countyscore
47.4
County Score
Property Tax 91.1Income & Jobs 59.1Disaster Risk 56.4

County Report Card

About Cassia County, Idaho

Near the national median line

Cassia County has a composite score of 47.4, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It is a functional, average-performing county in the broader U.S. context.

Slightly behind the state average

The county’s score of 47.4 is lower than the Idaho state average of 52.2. It faces more difficulty in infrastructure and education than some of its higher-performing neighbors.

Low taxes and decent income

Cassia excels with a tax score of 91.1, supported by a 0.444% effective rate. A median household income of $67,042 keeps it competitive with an income score of 59.1.

School and water infrastructure

Education is the county's largest challenge, evidenced by a low school score of 12.6. A water score of 15.9 also suggests that environmental utilities are lagging.

Suitable for the tax-conscious

Cassia is a solid pick for those who want to keep more of their paycheck and enjoy a moderate cost of living. It works well for residents who are not reliant on the public school system.

Score breakdown

Tax91.1Cost39.8Safety47.5Health50.6Schools12.6Income59.1Risk56.4Water15.9Weather37.9
🏛91.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡47.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓12.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧15.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.5
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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Deep Dives

Cassia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cassia County

via TaxByCounty

Cassia taxes run well below nation

Cassia County's 0.444% effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national average, with median property taxes of $1,141 representing just 42% of the national median of $2,690. This positions Cassia around the 33rd percentile nationally—a solid tax advantage for homeowners.

Cassia ranks in Idaho's lower half

At 0.444%, Cassia County falls below Idaho's 0.508% state average, ranking it in the lower-to-middle tier among the state's 44 counties. The median home value of $257,300 combines with a below-average tax rate to produce moderate overall tax burdens.

Cassia moderately positioned regionally

Cassia's 0.444% rate places it between Camas County (0.422%) and Butte County (0.504%), offering middle-ground pricing for southern Idaho. The $1,141 median tax bill sits roughly $91 above Camas and $155 below Butte, reflecting the region's tax-rate diversity.

Cassia median tax: $1,141 yearly

A typical Cassia County home valued at $257,300 carries annual property taxes of $1,141. With mortgage-related assessments, bills rise to $1,205, while outright owners average approximately $1,044.

Appeal if property seems overvalued

Many Cassia County homeowners overlook assessment appeals, leaving money on the table each year. If your property tax assessment hasn't been challenged recently, request the assessor's comparable sales data and file a protest if your property appears overvalued relative to recent arm's-length sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cassia County

via CostByCounty

Cassia stays competitive nationally

Cassia County renters spend 16.5% of income on housing, matching the national affordability comfort zone and benefiting from median income of $67,042 that runs slightly below the national median. This Magic Valley county offers balanced housing economics for middle-income households.

Cassia ranks among Idaho's affordable options

At 16.5%, Cassia's rent-to-income ratio matches Bonneville's and sits just below Idaho's 16.8% average, placing the county in the state's affordability sweet spot. Median rent of $920 runs just $1 above state average, reflecting typical conditions across rural Idaho.

Magic Valley's middle market

Cassia's $920 rent falls between Caribou's bargain ($800) and Bonneville's higher costs ($1,054), positioning it as the Magic Valley's moderate option. Owner costs of $897 similarly sit comfortably in the regional middle, offering renters and buyers steady value.

Balanced earnings and housing costs

Cassia households earn $67,042 and pay $920 rent or $897 ownership—allocating just 16.5% to housing and leaving room for savings. The county's agricultural economy provides stable, modest employment that aligns well with local housing costs.

Cassia offers reliable, steady affordability

Cassia County delivers no surprises—16.5% rent-to-income ratio, $920 rent, and stable employment make it a smart relocation choice for those prioritizing predictability. Compare to flashier but pricier Canyon County or more remote but cheaper Caribou to find your affordability sweet spot.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cassia County

via IncomeByCounty

Cassia moderately underperforms nationally

Cassia County's median household income of $67,042 trails the national median of $74,755 by approximately 10.4%, placing it in the lower-middle range of American counties. The gap reflects rural economic constraints, though the county performs reasonably well within Idaho's context.

Above Idaho's average income

Cassia's $67,042 household income exceeds Idaho's state average of $65,770 by $1,272, ranking the county in the middle-to-upper half of Idaho's 44 counties. Per capita income of $30,688 closely matches the state average of $32,503, suggesting balanced wage distribution.

Competitive performer in region

Cassia's $67,042 income exceeds Camas County ($55,536) by $11,506 and Caribou County ($66,653) by just $389, nearly tying for highest in its peer group. The county ranks second to Bonneville County ($76,646) in its region, reflecting solid economic fundamentals.

Balanced housing-to-income ratio

Cassia's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% falls well below the 30% affordability threshold, giving renters substantial budget flexibility. With a median home value of $257,300 and household income of $67,042, homeownership remains accessible for most county residents.

Steady growth through consistent saving

Cassia residents should capitalize on balanced housing costs to build wealth through homeownership and retirement investing. Establishing automatic transfers to savings accounts, exploring first-time homebuyer programs, and maximizing employer benefits create pathways to long-term financial security in this stable county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cassia County

via CrimeByCounty

Cassia County Maintains High Safety Standard

Cassia County holds a solid safety score of 98.1. Its total crime rate of 1,178.7 per 100K is approximately half the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking the State Safety Average

The county's safety score of 98.1 is just below the Idaho state average of 98.4. With only one agency reporting, these figures provide a focused but singular perspective on local crime.

Comparing Cassia to Regional Peers

Cassia’s crime rate of 1,178.7 is higher than rural Caribou (651.7) but significantly lower than urban Bonneville (1,611.4). It sits in the middle tier of safety for Idaho counties.

Property Crime is the Main Factor

Violent crime is notably low at 116.7 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is much more common, recorded at 1,062.0 incidents per 100,000 people.

Defending Your Cassia County Home

Focus your security efforts on preventing theft by securing vehicles and outbuildings. Visible security cameras can be a major deterrent for property-related offenses in the area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cassia County

via HealthByCounty

Cassia below US life expectancy

Cassia County residents live to 76.9 years, about 2.0 years below the US average of 78.9 years. The county's 18.4% poor or fair health rate exceeds national norms, indicating residents report more health challenges than the typical American community.

Life expectancy below state average

At 76.9 years, Cassia County trails Idaho's 77.5-year state average by 0.6 years, placing it in the lower tier of the eight profiled counties. The county faces health outcomes slightly worse than Idaho's baseline.

Best primary care, average longevity

Cassia's 76.9-year life expectancy trails Bonner, Boundary, and Caribou counties but exceeds Butte and matches Bonneville. The county leads the eight-county group with 87 primary care providers per 100,000, a significant strength despite its longevity gap.

Best primary care access in region

Cassia County's 87 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is nearly double the eight-county average, making it a regional standout. Mental health access at 152 per 100,000 is moderate, and the 12.5% uninsured rate is slightly elevated but manageable.

Use your primary care advantage

With the region's best primary care availability, Cassia residents are positioned to access preventive and routine care effectively. Ensure your coverage is current at healthcare.gov so you can fully utilize these abundant primary care resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cassia County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified County-Wide District

Cassia County operates 17 public schools for 5,561 students, all managed by a single joint school district. This system includes eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and six high schools to serve the region.

Solid Performance on a Lean Budget

The county maintains an 85.0% graduation rate, which sits above the Idaho state average. However, spending remains low at $4,796 per student, and the school score of 46.1 indicates room for improvement compared to national medians.

Cassia County Joint District Authority

Every public student in the county is enrolled in the Cassia County Joint District, as there are no charter school options available. This unified structure manages everything from the large Burley High School to smaller rural campuses.

A Mix of Town and Country Life

Schools are split between town and rural locales, with an average size of 348 students. Burley Senior High is the focal point for many families, enrolling 1,055 students and serving as the county's largest educational hub.

Find a Home in the Burley Area

For those moving to South-Central Idaho, the Burley area offers the most diverse school options within the county district. Proximity to these central schools is a key factor for many families looking at local real estate.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cassia County

via RiskByCounty

Cassia ranks moderately low nationally

Cassia County scores 43.58, placing it slightly above the national average with relatively low overall risk. The score reflects elevated wildfire and earthquake exposure, offset by lower flood and tornado threats.

Above-average risk for Idaho

At 43.58, Cassia exceeds Idaho's state average of 38.51, ranking it in the middle-to-upper tier of state counties. The score reflects this southeastern county's position along major fire corridors.

Riskier than neighboring Twin Falls

Cassia's 43.58 score exceeds many neighboring southeastern Idaho counties, driven largely by its 94.69 wildfire score—the highest in the state. Caribou (7.22) to the north faces far less overall exposure.

Wildfires and earthquakes dominate Cassia

Wildfire risk scores an exceptional 94.69—the highest in all of Idaho—while earthquake exposure reaches 74.46, making these the defining hazards. Flood risk of 52.74 is moderate; tornado risk is minimal at 9.83.

Wildfire coverage is absolutely critical

Cassia's 94.69 wildfire score is the state's highest, making standalone wildfire insurance non-negotiable for all homeowners here. Add earthquake coverage to comprehensive protection, as your 74.46 earthquake score also demands dedicated policy language.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cassia County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mild but Very Dry Climate

Cassia County averages 48.2°F annually, which is warmer than many of its Idaho peers. However, it is exceptionally dry, receiving just 10.7 inches of precipitation per year.

Warmer and Drier Than the State Average

At 48.2°F, Cassia is 1.7 degrees warmer than the Idaho state average. Its precipitation levels are significantly lower than the state's 17.0-inch average, totaling only 10.7 inches.

Warmer and Drier than Bonneville County

Cassia County is much warmer than Bonneville County, with an annual average of 48.2°F versus 43.8°F. It is also significantly drier, receiving only 18.5 inches of snow compared to Bonneville's 65.7.

Hot Summers and Manageable Winters

The county experiences 33 days above 90°F, with a July average of 70.3°F. Winters are relatively mild for Idaho, with an average temperature of 30.0°F and only 18.5 inches of snow.

Essential Cooling and Water Management

With 33 days of extreme heat, reliable air conditioning is a necessity for residents. The low 10.7 inches of precipitation requires drought-resistant landscaping and efficient agricultural irrigation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cassia County

via SoilByCounty

Southern Idaho Soil Traits

While specific pH data for Cassia County is not available, the state average of 6.04 suggests a slightly acidic environment. This is just below the national median of 6.5, which affects how easily plants can absorb essential nutrients. Understanding your soil's chemical identity is the first step toward a thriving harvest.

Workability and Texture

The ratio of sand, silt, and clay for Cassia County is not provided in the current records. This mix determines whether your soil is easy to till or becomes a heavy block of mud when wet. Simple field tests can help you understand your texture and plan your irrigation accordingly.

Idaho's Fertile Legacy

Local organic matter data is unavailable, but Idaho's average of 27.53% is significantly higher than the 2.0% national benchmark. This points toward a state-wide trend of nutrient-rich soils that support varied agriculture. Combined with a state average water capacity of 0.269 in/in, the potential for plant growth is strong.

Water Flow and Stability

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed for this county, making personal site checks very important. Monitoring how quickly your soil dries after a rain will tell you a lot about its drainage capacity. Proper hydrology is vital for maintaining both field productivity and structural integrity.

Abundance in Zone 6b

Cassia County's hardiness zone 6b is great for growing a wide variety of vegetables, including beans, peppers, and onions. The region's climate allows for a productive growing season if you plant after the risk of frost has passed. Now is the time to plan your garden and tap into the local soil's potential.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cassia County

via LawnByCounty

Cassia County's Arid Lawn Challenge

Cassia County carries a lawn difficulty score of 27.5, which is notably lower than the state average of 33.3. As a 6b hardiness zone, it offers some flexibility, but the overall score is significantly below the national median of 50.0. Maintaining a lawn here is an uphill battle against dry air and limited rainfall.

Intense Heat and Minimal Rain

With only 10.7 inches of annual precipitation, Cassia is one of the driest counties in the region. It experiences 33 extreme heat days, which is above the state average, and 2,218 growing degree days. This combination of heat and aridity means your lawn will require constant attention and significant irrigation to stay green.

Managing Arid Soil Conditions

Specific soil metrics are unavailable for Cassia County in this dataset, but the arid climate often leads to high-pH, alkaline soils. Homeowners should test their soil to see if amendments are needed to lower the pH for better nutrient uptake. Adding a layer of organic mulch around lawn perimeters can help keep the underlying soil from baking in the summer sun.

Preparing for Constant Dryness

Cassia County spent 40 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of its area remains abnormally dry today. Smart irrigation practices, such as using weather-based controllers, can help you manage the 33 days of extreme heat effectively. Focus on maintaining a deep root system through proper watering and avoiding over-fertilization during heat waves.

Wait for the Late Spring Warmth

The last spring frost typically occurs on June 1, and the first fall frost arrives on October 2, giving you a solid four-month window for growth. Choose drought-tolerant varieties like tall fescue that can handle the 6b zone's heat and cold cycles. Planting in early June ensures the young grass isn't hit by a late-season freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cassia County's county score?
Cassia County, Idaho has a composite county score of 47.4 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 Cassia County rank among counties in Idaho?
Cassia County ranks #33 among all counties in Idaho 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 Cassia County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Cassia County is $1,141, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Cassia County a tax score of 91.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cassia County?
The median household income in Cassia County, Idaho is $67,042 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cassia County earns an income score of 59.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cassia County, Idaho a good place to live?
Cassia County scores 47.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Cassia 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 Cassia County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.