Cass County, Iowa Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Cass County is located in Iowa with a total population of 13,115. It is the 58th most populous county out of 99 in Iowa.

Age Demographics

The median age in Cass County is 44.0 years. This is 14% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 10.3% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Cass County is $61,657. This is 16% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 21% lower. The poverty rate stands at 17.4%. This is 59% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 1.1%. This is 69% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $133,300. Housing costs are 32% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, Cass County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 72.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 1% higher than the state average of 71.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Cass County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.6%. The Black or African American population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.6%) is well below the state average of 7.0%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.

Education

21.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 30% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.0%.