Cass County Demographics

As of the latest data, Cass County, Iowa, has a population of approximately 13,027 people. The racial composition is predominantly White at around 96%, followed by small percentages of other races including Hispanic or Latino at about 1.9%, African American at roughly 0.8%, and Asian at 0.6%. The median household income is about $47,000. The county spans around 565 square miles, with a population density of about 23 people per square mile. The median age is approximately 45 years.

Cass County Housing

Cass County, IA, has a median home value of approximately $78,000. About 74.8% of homes are owner-occupied, with a median household income of around $46,000. Renters make up about 25.2% of residents, and the median rent is $600 per month. The county features a mix of single-family homes and multi-family units, with a rental vacancy rate of roughly 7.5%. Housing costs are relatively low compared to national averages, making it an affordable place to live.

Elections in Cass County

Cass County, IA holds local, state, and national elections with voter participation typically around 60-70% for presidential years and 50-60% for midterms. As of 2022, the county had approximately 9,000 registered voters.

Key local offices up for election include the Board of Supervisors, Auditor, Sheriff, and Treasurer. Board of Supervisors candidates are often from both the Democratic and Republican parties. Recent candidates include Mark O’Brien and Steve Green, representing respective parties.

For state legislature, Cass County falls within House District 20 and Senate District 10. Representative candidates in the last election were Tom Moore (Republican incumbent) and Tim Michaelis (Democrat). Sen. Jake Chapman (Republican) and Warren Varley (Democrat) were notable Senate candidates.

Federal elections involve selecting representatives for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District. Incumbent Rep. Cindy Axne (Democrat) faced off against GOP candidate David Young recently.

Please check the Cass County Auditor’s website for the most current election information and candidate details.

How Educated in Cass County

As of the most recent data, Cass County, IA, has educational attainment levels that are slightly below national and state averages. About 90% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of approximately 90% and Iowa's average of around 92%. For higher education, about 20% of residents in Cass County hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below both the national average of 33% and Iowa's average of about 29%. These figures indicate that while most residents complete high school, fewer go on to achieve higher education degrees compared to the broader state and national populations.

Cass County Employment Rate

As of the latest data, Cass County, IA, has an employment rate closely mirroring rural Midwestern trends. Key industries include manufacturing, healthcare, retail trade, and agriculture. Specifically, manufacturing employs around 20% of the county's workforce, compared to the state of Iowa's 14% and the national average of 10%. Healthcare services account for 15%, versus 16% statewide and 14% nationally. Agriculture remains significant at 10%, higher than both the state (5%) and national (2%) figures, reflecting the county’s rural character. Retail trade employs about 12% of workers, similar to both the state and national averages of approximately 11%. Overall, Cass County's industrial makeup shows a higher reliance on manufacturing and agriculture compared to broader trends.

Average Income in Cass County

As of the latest data, Cass County, Iowa, has a median household income of approximately $52,000. This is notably lower than both the national and state averages. The median household income in the United States stands at around $68,700, while Iowa's statewide median household income is about $61,700. This indicates that Cass County lags behind both the state and national averages in terms of income, reflecting potential economic challenges in the area.

Median Household Income
Cass County, IA $52,000
Iowa (Statewide) $61,700
United States (National) $68,700

This table clearly shows the disparity in median household income between Cass County, the state of Iowa, and the entire nation.

Cass County Crime Rates

As of the latest available data in 2023, Cass County, Iowa, features relatively low crime rates, characteristic of many rural areas. The total crime rate is approximately 1,200 per 100,000 residents annually. Here's a breakdown of specific crime types for a clearer perspective:

Crime Type Incidents per 100,000 Residents
Violent Crimes 150
Property Crimes 1,050
Burglary 400
Larceny-Theft 500
Motor Vehicle Theft 150
Assault 100
Robbery 50
Murder 2

These figures make Cass County a relatively safe place to live with infrequent occurrences of violent crimes and moderate property crimes. The community policing efforts are effective in maintaining safety. These values are approximations and can differ annually.