, with Pillager Elementary being one of the largest hubs at 478 students.

Find Your Home in a Quiet District

Families seeking small school sizes and high per-pupil investment will find Cass County appealing. Look for homes in the Pillager or Pine River-Backus districts to enjoy a close-knit rural educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cass County

via RiskByCounty

Cass County carries moderate U.S. risk profile

Cass County's composite risk score of 53.53 with a "Relatively Low" rating indicates above-average exposure to natural hazards compared to the national baseline. The county faces meaningful threats across multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and wildfire.

Cass ranks above Minnesota's average risk level

With a score of 53.53, Cass County exceeds Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it in the higher-risk tier for the state. This elevation reflects the county's northern geography and exposure to water-based hazards.

Cass balances risk with nearby Chisago County

Cass County (53.53) scores lower than Carlton (70.07) but higher than Chisago (44.53), positioning it as a mid-range risk county in the region. The county's unique hazard profile combines forest fire exposure with significant flood and tornado risk.

Floods and wildfires threaten Cass equally

Cass County faces nearly identical flood (63.17) and wildfire (63.20) risk scores, making both hazards equally pressing concerns for residents. Tornadoes add a secondary threat with a score of 42.91, requiring year-round disaster preparedness.

Dual flood and wildfire insurance critical for Cass

Cass homeowners should secure both flood insurance and wildfire coverage, as the county faces substantial risk from both hazards (63.17 and 63.20 respectively). Create a defensible space around your home and maintain an evacuation plan for wildfire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cass County

via WeatherByCounty

Deeply Chilled Below National Medians

Cass County averages 41.1°F annually, keeping it firmly in the cold-temperate category compared to the rest of the nation. The local climate is defined by long, dominant winters and short, pleasant summers.

Running Slightly Cooler and Drier than Average

The county's average temperature of 41.1°F falls about 1.7 degrees short of the Minnesota state average. It also sees less precipitation than the state norm, recording 27.0 inches annually against a 30.0-inch average.

A Transitional Climate in Central Minnesota

Cass County is drier than eastern neighbors like Chisago but remains significantly warmer than northern Cook County. It serves as a middle ground between the snowy north woods and the warmer southern prairies.

A Sanctuary from Extreme Summer Heat

Summer is brief and mild, with only three days a year hitting 90°F. Winter brings a sharp chill, as January averages 8.6°F and the county receives 48.5 inches of snow on average.

Focus on Winter Resilience Over AC

With only three days of extreme heat, central air conditioning is less critical than a robust, high-performance heating system. Residents should prepare for 48.5 inches of snow with reliable plowing services and high-quality winter apparel.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cass County

via SoilByCounty

Cass County’s acidic pine sands

Cass County features acidic soil with a pH of 4.95, notably lower than the state average of 6.21. This level of acidity is typical for the sandy, timber-heavy landscapes of north-central Minnesota.

High sand, low clay

A high sand content of 61.8% dominates the profile, while clay makes up only 7.4%. This mix ensures excellent drainage but requires careful management to prevent nutrient leaching.

Rich organic potential

The county boasts 12.95% organic matter, which exceeds the state average of 9.90%. Despite the sandy texture, an available water capacity of 0.194 in/in nearly matches the statewide benchmark of 0.199 in/in.

Managing fast water movement

While specific hydrologic group data is not recorded here, the 61.8% sand content suggests very rapid drainage. This is beneficial for building foundations but may require more frequent watering for crops.

Success in Zone 4a

Zone 4a gardens in Cass County are perfect for drought-tolerant perennials and acid-loving shrubs. Focus on amending sandy spots with compost to make the most of the high organic matter potential.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cass County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Growing in Cass

With a score of 38.1, Cass County presents a significant challenge for lawn enthusiasts compared to the 63.9 state average. Zone 4a conditions and specific soil hurdles make maintenance more labor-intensive than the national average.

Dry Air and Brief Summers

The county receives 27.0 inches of precipitation, which is lower than the Minnesota average of 30.0 inches. Lawns only face 3 extreme heat days, but the 2,117 growing degree days mean a shorter window for grass to recover from damage.

Sandy Soils Require Care

Local soil is 61.8% sand, leading to fast drainage that may leave grass thirsty. The pH of 4.95 is quite acidic, suggesting that regular lime treatments are necessary to reach the ideal 6.0 threshold.

Enduring Chronic Dry Spells

The county has spent 41 weeks in drought over the last year, with 100% of the area currently rated as abnormally dry. Incorporating organic matter into your soil can help your lawn retain precious water during these extended dry periods.

Seed for Early October Dormancy

Fine fescues are well-suited for these sandy, acidic conditions and cold Zone 4a winters. Plan your spring seeding for after the May 5 frost date to ensure young sprouts survive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cass County's county score?
Cass County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 57.2 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 Minnesota?
Cass County ranks #39 among all counties in Minnesota 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, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Cass County is $1,512, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Cass County a tax score of 77.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cass County?
The median household income in Cass County, Minnesota is $64,937 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cass County earns an income score of 54.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cass County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Cass County scores 57.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Minnesota. 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.