Median Income
$68,250
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$173,400
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,075/100K
183% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.6%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$950
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.2%
90% lower than US avg
How Cortland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population629
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density2,330/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans11.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,250
Per Capita$30,968
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty1.2%
County GDP$1,583M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,400
Rent$950
Ownership86.0%
Zillow$301,451
Housing Units209
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent1,075/100K
Property3,349/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking14.9%
Depression19.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain31.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,446 ft (441 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.6%
High School+86.6%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute29 min
Broadband89.1%
EV Stations6
Libraries2
Is Cortland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cortland receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. 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 $68,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 1.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cortland is $173,400, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,075 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,349 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Cortland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.0 inches, including 25.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Cortland has a population of 629 with a density of 2,330 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (79.2%), with 3.2% Hispanic, 10.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below 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 $68,250, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,968 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $941, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 744 business establishments, including 47 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,250 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,968 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $941 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,767 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.2% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 744 |
| County GDP | $1,583M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 47 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,931 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Cortland is $173,400, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $301,451, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $950 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 209 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $4,931 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.5% 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 | $173,400 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $301,451 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $950 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.0% |
| Housing Units | 209 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,931 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.84% |
In Cortland, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 25.1% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 19.0% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,351. The dentist ratio is 1:1,542. 65.2% 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 | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 25.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 19.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 28.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,351 |
| Dentists | 1:1,542 |
| Mental Health | 1:528 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 68.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,954/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Cortland has a violent crime rate of 1,075 per 100,000 residents, 183% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,349 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 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 | 1,075.1/100K |
| 183% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,349.3/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cortland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°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 31.0 inches. The area receives 25.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,446 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,446 ft (441 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,330/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5060°N, 96.7060°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Gage County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.0"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 40.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
48 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 26, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
136 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
150 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
72 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
99 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
136 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
2 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
4 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km SSW of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.0 |
141 km |
| Apr 8, 2017 |
7 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
689 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 439 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,819 ac, 1996).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
92 km |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
55 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,296 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Cortland has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 24°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.6").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cortland
What is the population of Cortland?
Cortland has a population of 629 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 2,330 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Cortland expensive to live in?
Cortland is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $68,250, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $173,400 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below 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?
Public safety is a concern in Cortland, with a violent crime rate of 1,075 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,349 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 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.0 inches, with 25.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Cortland?
The job market in Cortland is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $941. There are 744 business establishments in the area, including 47 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 8.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cortland?
The median home value in Cortland is $173,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $301,451. For renters, the median monthly rent is $950. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,931.
How are the schools in Cortland?
Schools in Cortland score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.6% of adults in Cortland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.6% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cortland?
The obesity rate in Cortland is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 19.0% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 65.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,351.
What is transportation like in Cortland?
The average commute in Cortland is 29 minutes. 76.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cortland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cortland is 79.2% White, 10.3% Black or African American, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.4% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
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