Median Income
$130,875
74% higher than US avg
Home Value
$231,300
18% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
805/100K
112% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
42.5%
26% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.1%
9% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
63% lower than US avg
How Cortland West Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,185
Median Age35.7 yrs
Density229/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$130,875
Per Capita$44,762
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty4.6%
County GDP$2,372M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$231,300
Ownership90.8%
Zillow$194,617
Housing Units490
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
F
Violent805/100K
Property3,982/100K
Health
Obesity29.1%
Uninsured4.6%
Smoking10.9%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,288 ft (393 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+42.5%
High School+90.5%
Graduate+16.3%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 47%
Commute30 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations19
Libraries5
Is Cortland West a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cortland West receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Cortland West offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cortland West is $130,875, which is significantly higher than the national average / 74% above $75,149. This places Cortland West among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cortland West is $231,300, 18% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 805 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 3,982 per 100,000, 103% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 42.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 90.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Cortland West 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. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 64.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Cortland West has a population of 1,185 with a density of 229 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age is 35.7 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (89.5%), with 4.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 4.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.7yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cortland West vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cortland West vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cortland West is $130,875, which is 74% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,762 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,073, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,115 business establishments, including 125 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 21.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cortland West vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $130,875 |
| 74% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,762 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,073 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,598 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% 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 |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 21.6% |
The median home value in Cortland West is $231,300, 18% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,617, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 90.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 490 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $7,895 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $231,300 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $194,617 |
| Median List Price | $449,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $449,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $167 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 90.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.2% |
| Housing Units | 490 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,895 |
| 126% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.41% |
In Cortland West, 29.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 26.9% have high blood pressure. 10.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 20.5% report binge drinking. 19.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.7% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 4.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,724. The dentist ratio is 1:2,883. 81.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cortland West vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.1% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.9% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.9% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.4% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 4.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,724 |
| Dentists | 1:2,883 |
| Mental Health | 1:233 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 71.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,256/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 107 |
Cortland West has a violent crime rate of 805 per 100,000 residents, 112% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,982 per 100,000, 103% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cortland West receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cortland West vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 805.4/100K |
| 112% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,981.8/100K |
| 103% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cortland West has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. The area receives 64.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,288 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,288 ft (393 m) |
| Area | 5.2 sq mi (13.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 229/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5942°N, 76.2259°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Cortland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ithaca Tompkins International (ITH)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
127 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
126 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
100 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
134 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| Apr 14, 2023 |
1 km W of Adams Center, New York |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
101 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
292 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
156 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 10 fatalities, 57 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
65 km |
4 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
39 km |
2 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DRY MARSH (1,018 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
DRY MARSH |
1,018 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Cortland West has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 21°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Cortland West. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$270 ($162–$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216–$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108–$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863–$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81–$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162–$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27–$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54–$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432–$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108–$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65–$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54–$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162–$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316–$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432–$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935–$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540–$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395–$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158–$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863–$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216–$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079–$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81–$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24–$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70–$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70–$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24–$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32–$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65–$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86–$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54–$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81–$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295–$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32–$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647–$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540–$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216–$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432–$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395–$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54–$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108–$432) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $996 |
| Preschool | $866 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $823 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cortland West
What is the population of Cortland West?
Cortland West has a population of 1,185 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 229 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is Cortland West expensive to live in?
Cortland West is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $130,875, 74% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $231,300 (18% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cortland West safe?
Public safety is a concern in Cortland West, with a violent crime rate of 805 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 3,982 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cortland West receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cortland West?
Cortland West has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.5 inches, with 64.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Cortland West?
Cortland West has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,073. There are 1,115 business establishments in the area, including 125 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 21.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cortland West?
The median home value in Cortland West is $231,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,617. The homeownership rate is 90.8%. The average annual property tax is $7,895.
How are the schools in Cortland West?
Schools in Cortland West have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 42.5% of adults in Cortland West hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. 16.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cortland West?
The obesity rate in Cortland West is 29.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.9% of adults are smokers. 19.4% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 4.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 81.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,724.
What is transportation like in Cortland West?
The average commute in Cortland West is 30 minutes. 78.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 21.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cortland West?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cortland West is 89.5% White, 4.6% Black or African American. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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