Property tax season began in November, and the numbers already suggest that Cass County’s economy is thriving.

For the month of November, Cass County distributed nearly $36.5 million in property tax revenue. According to Cass County Collector Chris Molendorp, that is the largest November property tax disbursement in county history.

Raymore received nearly $1.3 million, second only to Belton’s $1.7 million portion and followed by more than $360,000 to Pleasant Hill. Peculiar took in more than $280,000.

Schools raked in the biggest piece of the pie, with Cass County public school districts receiving more than $24 million. Raymore-Peculiar R-2 collected $9.5 million, followed by $5.8 million to Belton R-124 and $3.1 million to Harrisonville R-9.

Emergency services are also recipients of property tax dollars. South Metropolitan received $1.7 million, the most among the 14 fire and ambulance districts. West Peculiar Fire and Ambulance received more than $550,000. Nearly $400,000 was given to Pleasant Hill Fire.

Other disbursements include nearly $1.2 million to the library, nearly $600,000 for hospital maintenance, more than $250,000 for the junior college and more than $200,000 for the sheltered workshop.

For the most part, Cass County’s economy is doing relatively well. Currently, the county has a 2.5% unemployment rate, well below the 4% national rate and 3.7% statewide rate. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county’s median household income is nearly 11% higher than the national median.

According to data from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the living wage in Cass County for one adult is $14.55. Comparatively, the national living wage is more than $16. On the other hand, the county’s living wage is higher than the state average of $13.72.

Expenses at the county and state level are nearly identical, including food, childcare, medical and transportation. However, increases in housing and taxes make Cass County a bit more expensive statewide, but the same as its Jackson County neighbor.