countyscore
47.9
County Score
Schools 70.9Cost of Living 66.6Safety 61.4

County Report Card

About Cass County, Texas

Balanced Living in East Texas

Cass County holds a composite score of 47.9, sitting within striking distance of the 50.0 national median. It maintains a competitive profile by balancing low costs with strong community institutions.

Above the State Baseline

Cass County's 47.9 score comfortably beats the Texas average of 41.9. This makes it a compelling alternative to more expensive or lower-scoring regions within the state.

Strong Schools and Low Costs

Education is a major draw here, with a School Score of 70.9 that outpaces many neighbors. Affordability is also key, as seen in a Cost Score of 66.6 and a median gross rent of just $821.

Income and Infrastructure Hurdles

The county struggles with low Income (23.8) and Health (13.3) scores, reflecting a median household income of $54,328. Infrastructure needs attention, as the Water Score sits at a low 10.2.

A Win for Budget-Conscious Families

Cass County is an excellent fit for families seeking quality public education and affordable housing. It appeals most to those who value community institutions over high-velocity urban wage growth.

Score breakdown

Tax33.6Cost66.6Safety61.4Health13.3Schools70.9Income23.8Risk49.2Water10.2Weather40.5
🏛33.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡49.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧10.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.2
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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Nearby counties

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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 ranks among lowest-tax counties

Cass County's 1.063% effective rate is nearly the lowest in the nation, with median taxes of just $1,419 on a $133,500 home. This puts Cass in approximately the 5th percentile nationally—among the most tax-friendly counties in America.

Well below Texas average

At 1.063%, Cass's rate ranks in the bottom 10% of Texas counties and undercuts the state average of 1.276% by a significant margin. The median tax of $1,419 is nearly $774 below Texas's median, making it one of the state's bargains.

The panhandle's tax leader

Cass offers the lowest effective rate among its regional peers—beating Carson (1.362%), Cherokee (1.211%), and Childress (1.472%) considerably. This combination of low rates and modest home values creates one of Texas's most affordable property tax environments.

One of Texas's lowest bills

On Cass County's median home value of $133,500, you'll pay approximately $1,419 annually in property taxes at the 1.063% rate. With mortgage-related fees, annual obligations climb to around $1,872.

Verify your home's value

Even in low-tax Cass County, some homeowners face inflated assessments that don't reflect market value. File an appeal with the appraisal district if your home's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cass County

via CostByCounty

Cass County hits state average housing burden

Cass County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% matches Texas's state average exactly, meaning renters here face a typical burden for the Lone Star State. However, this ratio runs 3 percentage points higher than the national average, reflecting Texas's broader housing affordability challenges.

Middle of the pack in Texas affordability

With a 18.1% rent-to-income ratio, Cass County sits right at Texas's median, neither particularly affordable nor expensive by state standards. This places the county in the mainstream of Texas housing costs, offering no particular advantage over or disadvantage against peer counties.

Comparison: Cass vs. East Texas peers

Cass County's median rent of $821 undercuts the state average of $963 by $142, making it one of the cheaper renting markets in East Texas. Yet its lower median household income of $54,328 means that savings doesn't translate as starkly into affordability relief as neighboring counties.

Tight margins in Cass County

The median household income of $54,328 means renters spending $821 monthly dedicate 18.1% of earnings to rent, while homeowners pay $660 toward a median home value of $133,500. Both represent sustainable housing costs, though the lower overall income leaves less cushion for emergencies.

Cass offers modest affordability

For job-seekers relocating to East Texas, Cass County delivers below-state-average rents in a region with manageable living costs. Just compare housing percentages carefully against your expected salary—lower wages here mean lower rents don't automatically spell greater savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cass County

via IncomeByCounty

Cass County lags behind national income

Cass County's median household income of $54,328 falls $20,427 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it below average nationally. This gap reflects economic challenges that many rural and smaller counties face.

Below Texas average but not alone

At $54,328, Cass County's median household income trails the Texas state average of $64,737 by $10,409, or 16.1%. Still, the county's income aligns with many rural Texas communities facing similar economic headwinds.

Income challenges across the region

Cass County's $54,328 median income ranks below neighboring Cherokee County ($59,830) and substantially below Carson County ($84,583). These disparities suggest uneven economic opportunity across the region.

Housing costs strain household budgets

At 18.1%, Cass County's rent-to-income ratio edges close to the 30% affordability threshold, signaling modest housing affordability stress. Combined with lower median income, households here have less margin for unexpected expenses.

Strategic savings build financial security

With tighter household budgets, even small, automatic savings—starting at 5% of income—compound over time into meaningful wealth. Consider employer 401(k) matches and low-cost index funds to build security despite income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cass County

via CrimeByCounty

Cass County Remains Highly Secure

Cass County reports a total crime rate of 890.5 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of reported incidents results in an impressive safety score of 98.6. Residents enjoy a level of security that far exceeds most areas in the United States.

Safety Standards Above State Averages

The county's safety score of 98.6 ranks it well above the Texas state average of 96.8. Local law enforcement across 9 reporting agencies manages a crime rate that is significantly lower than the state average of 2,052.5. This consistent performance indicates a robust public safety environment.

East Texas Security Comparisons

Cass County outperforms Cherokee County, which has a total crime rate of 2,003.0 per 100,000. While both counties are safer than many urban centers, Cass County's rate of 890.5 represents a significantly lower risk level for residents. It stands as a benchmark for safety in the region.

Property Crimes Predominate Local Reports

Violent crime in Cass County is notably low at 139.7 per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 369.8. Most reported incidents involve property crime, which sits at 750.8, though this still tracks far below the national average of 2,015.7. This suggests physical safety is a strong point for the community.

Secure Your Property Effectively

With property crimes making up the bulk of local incidents, securing entry points is a smart priority for homeowners. Installing deadbolts and ensuring outdoor areas are well-lit can deter opportunistic theft. Simple precautions go a long way in keeping Cass County's crime rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cass County

via HealthByCounty

Cass County faces significant health challenges

At 70.7 years, Cass County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average by nearly 6 years, and its 23.3% poor or fair health rate substantially exceeds the national average of 18%. These metrics reflect serious, persistent health headwinds across the county.

Well below Texas averages

Cass County ranks among Texas's lowest-performing counties for life expectancy at 70.7 years versus the state average of 74.3 years. Its 17.6% uninsured rate is slightly better than the state average of 19.8%, but this modest insurance advantage hasn't translated into better health outcomes.

Worst life expectancy in the region

Cass County's 70.7-year life expectancy is the lowest among nearby counties—significantly trailing Carson (72.1), Cherokee (73.1), and Childress (73.6). With just 21 primary care providers per 100K and 35 mental health providers per 100K, provider access remains stretched thin.

Healthcare access and coverage gaps persist

At 17.6% uninsured, Cass County still has nearly 1 in 6 residents without coverage, and the sparse primary care network of 21 providers per 100K makes scheduling appointments difficult. Mental health support is similarly limited at 35 providers per 100K, leaving residents competing for limited behavioral health services.

Make healthcare a priority now

Cass County residents should act immediately to secure health insurance through Healthcare.gov, employer plans, or Medicaid. Getting covered is the first step toward accessing the primary and mental health care that this county clearly needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cass County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Network of Town and Rural Schools

Cass County manages an extensive education system with 19 public schools serving 5,435 students. The county is divided into 7 distinct districts, featuring a balanced mix of 6 elementary, 5 middle, and 6 high schools. This infrastructure provides diverse options for families across the county's varied geography.

Exceptional Graduation Rates in Cass County

The county boasts an impressive 95.6% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 91.6% and the national average of 87.0%. With a school score of 57.5, Cass County exceeds the Texas median of 55.3 despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,462. These figures suggest that local schools are highly effective at translating modest budgets into academic success.

Atlanta ISD Anchors Local Education

Atlanta ISD is the largest district in the county, enrolling 1,879 students across 5 campuses. Other major districts include Hughes Springs ISD with 1,149 students and Linden-Kildare CISD serving 660. Traditional public schools remain the standard here, as the county does not host any charter schools.

Diverse Locales and Mid-Sized Campuses

The school landscape is split between 11 rural schools and 8 town-based campuses, offering parents a choice in learning environments. Atlanta Primary is the largest school with 585 students, while the average campus size across the county sits at 302 students. This mix ensures that even the busiest town schools maintain a manageable and community-focused feel.

Top-Tier Schools Await Cass County Families

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Cass County is an ideal destination for education-focused homebuyers. Whether you prefer the town life in Atlanta or a rural retreat in Hughes Springs, great schools are close by. Explore local listings to secure a home in one of these high-achieving districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cass County

via RiskByCounty

Cass faces above-average disaster risk

Cass County's composite risk score of 50.80 exceeds the national average and places it in the Relatively Low category nationally. The county experiences meaningful exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and hurricanes, making comprehensive preparedness essential.

Slightly above Texas average risk

At 50.80, Cass County's composite risk score edges above Texas's average of 49.00, placing it in the middle tier of statewide risk. The county ranks higher than many rural West Texas regions but lower than coastal and eastern counties.

Most exposed among east-central peers

Cass County carries notably higher risk than Cherokee County (61.64) in some hazards but shows elevated tornado (73.98) and hurricane (56.28) exposure compared to regional averages. Its position in the Piney Woods region creates distinct multi-hazard vulnerabilities.

Tornadoes and hurricanes lead threats

Cass County faces severe tornado risk (73.98) and hurricane risk (56.28), the two most significant hazards threatening the county. Wildfire risk (70.83) and flood risk (39.92) round out a diverse hazard landscape requiring multi-pronged resilience planning.

Invest in comprehensive coverage now

Residents should secure homeowners insurance with rider coverage for tornado and wind damage, plus separate flood insurance given the county's 39.92 flood exposure. Storm shelters or safe rooms provide critical protection during severe weather events common to the region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cass County

via WeatherByCounty

A Subtropical East Texas Climate

Cass County's annual average of 64.4°F is significantly warmer than the national median. This humid subtropical climate is defined by high moisture levels and consistent warmth throughout the year.

Wet and Mild for Texas

While the average temperature of 64.4°F is slightly below the Texas state average of 65.5°F, the moisture is extreme. The county receives 50.6 inches of rain annually, far exceeding the state average of 31.9 inches.

Lush Among its Neighbors

Compared to Cherokee County to the southwest, Cass is notably wetter with over two inches more annual precipitation. It shares the dense, humid environment typical of the Piney Woods region.

Long Summers and Mild Winters

The county endures 87 days above 90°F, contributing to a warm summer average of 81.8°F. Winters remain gentle with an average of 46.7°F and only a single inch of annual snowfall.

Prepare for High Humidity

Heavy rainfall and humidity mean residents should focus on mold prevention and gutter maintenance. With 50 inches of rain, reliable drainage is more important here than in most other parts of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cass County

via SoilByCounty

The Mystery of East Texas Soil

While specific pH and taxonomic data are currently unavailable for Cass County, it resides in a region known for its piney woods and historically acidic profiles. You can expect soil characteristics to differ sharply from the alkaline plains of West Texas. Local testing is the best way to determine your specific soil's identity.

Local Texture Insights Needed

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded in this dataset. Generally, this region of East Texas favors sandy loams that offer excellent drainage but may require more frequent fertilization. Observe how water moves through your yard to get a feel for your local silt and clay mix.

Building Your Soil's Potential

With organic matter data unavailable, gardeners should focus on adding compost to reach the national 2.0% average. Higher organic matter improves nutrient retention, which is vital in regions where rain can wash away minerals. Local growers often rely on soil amendments to boost fertility beyond the baseline.

Understanding Local Water Flow

Though the specific hydrologic group is not listed, regional patterns suggest diverse drainage capabilities across the landscape. Proper site assessment is essential before starting any major construction or agricultural project. Keep an eye on low spots in your landscape to understand how your specific plot handles Texas downpours.

Abundant Growth in Zone 8b

Cass County enjoys the warm climate of USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, which features long growing seasons. This zone is perfect for heat-loving crops like peppers, tomatoes, and even citrus with some winter protection. Start your garden today to take full advantage of the mild East Texas winters.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cass County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging conditions in the Piney Woods

Cass County carries a lawn difficulty score of 33.2, placing it slightly above the Texas average but well below the national median. Located in hardiness zone 8b, the area offers a long growing season that demands constant maintenance and vigilance against heat stress. You will face more obstacles here than the average American homeowner when trying to keep a green lawn.

High rainfall meets intense summer heat

Abundant annual precipitation of 50.6 inches provides plenty of water, though it often exceeds the ideal 30-50 inch range for typical lawns. The 87 extreme heat days and 5,938 growing degree days indicate a fast-growing season that requires frequent mowing. This combination of high moisture and heat can lead to rapid turf growth and increased disease pressure.

Adapting to limited local soil data

While specific soil pH and texture data are unavailable for Cass County, regional Piney Woods soils are traditionally acidic and sandy. You should perform a local soil test to determine if lime is needed to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range. Proper testing ensures you apply the correct nutrients rather than guessing at what your lawn needs.

Navigating severe and persistent drought

The county experienced 17 weeks of drought last year, and 100% of the area currently sits in severe drought conditions. This intense water stress means you must prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth. During these periods, avoid heavy fertilization which can further stress thirsty grass plants.

Choosing hardy grasses for zone 8b

St. Augustine and Zoysia are excellent choices for this climate, as they handle the 8b hardiness zone heat and humidity with ease. Aim to establish your lawn after the last spring frost on March 19 to take full advantage of the long growing season before the November 21 fall frost. With consistent watering during dry spells, these heat-loving varieties will flourish.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cass County's county score?
Cass County, Texas has a composite county score of 47.9 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 Texas?
Cass County ranks #78 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Cass County is $1,419, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Cass County a tax score of 33.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cass County?
The median household income in Cass County, Texas is $54,328 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cass County earns an income score of 23.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cass County, Texas a good place to live?
Cass County scores 47.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #78 in Texas. 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.