Cortland, NY
Population 17,465 · New York
About Cortland, NY
Cortland is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 17,465 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,368 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cortland features a median home value of $143,800, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cortland one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $893, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,751 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (3,115 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (3,877 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cortland shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cortland have an average one-way commute time of 16.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.1% of Cortland residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents, with 3.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cortland, NY
Compared to national averages, Cortland has a median household income of $55,368 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $143,800, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $893 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Cortland's income is 43% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 63% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Cortland, NY?
Cortland offers affordable housing with a median home value of $143,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $893/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,368) that falls below the national average. However, Cortland’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cortland has a population of 17,465 with a median age of 27.2 years. Compare Cortland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Cortland
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethpage | 17,334 | $132,832 | $597,400 | Compare |
| Port Washington | 17,613 | $183,964 | $976,200 | Compare |
| Islip | 17,224 | $122,596 | $486,900 | Compare |
| North Valley Stream | 17,756 | $145,204 | $588,800 | Compare |
| Hampton Bays | 17,138 | $129,080 | $688,900 | Compare |
| Oswego | 17,028 | $53,286 | $114,600 | Compare |
| Massapequa Park | 16,985 | $170,470 | $626,300 | Compare |
| Wantagh | 17,964 | $174,773 | $665,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Cortland With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cortland
What is the population of Cortland, NY?
The population of Cortland, NY is 17,465 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New York.
What is the median household income in Cortland?
The median household income in Cortland, NY is $55,368 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cortland?
The median home value in Cortland, NY is $143,800, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Cortland?
The median monthly rent in Cortland, NY is $893, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cortland?
The unemployment rate in Cortland, NY is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cortland, NY a good place to live?
Cortland offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,465 and a median age of 27.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Cortland, NY?
26.1% of residents in Cortland aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Cortland?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cortland, NY: median home value is $143,800 (41% below national), median rent is $893/month, and median household income is $55,368. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cortland?
The poverty rate in Cortland, NY is 22.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Cortland, NY?
Cortland's population is 0.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, and 4.0% two or more races. 3.1% of residents are foreign-born.