countyscore
53.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 91Health 87Schools 76.3

County Report Card

About Cass County, Nebraska

Meeting the National Quality Standard

Cass County’s composite score of 53.6 sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a solid foundation for residents looking for a reliable American lifestyle.

Trailing Slightly Behind the State

While competitive nationally, Cass County sits just below the Nebraska average of 59.3. This gap is largely driven by cost and tax factors that are higher than in other parts of the state.

High Wealth and Excellent Health

The county is a powerhouse for wealth, scoring 91.0 for income with a median household earning $88,255. A health score of 87.0 further demonstrates the well-being of the local population.

Affordability and Infrastructure Hurdles

Housing costs are high, resulting in a low cost score of 20.9 and a median home value of $247,200. Water infrastructure also lags behind, with a score of 36.6.

A Haven for High Earners

Cass County is best for affluent commuters and professionals who prioritize high earnings and medical quality. Residents should be prepared for higher housing prices and a higher cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax16Cost20.9Safety63Health87Schools76.3Income91Risk69Water36.6Weather51.3
🏛16
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠20.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡63
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤87
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓76.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.1
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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Counties with similar scores

Howard County
Arkansas
Median income: $44,492
53.6
Washington County
Colorado
Median income: $65,164
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Bartholomew County
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Median income: $80,365
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Union County
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Watonwan County
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Daviess County
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Median income: $60,665
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Henry County
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Median income: $48,540
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La Salle County
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Median income: $55,469
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Nearby counties

Sarpy County
Nebraska
44.9
Mills County
Iowa
46.7
Otoe County
Nebraska
49.3
Fremont County
Iowa
58.7
Douglas County
Nebraska
29.6
Pottawattamie County
Iowa
36.1
Saunders County
Nebraska
58.7
Lancaster County
Nebraska
32.3

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 taxes exceed national median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cass County

via CostByCounty

Cass County keeps costs manageable

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.

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 $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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cass County

via CrimeByCounty

Cass County Safer Than National Average

Cass County features a total crime rate of 852.3 per 100K, which is significantly better than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a respectable safety score of 98.7.

Comparing Cass to Nebraska Standards

While safer than the national average, Cass County’s crime rate is higher than the Nebraska state average of 626.7 per 100K. Its safety score of 98.7 sits just below the statewide average of 99.0.

Regional Comparisons with Neighbors

Cass County experiences more reported incidents than neighboring Burt County, which records a rate of 148.9 per 100K. The county's location near larger metro areas likely contributes to this higher frequency of reports.

Understanding the Property Crime Focus

Property crime represents the bulk of local activity at 762.6 per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 89.7 per 100K. Both metrics are well under the national violent and property crime averages.

Modern Security for Your Household

Enhancing home security with doorbell cameras is a practical step for residents in this area. Staying connected with neighbors through local safety apps can help keep property crime numbers in check.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cass County

via HealthByCounty

Cass County exceeds U.S. health benchmarks

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cass County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Network of Fifteen Schools

Cass County hosts a robust system of 15 public schools across six districts, educating 4,019 students. The infrastructure is well-distributed, featuring six elementary schools, three middle schools, and five high schools.

Strong Outcomes with Efficient Budgeting

Students in Cass County achieve a high 92.6% graduation rate, easily beating the national average. Remarkably, the county reaches these heights while spending only $9,164 per pupil, nearly $4,000 less than the national average expenditure.

Waverly and Plattsmouth Lead the County

Waverly School District 145 is the largest provider with 2,165 students, followed by Plattsmouth Community Schools with 1,504 students. There are zero charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public institutions.

Rural Roots with Town Connections

While 11 of the 15 schools are in rural settings, four schools in Plattsmouth provide a more town-centered feel. Plattsmouth High School is the largest at 491 students, though the county average remains a comfortable 268 students per school.

Find Your Home in a Top-Tier District

High graduation rates and a diverse range of school sizes make Cass County a magnet for families. Whether you are looking in the Plattsmouth or Waverly areas, you will find homes near schools that prioritize academic achievement.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cass County

via RiskByCounty

Cass County faces slightly elevated risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cass County

via WeatherByCounty

Cass County's Warm, Moist Profile

With an average temperature of 51.2°F, Cass County is one of the warmer spots in Nebraska, though still below the national median. It receives 32.7 inches of precipitation, which is high for the Great Plains.

A Warm Outlier in Nebraska

Cass County is significantly warmer than the state average of 49.7°F and much wetter than the state's 25.9-inch norm. It enjoys a more moderate climate than the northern and western counties.

The Region's Warmest and Wettest

Compared to Butler or Burt, Cass County is notably warmer and receives more rainfall. It experiences the fewest extreme heat days in this set at just 23 per year.

Wet Summers and Moderate Winters

Summer averages a warm 73.9°F, while July peaks at 76.1°F. Winters are relatively mild for the state, averaging 26.8°F with 29 inches of annual snowfall.

Focus on Moisture and Drainage

The high 32.7-inch annual precipitation requires good home drainage systems and sump pump maintenance. Winter heating needs are slightly lower here than in Nebraska's northern counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cass County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Mollisols of the eastern plains

Cass County is characterized by Mollisols with a pH of 6.25, making it more acidic than the national 6.5 median. These dark, fertile soils are a legacy of the region's productive tallgrass prairie history.

Heavy silty clay loam textures

The soil is a silty clay loam, featuring a high 26.9% clay content and 55.7% silt. This heavy composition provides exceptional structural integrity and the ability to lock in vital plant nutrients.

Steady fertility and high capacity

Available water capacity reaches 0.189 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.172. Organic matter is a healthy 2.70%, ensuring a steady supply of energy for both gardens and commercial crops.

Well-drained with slow transmission

Classified as well-drained, these soils belong to Hydrologic Group C, which features a slower rate of water transmission. This allows for deep moisture penetration without the risk of immediate saturation.

Extended growing in zone 6a

As a rare zone 6a region in Nebraska, Cass County offers a longer season for nutrient-hungry crops like tomatoes and peppers. The silty clay loam is an ideal foundation for a productive backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cass County

via LawnByCounty

Cass County's High-Performing Lawns

Cass County boasts a 70.1 lawn difficulty score, making it one of the most lawn-friendly regions in the state. As part of Zone 6a, it offers a slightly milder winter than its northern neighbors, aiding in year-over-year turf survival.

The Precipitation Powerhouse

With 32.7 inches of annual precipitation, Cass County is one of the few areas in Nebraska that meets ideal lawn watering needs naturally. Only 23 extreme heat days per year means less summer dormancy and lower water bills for you.

Silty Clay Loam Success

The well-drained silty clay loam soil is a premium foundation for a lush lawn. A pH of 6.25 is within the ideal range, though you should monitor it closely as it leans slightly toward the acidic side of the spectrum.

Moderate Drought Challenges

Despite 24 weeks of drought in the last year, the county currently shows no severe drought levels (D2+). Maintaining a higher mowing height of 3 to 4 inches will help shade the soil and preserve moisture during dry spells.

Take Advantage of Zone 6a

Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive here when seeded after the April 23rd last frost. You have a long growing window that extends until the first frost on October 16th, providing ample time for root development.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cass County's county score?
Cass County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 53.6 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 Nebraska?
Cass County ranks #72 among all counties in Nebraska 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, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Cass County is $3,545, with an effective tax rate of 1.43%. This earns Cass County a tax score of 16/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cass County?
The median household income in Cass County, Nebraska is $88,255 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cass County earns an income score of 91/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cass County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Cass County scores 53.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Nebraska. 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.