Cass County
NE · Pop. 26,963 · Suburban County
Cass County sits in Nebraska across 557 square miles, home to 26,963 people at 48.4 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, corn, hay. The median home price is $247,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.43%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 167-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.8°F and average winter lows of 16.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 34.1 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Alegent Health is 16.5 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 96.8% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- Broadband reaches 96.8% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, corn, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.1% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 4.9% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.43% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The nearest hospital, Alegent Health, is 16.5 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Cass County, NE is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 48/100
- Median home price
- $247k
- Property tax
- 1.43%
- Growing season
- 167 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 34.1"
- Broadband
- 96.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Alegent Health, 16.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Cass County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Cass County?
- Cass County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 167-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.8°F, and average winter lows of 16.1°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $247,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.43%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 96.8% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Alegent Health is 16.5 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Nebraska Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Nebraska
All Nebraska countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Cass County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.