Median Income
$55,368
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$143,800
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.1%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$893
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How Cortland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population17,465
Median Age27.2 yrs
Density4,490/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,368
Per Capita$27,328
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty10.0%
County GDP$2,372M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$143,800
Rent$893
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$194,617
Health
Obesity35.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F
AQI36 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Elevation1,122 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.1%
High School+89.2%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 47%
Commute16 min
EV Stations19
Libraries5
Is Cortland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cortland receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. 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 $55,368, 26% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cortland is $143,800, 49% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $893 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Cortland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 64.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Cortland has a population of 17,465 with a density of 4,490 people per square mile. The median age is 27.2 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (87.3%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 4.2% Black.
Population
27.2yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 94.5% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Spanish | 5.5% |
| 59% below US avg |
The median household income in Cortland is $55,368, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,368 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,328 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,073 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,598 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,115 |
| County GDP | $2,372M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 125 |
| Healthcare | 107 |
| Retail | 162 |
| Manufacturing | 57 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,895 |
| 126% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.1 min |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Cortland is $143,800, 49% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $893 (23% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,617.
Home Values
| Census Median | $143,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $194,617 |
| Median List Price | $174,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $174,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $132 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.4% |
| Price Drops | 18.8% |
| Inventory | 32 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $893 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,196 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $954 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,198 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,010 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,895 |
| 126% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.49% |
In Cortland, 35.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.1% report depression. 28.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Cortland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.2% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,256/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 107 |
Crime Rates: Cortland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
Safety Score
Cortland has an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation is 39.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 39.5 inches |
| 4% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 64.4 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,122 ft (342 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,490/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6009°N, 76.1791°W |
| County FIPS | 36023 |