Cortland, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,564
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,971/yr
-10.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,558
-4.5% year-over-year change

Cortland population

How many people live in Cortland

Cortland is home to 4,564 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.2% of Cortland locals are male, and 45.8% are female.

Total population
4,564
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.2%
2,474
Female
45.8%
2,090
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,474 54.2% -7.9%
Female 2,090 45.8% 11.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Cortland is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 24% are children under 15, then 13.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.7% of the population, while another 22% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 7.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
24%
15 to 24
13.4%
25 to 44
32.7%
45 to 64
22%
Over 65
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,096 24% 6.6%
15 to 24 611 13.4% 1.7%
25 to 44 1,492 32.7% -7.7%
45 to 64 1,005 22% 6.8%
Over 65 360 7.9% -2.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Cortland, 95.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 72% of locals are Caucasian, 6.8% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.3%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,350 95.3% -1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 150 3.3% 114.3%
Non-citizens 64 1.4% 1.6%
Racial breakdown
White
72%
Black or African American
6.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.2%
Other
5.3%
Value Percent
White 3,287 72%
Black or African American 309 6.8%
Asian 32 0.7%
Two or more races 696 15.2%
Other 240 5.3%

Households in Cortland

A peek inside Cortland households

Cortland has 1,558 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 77.9% are families, while the remaining 22.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,558
-1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
345
Family households
1,213
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 345 22.1% -26.9%
Family households 1,213 77.9% 9.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Cortland

The housing landscape of Cortland

Cortland's housing consists of 1,558 units, with 67.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 14.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,558
-4.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,052 67.5%
1 unit, attached 224 14.4%
2 units 29 1.9%
3 or 4 units 124 8%
5 to 9 units 111 7.1%
10 to 19 units 18 1.2%
Homes built since 2020
12
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cortland

In Cortland, the median construction year is 1998. About 2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 36% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 31 2% -13.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 71 4.6% -12.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 13 0.8% -55.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 81 5.2% -50.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 188 12.1% -17.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 26 1.7% -33.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 491 31.5% 24.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 561 36% -4.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 84 5.4% 12.0%
Built in 2020 or later 12 0.8% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Cortland occupancy rates

Out of the 1,558 occupied housing units in Cortland, 78% are owner-occupied, while 22% are lived in by tenants.

Occupied housing units
1,558
-1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
342
Owner occupied
1,216
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 342 22% -5.5%
Owner occupied 1,216 78% 0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
0.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Cortland housing costs

Housing costs in Cortland come to a median of $1,733 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,552.

Median housing costs per month
$1,733/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Cortland
$1,552/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Cortland

Cortland education at a glance

About 35% of the population in Cortland went to high school, while 26% pursued college studies. Another 12.9% earned an associate degree and 15.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 54 1.7% 17.4%
High school diploma 1,133 35% -2.2%
College diploma 843 26% -7.0%
Associate degree 418 12.9% 60.1%
Bachelor's degree 506 15.6% -24.1%
Graduate degree 287 8.9% -27.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Cortland

How much people earn in Cortland

The average annual household income in Cortland was $96,071 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -8.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,971, reflecting a -10.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cortland
$96,071/year
-8.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cortland
$73,971/year
-10.6% year-over-year change

Cortland income by age

In Cortland, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $75,682. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $89,091 overall. Overall, 92.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $75,682 -21.1%
45 - 64 $89,091 -18.5%
Over 65 $48,269 4.7%
Above poverty level
4,166
Below poverty level
319
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,166 92.9% 1.8%
Below poverty level 319 7.1% -11.4%

Average renter income in Cortland

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cortland, their median household income was $67,127 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$67,127
Rent-to-income ratio
27.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Cortland

Workforce and job types in Cortland

The job market in Cortland is powered by 2,201 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 70.6% are employed by private companies, and 15.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,201
-12.4% year-over-year change
White collar
1,619
Blue collar
582
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,619 73.6% -17.9%
Blue collar 582 26.4% 7.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
70.6%
Governmental workers
15.8%
Not for profit companies
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 180 8.2% 38.5%
Private companies 1,553 70.6% -7.3%
Governmental workers 347 15.8% -19.3%
Not for profit companies 121 5.5% -56.5%
Unemployment rate
8.2%
21.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cortland stands at 8.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Cortland

How people get around in Cortland

Commuting methods vary: 88% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,930 88% -15.2%
Bus or trolleybus 42 1.9% -10.6%
Walk 10 0.5% -23.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Cortland by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60112 4,621 1,599 $72,831 $94,840

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FAQs about Cortland demographics 

What is the total population of Cortland?

Cortland has a total population of 4,564 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cortland?

The gender ratio in Cortland is as follows:
  • 54.2% males (2,474 residents)
  • 45.8% females (2,090 residents)

What is the median age in Cortland?

The median age in Cortland is 31.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cortland?

The age distribution in Cortland is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24% (1,096 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.4% (611 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.7% (1,492 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22% (1,005 residents)
  • Over 65: 7.9% (360 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cortland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cortland is as follows:
  • White: 72% (3,287 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.8% (309 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (32 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.2% (696 residents)
  • Other: 5.3% (240 residents)

What percentage of the population in Cortland are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.3% of the population in Cortland.

How many housing units are there in Cortland?

There are 1,558 housing units in Cortland, reflecting a -4.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Cortland and what is the average household size?

Cortland has a total of 1,558 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cortland?

Cortland has a median household income of $73,971, representing a -10.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Cortland?

The employment rate is 91.8% in Cortland, with a workforce of 2,201 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.6% (1,619 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.4% (582 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (180 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.6% (1,553 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.8% (347 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.5% (121 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025