CountyScore

Cass County

Missouri · MO

#102 in Missouri
65.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Cass County, Missouri

Cass scores 36% above U.S. median

Cass County's composite score of 68.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 36%, demonstrating strong livability despite falling below Missouri's state average. This score reflects a county with solid fundamentals, though facing some affordability headwinds.

Ranks below Missouri's average county

With a score of 68.0 versus Missouri's state average of 74.8, Cass ranks lower than most peer counties in the state. The gap is driven primarily by higher costs and taxes relative to the state norm.

Strongest incomes in this county group

Cass's income score of 40.4 is the highest among these eight counties, supported by a median household income of $87,413. This earning power positions residents well for mortgages and quality-of-life investments.

Higher housing and tax costs strain budgets

The county's cost score of 67.6 and tax score of 77.6 reflect higher expenses: median home values of $269,000 and median rent of $1,147 monthly. These costs are the primary drivers limiting the county's overall livability score relative to peers.

Best for affluent families seeking growth

Cass County suits higher-income families and professionals who can afford premium housing and seek suburban amenities and growth. It's less ideal for budget-conscious households or those on fixed incomes.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.6Cost67.6SafetyComing SoonHealth74.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome40.4Risk25.1WaterComing Soon
🏛77.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡25.1
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

Siskiyou County
California
65.9
Median income: $55,499
Clark County
Indiana
65.9
Median income: $72,298
Ness County
Kansas
65.9
Median income: $66,107
Boone County
Kentucky
65.9
Median income: $94,752
Clay County
Minnesota
65.9
Median income: $77,664

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 taxes match the national median

Cass County's effective tax rate of 0.879% nearly mirrors the national median of 0.93%, making it an average tax jurisdiction for America. With a median tax bill of $2,364 on a $269,000 home, Cass homeowners pay slightly below the national median of $2,690.

Above average for Missouri

Cass County ranks in the upper third of Missouri's 114 counties with an effective rate of 0.879%, well above the state average of 0.733%. Its median tax bill of $2,364 almost doubles Missouri's median of $1,199, reflecting both higher home values and a higher tax rate.

The highest rate in its region

Cass County's 0.879% rate tops all nearby counties: Carroll (0.844%), Cedar (0.587%), and Christian (0.752%). Only Clark County (0.969%) and Clay County (1.099%) exceed Cass in the broader state comparison.

Over $2,300 annually on typical home

A typical Cass County homeowner with a $269,000 property pays $2,364 in annual property tax, or about $197 per month. With a mortgage, escrow increases that to $2,451 as it bundles insurance and other levies.

High rates make appeals especially valuable

In higher-tax counties like Cass, even a small reduction in your assessed value can save hundreds of dollars annually. If you believe your property is overassessed relative to comparable recent sales, a formal appeal is worth your time—it's free and could yield real savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cass County

via CostByCounty

Cass County's premium housing on solid income

Cass County residents earn a median of $87,413, roughly 17% above the national median of $74,755, yet their 15.8% rent-to-income ratio stays near national norms. This favorable affordability picture reflects Cass's position as one of Missouri's wealthier counties, supporting higher rents and home values without severe budget strain.

High income buffers Cass's premium housing costs

While Cass County's median rent of $1,147 far exceeds Missouri's $768 state average, its rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% holds just above the state's 15.6%, thanks to incomes that also exceed state norms. Cass stands out as a higher-cost but also higher-income pocket of the state.

Kansas City's prosperous suburban outpost

Cass County commands significantly higher rents ($1,147) than rural peers like Carroll ($785) or Cedar ($783), approaching Clay County's $1,220. Its median home value of $269,000 similarly exceeds surrounding counties, reflecting Cass's role as a desirable suburban community.

Premium costs, premium incomes balance out

On a median income of $87,413, Cass residents allocate $1,147 monthly to rent (15.8%) or $1,308 to mortgage payments. These higher absolute costs are sustainable precisely because median incomes far exceed state and national averages.

Cass suits higher-earning relocators

If your household income exceeds $80,000, Cass County offers premium suburban living with manageable affordability ratios and strong schools. Compare Cass's $1,147 rent against your income—it aligns well with dual-earning professional households seeking Kansas City-area access.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cass County

via IncomeByCounty

Cass County exceeds national income

Cass County's median household income of $87,413 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $12,658—a 17% advantage. This ranks the county in the top quartile nationally and reflects the strong economic pull of Kansas City's suburbs.

Missouri's most prosperous county

Cass County leads Missouri with median household income of $87,413, towering $27,910 above the state average of $59,503. The county's per capita income of $41,075 also ranks at the state's top, indicating broad-based wealth.

Clear leader in region

Cass County ($87,413) significantly outpaces all peer counties, with only Clay County ($86,150) approaching its prosperity. The $1,263 gap reflects Cass's edge as Kansas City's premier suburban destination for affluent families.

Housing affordable despite high prices

At 15.8% of income spent on rent, Cass County households enjoy solid affordability even as median home values reach $269,000. The county's above-average incomes comfortably support homeownership and wealth accumulation.

Leverage income for compound growth

With robust household income, Cass County families can maximize retirement contributions, diversify investment portfolios, and build significant home equity. Strategic tax planning and estate management become accessible tools for generational wealth creation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Cass County

via HealthByCounty

Cass County: Missouri's health leader

At 77.0 years, Cass County residents live 2.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years, a substantial longevity advantage. The county's 14.8% poor or fair health rate significantly outperforms the national average of 21%, with residents enjoying notably healthier lives.

Among Missouri's healthiest communities

Cass County ranks in Missouri's top tier for health outcomes, with a life expectancy of 77.0 years—2.7 years above the state average of 74.3 years. The county's 14.8% poor/fair health rating is well below Missouri's median, marking it as a model for community health.

Regional health leader by wide margin

Cass County's 77.0-year life expectancy exceeds all neighboring counties, including Christian (77.2 years, tied) and Cedar (74.7 years). At 14.8% poor/fair health, Cass outperforms every comparable peer, establishing itself as a regional health standout.

Strong insurance coverage, accessible care

Cass County's uninsured rate of 8.9% is notably below Missouri's 12.5% average, meaning most residents have healthcare coverage. The county provides 25 primary care providers and 141 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, ensuring residents have pathways to both preventive and behavioral healthcare.

Keep your coverage strong

Cass County's low uninsured rate reflects strong community health engagement—if you're uninsured or underinsured, visiting healthcare.gov takes just 15 minutes. Maintaining continuous coverage protects your health and your wallet.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cass County

via RiskByCounty

Cass County faces elevated risk

Cass County's composite risk score of 74.90 places it well above Missouri's state average of 50.56, earning a Relatively Low national rating but with notably higher exposure. The county's tornado risk of 89.85 is particularly severe, ranking among the state's most tornado-prone areas.

High-risk tornado zone

Cass County ranks in Missouri's higher-risk tier, driven primarily by its extreme tornado vulnerability of 89.85. Few Missouri counties face comparable spring storm intensity, making severe weather the dominant concern for residents.

Tornado risk stands out

Cass County's 89.85 tornado score substantially exceeds nearby Carroll County (56.84), Cedar County (63.30), and Chariton County (50.64). Flooding (70.55) and earthquake (54.36) risks remain moderate, but tornadoes drive the county's overall exposure profile.

Severe tornadoes, flooding threats

Tornadoes pose an extreme threat with an 89.85 risk score—the highest hazard facing Cass County residents. Flooding (70.55) compounds spring risks, particularly near creeks and low-lying property, making dual preparation essential.

Tornado readiness saves lives

With 89.85 tornado risk, underground or interior safe rooms are critical investments; ensure your homeowners policy covers wind and hail damage with adequate limits. Maintain a storm kit and evacuation plan, and monitor spring weather forecasts vigilantly from March through June.

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.