Median Income
$82,750
10% higher than US avg
Home Value
$203,700
28% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
46/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.1%
8% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,420
22% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.9%
85% lower than US avg
How Cortland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,556
Median Age31.9 yrs
Density1,269/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$82,750
Per Capita$35,862
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty1.9%
County GDP$5,661M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$203,700
Rent$1,420
Ownership77.0%
Zillow$284,621
Housing Units1,725
Rent Burden32.2%
Crime
F
Violent46/100K
Property984/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault46/100K
Burglary23/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking12.6%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation890 ft (271 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+31.1%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+12.7%
School Score5.54
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 50%
Commute27 min
Broadband95.7%
EV Stations16
Libraries11
Is Cortland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cortland receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Cortland offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cortland is $82,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cortland is $203,700, 28% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,420 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Cortland is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 984 per 100,000, 50% below the national average.
Education
31.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Cortland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.3 inches, including 33.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Cortland has a population of 4,556 with a density of 1,269 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 31.9 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41% female and 59% male. The city is predominantly White (75.4%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 9.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.3% of residents, while 10.7% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.9yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.3%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.7%
20% below US avg
The median household income in Cortland is $82,750, which is 10% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,862. The average weekly wage is $1,094, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,988 business establishments, including 212 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $82,750 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,862 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,094 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,774 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.9% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,988 |
| County GDP | $5,661M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 212 |
| Healthcare | 224 |
| Retail | 253 |
| Manufacturing | 100 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,219 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 2.6% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Cortland is $203,700, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $284,621, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,420 (22% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,725 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1996. The average annual property tax is $7,219 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $203,700 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $284,621 |
| Median List Price | $304,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $304,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $184 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.3% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 23 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,420 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,725 |
| Median Year Built | 1996 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,219 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.54% |
In Cortland, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 12.6% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,719. The dentist ratio is 1:1,474. 78.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cortland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.6% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,719 |
| Dentists | 1:1,474 |
| Mental Health | 1:228 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 66.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,708/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 224 |
Cortland has a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 45.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 984 per 100,000, 50% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 938, burglary at 23, vehicle theft at 23 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cortland receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cortland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 45.8/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 45.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 984.2/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| Burglary | 22.9/100K |
| Theft | 938.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 22.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cortland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 37.3 inches. The area receives 33.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 890 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 890 ft (271 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,269/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9372°N, 88.6893°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | DeKalb County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.3"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
56 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
16 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
66 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
73 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
32 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
39 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
16 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
96 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
625 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 122 fatalities, 2,221 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
40 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
51 km |
2 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
64 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
37 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
77 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
41 km |
6 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
91 km |
8 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
76 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
84 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
77 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
82 km |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Cortland has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Cortland. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,268 |
| Toddler | $1,039 |
| Preschool | $1,021 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $836 |
| Toddler | $831 |
| Preschool | $794 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cortland
What is the population of Cortland?
Cortland has a population of 4,556 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,269 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41% female and 59% male.
Is Cortland expensive to live in?
Cortland has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $82,750, 10% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $203,700 (28% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,420 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cortland safe?
Cortland is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 984 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cortland receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cortland?
Cortland has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.3 inches, with 33.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Cortland?
Cortland has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,094. There are 1,988 business establishments in the area, including 212 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cortland?
The median home value in Cortland is $203,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $284,621. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,420. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.0%. The average annual property tax is $7,219.
How are the schools in Cortland?
Schools in Cortland score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.1% of adults in Cortland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 12.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cortland?
The obesity rate in Cortland is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.6% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 78.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,719.
What is transportation like in Cortland?
The average commute in Cortland is 27 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, 2.6% use public transit, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cortland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cortland is 75.4% White, 9.9% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 89.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.7% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
