Cass County's 67.7 composite score ranks 35% above the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the upper-middle tier of American counties. Strong income opportunities and excellent health outcomes drive this competitive national standing.
2 / 5
Below Nebraska average despite high incomes
Cass County scores 67.7 against Nebraska's 71.2 average, making it one of the lower performers in this group despite commanding the highest median household income at $88,255. Higher housing costs drag its overall score.
3 / 5
Highest income and excellent health outcomes
Cass County leads this group with an income score of 41.0 and median household income of $88,255, paired with a health score of 79.4. These strengths make it the most economically vibrant county among the eight.
4 / 5
Housing costs and affordability constrained
Cass County's cost score of 69.6 is the lowest in this group, with median home value at $247,200 and rent at $987/month. These higher costs reflect proximity to Omaha and limit affordability despite strong incomes.
5 / 5
For dual-income households near Omaha
Cass County appeals to high-earning families and professionals seeking suburban proximity to Omaha's job market without downtown living costs. It requires stronger household income to afford, but rewards earners with excellent services and economic opportunity.
Cass County's 67.7 composite score ranks 35% above the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the upper-middle tier of American counties. Strong income opportunities and excellent health outcomes drive this competitive national standing.
Below Nebraska average despite high incomes
Cass County scores 67.7 against Nebraska's 71.2 average, making it one of the lower performers in this group despite commanding the highest median household income at $88,255. Higher housing costs drag its overall score.
Highest income and excellent health outcomes
Cass County leads this group with an income score of 41.0 and median household income of $88,255, paired with a health score of 79.4. These strengths make it the most economically vibrant county among the eight.
Housing costs and affordability constrained
Cass County's cost score of 69.6 is the lowest in this group, with median home value at $247,200 and rent at $987/month. These higher costs reflect proximity to Omaha and limit affordability despite strong incomes.
For dual-income households near Omaha
Cass County appeals to high-earning families and professionals seeking suburban proximity to Omaha's job market without downtown living costs. It requires stronger household income to afford, but rewards earners with excellent services and economic opportunity.
Score breakdown
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🏛61.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Cass County's effective tax rate of 1.434% ranks above the national median, with homeowners paying $3,545 annually—32% more than the national median of $2,690. This positions Cass among the higher-taxed counties in America.
Top-tier taxes in Nebraska
Cass County's effective rate of 1.434% significantly exceeds Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, ranking it in the state's highest-tax tier. Few Nebraska counties charge property owners more than Cass does.
Nearly matches Buffalo County taxes
Cass County's rate of 1.434% sits just below Buffalo County (1.451%) and well above regional moderates like Butler County (1.171%). Within the region, only Buffalo County taxes more heavily.
Median home costs $3,545 yearly
A Cass County home valued at $247,200 generates $3,545 in annual property taxes—among the state's highest absolute bills. Those with mortgages pay $3,703; outright owners pay $3,267.
High taxes make appeals valuable
Cass County's steep tax bills make assessment reviews exceptionally worthwhile—overassessments here represent hundreds in excess annual payments. File a free appeal with the county assessor if you suspect your property is overvalued.
Cass County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio sits below Nebraska's state average of 14.2% and well below national averages, supported by the county's strong median income of $88,255—18% above the national median. This income-affordability combination positions Cass County among Nebraska's most financially stable housing markets.
Highest earners, strong affordability
Cass County ranks among Nebraska's most affordable counties despite higher-than-average rents, thanks to the state's highest median household income at $88,255. The county's economic strength significantly outweighs its above-average housing costs.
Premium rents, premium incomes
Cass County's $987 monthly rent ranks among the highest in this peer group—but its $88,255 median income also leads all eight counties by $5,600+. This income advantage more than compensates for the higher rental costs, making housing proportionally easier to afford.
Cass County earners' advantage
A typical Cass County household earning $88,255 dedicates roughly $12,644 annually to rent—13.4% of income—while homeowners allocate 18.7% to ownership costs. Both ratios remain comfortably below stress thresholds, reflecting the county's strong economic foundation.
For strong earners seeking growth
Cass County attracts households earning $75,000 or more, offering professional job markets and home values ($247,200 median) that reflect economic vitality. If your income is above state average, Cass County delivers both affordability and prosperity.
Cass County's median household income of $88,255 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 18%, positioning it among the nation's more prosperous rural counties. This strong performance reflects Cass County's proximity to Omaha and its role as an exurban commuter community. The county demonstrates how strategic location near major employment centers elevates regional earning power.
Nebraska's highest-earning county
Cass County leads all Nebraska counties with a median household income of $88,255, significantly exceeding the state average of $66,880 by $21,375. This commanding lead reflects the county's suburban character and integration into the Omaha metropolitan economy. Cass County's prosperity stands as a model for how rural counties can achieve above-average earnings through strategic positioning.
Clear economic advantage
Cass County's $88,255 income substantially outpaces neighboring Butler County ($82,603) and other surrounding counties across south-central Nebraska. The county's proximity to Omaha employers and direct highway access to metropolitan job markets create earning advantages peers cannot match. This economic leadership position attracts professionals and families seeking rural-suburban lifestyle with metropolitan incomes.
Superior housing affordability
Cass County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% demonstrates exceptional housing affordability for a county with median home values of $247,200. Families earning $88,255 annually can afford homes well above the median while maintaining strong financial flexibility. This combination of high income and reasonable housing ratios creates ideal conditions for wealth accumulation.
Build substantial wealth here
Cass County residents earning $88,255 with housing costs at just 13.4% of income possess remarkable capacity for wealth building through retirement investing, real estate diversification, and business ownership. The county's strong income allows families to save 20-40% of earnings monthly while maintaining comfortable lifestyles. Omaha-area financial firms provide sophisticated wealth management services tailored to this affluent demographic.
With a life expectancy of 78.1 years, Cass County residents live slightly below the U.S. average of 78.9 years but show strong health overall. The county's 13.0% poor or fair health rate closely tracks the national average of 13.5%, indicating typical health status distribution.
Solid health standing in Nebraska
Cass County's 78.1-year life expectancy ranks above Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years by 0.6 years. This modest but meaningful edge, combined with a 13.0% poor or fair health rate, places Cass in the healthier tier of Nebraska counties.
Cass competes well in metro area
In the Omaha-adjacent region, Cass County's 78.1-year life expectancy compares favorably to similar counties, though Cedar County's 80.2-year mark sets a higher regional standard. Cass's provider capacity at 30 primary care per 100,000 residents trails more robust neighbors but remains adequate for suburban access.
Lowest uninsured rate in study
Just 5.9% of Cass County residents lack health insurance—the best rate among all eight counties and significantly below Nebraska's 8.1% average. Primary care and mental health provider densities at 30 and 47 per 100,000 residents, respectively, support accessible routine and behavioral health care.
Cass County's coverage success story
With 94% of Cass County residents insured, the county has built a strong healthcare foundation—but gaps remain for the uninsured 6%. Visit healthcare.gov to join the majority and ensure preventive care, medications, and emergency protection for you and your family.
With a composite score of 31.04, Cass County carries Very Low risk overall but registers above the national average. The county's hazard profile reflects a combination of managed but notable natural disaster exposures.
Slightly above Nebraska's average risk
Cass County's 31.04 score exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80 by about 20 percent, positioning it as one of the state's moderately exposed counties. The county ranks in the middle-to-upper tier of Nebraska's risk spectrum.
Higher risk than most nearby counties
Cass County's 31.04 score exceeds Burt County (20.67), Butler County (24.46), and Cedar County (21.69), indicating notably more hazard exposure than surrounding communities. Only Buffalo County (66.00) in the broader region carries significantly higher composite risk.
Tornado risk leads Cass County concerns
Tornado risk (63.10) is Cass County's most significant hazard, substantially above state averages and demanding active preparedness. Wildfire (74.14) and flood (36.96) risks round out a triplet of moderate-to-elevated threats.
Multi-hazard coverage strongly recommended
Cass County residents should secure comprehensive homeowners insurance that explicitly covers wind, tornado, flood, and wildfire damage. Investing in storm-resistant improvements and maintaining an updated disaster preparedness plan is prudent given the county's elevated tornado exposure.