Median Income
$56,667
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
336/100K
12% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.9%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Cortland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population59
Median Age69.7 yrs
Density79/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans59.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$56,667
Per Capita$39,103
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$960M
Housing
Home ValueN/A
RentN/A
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$227,953
Housing Units45
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent336/100K
Property4,992/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking19.2%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain49.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation565 ft (172 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.94
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
CommuteN/A
Broadband44.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Cortland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cortland receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Cortland has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cortland is $56,667, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cortland is below the national average at 336 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,992 per 100,000, 155% above the national average.
Education
16.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Cortland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.6 inches, including 8.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Cortland has a population of 59 with a density of 79 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 69.7 years, 79% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.4% female and 57.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 59.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 38.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
69.7yrs
Median Age
79% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Cortland is $56,667, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,103. The average weekly wage is $943, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 472 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,667 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,103 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $943 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,700 |
| Gini Index | 0.394 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 472 |
| County GDP | $960M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 93 |
| Retail | 62 |
| Manufacturing | 40 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,165 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $227,953. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 45 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $2,165 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 45 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,165 |
| 38% below US avg |
In Cortland, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 35.2% have high blood pressure. 19.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 29.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,284. The dentist ratio is 1:3,934. 35.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cortland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.2% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.2% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.8% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,284 |
| Dentists | 1:3,934 |
| Mental Health | 1:837 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Dental Visits | 52.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,252/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 35.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 93 |
Cortland has a violent crime rate of 336 per 100,000 residents, 12% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,992 per 100,000, 155% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 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 | 336.0/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,992.1/100K |
| 155% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| 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 53°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 293 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 49.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 8.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 565 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.1°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 565 ft (172 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 79/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.9737°N, 85.9629°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Jennings County County |
| Nearest Airport | Indianapolis International (IND) 54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.6"
30% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.8 on Jun 17, 2021.
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
103 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
75 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
89 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
111 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
1 km NNW of Emison, Indiana |
M2.7 |
131 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
95 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
96 km |
| Aug 26, 2000 |
6 km N of Boonville, Indiana |
M2.6 |
150 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
73 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
557 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 57 fatalities, 1,556 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
94 km |
3 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
63 km |
11 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1996 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF4 |
83 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
51 km |
11 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
27 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
88 km |
3 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
75 km |
2 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
49 km |
3 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JPG 09 1 (6,113 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
JPG 09 1 |
6,113 |
48 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURNPLAN AREA 2-06 |
5,054 |
49 km |
| 2007 |
UNITS 8-9 2008 |
4,316 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 19 06 WUI |
3,412 |
48 km |
| 2003 |
WUI 3 03 |
3,372 |
45 km |
| 2010 |
WUI UNIT 28K |
3,230 |
47 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,122 |
45 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 8 |
2,753 |
47 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 3 05 |
2,511 |
45 km |
| 2001 |
01 UNIT 16 |
2,361 |
51 km |
| 2011 |
WUI UNITS 0 AND 1 2011 |
2,215 |
47 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 19 |
2,004 |
47 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 03 |
1,971 |
47 km |
| 2008 |
FY 09 UNIT 42 RX FALL 2008 |
1,942 |
46 km |
| 2000 |
JPG 14 |
1,908 |
49 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 16 03 |
1,809 |
51 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
31 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 9 |
1,485 |
49 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,462 |
46 km |
| 2010 |
TRACER |
1,408 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Cortland has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 30°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (2.8").
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) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Cortland
What is the population of Cortland?
Cortland has a population of 59 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 79 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 69.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.4% female and 57.6% male.
Is Cortland expensive to live in?
Cortland is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $56,667, 25% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Cortland safe?
Cortland is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 336 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,992 per 100,000 (above 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 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.6 inches, with 8.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Cortland?
The job market in Cortland is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $943. There are 472 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Cortland?
Schools in Cortland score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.9% of adults in Cortland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cortland?
The obesity rate in Cortland is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.2% of adults are smokers. 29.8% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 35.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,284.
What are the demographics of Cortland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cortland is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 59.0% of the population are military veterans. 38.1% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.