IncomeBy County

Cass County, Iowa

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-12% vs. Iowa average
$61,657
Median Household Income
$36,881
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$61,657
-12% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$36,881
-7% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
46.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#85 / 99
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Cass County Compares

Cass County$61,657
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$61,657
Median Household Income
$36,881
Per Capita Income
$133,300
Median Home Value
46.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Cass County

Income Verdict

Cass County has a median household income of $61,657 and per capita income of $36,881 — a gap of $24,776, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $769/month and a median household income of $61,657, rent consumes approximately 15.0% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $61,657, residents of Cass County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $36,881 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Cass County earns approximately 11.7% below the Iowa state median household income of $69,830.

Data Story

About Household Income in Cass County, Iowa

Cass significantly lags national average

Cass County's median household income of $61,657 falls 18% below the national median of $74,755, the lowest among these eight Iowa counties. The county faces economic headwinds typical of smaller rural regions with limited employer diversity.

Iowa's income laggard

At $61,657, Cass County ranks well below Iowa's state median of $69,830—a shortfall of $8,173 per household. The county ranks in the lowest decile statewide, reflecting structural economic challenges.

Lowest earnings in the regional cluster

Cass ($61,657) underperforms all seven comparison counties, trailing even Buena Vista ($66,564) by $4,900. The county's per-capita income of $36,881 is second-lowest in the group, suggesting concentrated poverty amid overall rural struggle.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Cass's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% is among the highest, meaning renters dedicate a significant portion of earnings to housing. The median home value of $133,300 is affordable in absolute terms, but represents a heavier burden relative to the county's low median income.

Strategic action required for progress

Cass County households must prioritize debt reduction and skill development in higher-wage sectors to improve long-term outcomes. Free or low-cost financial counseling, employer retirement plans, and remote work opportunities offer pathways to increased earning power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Cass County, Iowa?
The median household income in Cass County, Iowa is $61,657, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Cass County?
The per capita income in Cass County is $36,881, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $61,657.
How does Cass County compare to the Iowa average?
Cass County's median household income of $61,657 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $36,881, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Cass County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Cass County, Iowa is $36,881, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Cass County a low-income area in Iowa?
Cass County's median household income of $61,657 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $36,881 is also lower than the state average of $37,136. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Cass County rank for income in Iowa?
Cass County ranks #85 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $61,657 and per capita income of $36,881, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Cass County

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Your income is above the Cass County median

County median: $61,657 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-12%

vs. National Median

-18%

vs. Cass County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa Average▼ 12% below
vs. National Median▼ 18% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.7x

Your monthly income ($5,138) vs. median rent ($769/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Burnett County
Wisconsin
$61,664
+0%
Boyle County
Kentucky
$61,635
+0%
Stanly County
North Carolina
$61,631
+0%
Venango County
Pennsylvania
$61,626
+0%
Garfield County
Utah
$61,688
+0%
Pamlico County
North Carolina
$61,624
+0%
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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