Cortland County, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
46,246
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,418/yr
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
20,841
0.0% year-over-year change

Cortland County population

How many people live in Cortland County

Cortland County is home to 46,246 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Cortland County locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
46,246
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
22,947
Female
50.4%
23,299
Value Percent YoY change
Male 22,947 49.6% -0.7%
Female 23,299 50.4% 0.1%
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 County is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 15% are children under 15, then 21.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.1% of the population, while another 24.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
15%
15 to 24
21.6%
25 to 44
22.1%
45 to 64
24.1%
Over 65
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,935 15% -2.0%
15 to 24 9,994 21.6% -1.1%
25 to 44 10,236 22.1% 1.3%
45 to 64 11,152 24.1% -1.7%
Over 65 7,929 17.2% 2.1%
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 County, 96.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90% of locals are Caucasian, 1.9% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 44,557 96.4% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,307 2.8% 7.0%
Non-citizens 382 0.8% 3.0%
Racial breakdown
White
90%
Black or African American
1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.5%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 41,609 90%
Black or African American 861 1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 27 0.1%
Asian 656 1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4 0%
Two or more races 2,539 5.5%
Other 550 1.2%

Households in Cortland County

A peek inside Cortland County households

Cortland County has 18,999 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.4% are families, while the remaining 41.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
18,999
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
7,894
Family households
11,105
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,894 41.6% 4.3%
Family households 11,105 58.4% -0.9%
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 County

The housing landscape of Cortland County

Cortland County's housing consists of 20,841 units, with 62.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 7.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
20,841
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 13,047 62.6%
1 unit, attached 334 1.6%
2 units 1,673 8%
3 or 4 units 1,824 8.8%
5 to 9 units 955 4.6%
10 to 19 units 640 3.1%
20 to 49 units 417 2%
50 or more units 346 1.7%
Mobile home 1,587 7.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 18 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
161
120.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cortland County

In Cortland County, the median construction year is 1961. About 33.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3% 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 6,929 33.2% -2.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,421 6.8% 13.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,928 9.2% 2.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,335 11.2% -1.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,829 13.6% -0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,984 9.5% -0.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,710 8.2% -6.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 928 4.4% -6.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 616 3% 12.2%
Built in 2020 or later 161 0.8% 120.5%
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 County occupancy rates

Out of the 18,999 occupied housing units in Cortland County, 66.3% are owner-occupied, while 33.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
18,999
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,402
Owner occupied
12,597
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,402 33.7% 1.5%
Owner occupied 12,597 66.3% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
8.8%
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 County housing costs

Housing costs in Cortland County come to a median of $1,037 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $984.

Median housing costs per month
$1,037/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 County
$984/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 County

Cortland County education at a glance

About 34.4% of the population in Cortland County went to high school, while 26% pursued college studies. Another 12.7% earned an associate degree and 13.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 916 2.4% -9.8%
High school diploma 12,960 34.4% -3.2%
College diploma 9,792 26% 2.2%
Associate degree 4,799 12.7% 3.4%
Bachelor's degree 5,130 13.6% 0.8%
Graduate degree 4,102 10.9% 2.4%
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 County

How much people earn in Cortland County

The average annual household income in Cortland County was $85,337 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,418, reflecting a +4.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cortland County
$85,337/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cortland County
$70,418/year
4.3% year-over-year change

Cortland County income by age

In Cortland County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,850. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $79,945 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $54,795, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $54,506 in earnings. Overall, 87.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $54,795 3.9%
25 - 44 $79,850 7.0%
45 - 64 $79,945 1.6%
Over 65 $54,506 6.2%
Above poverty level
36,830
Below poverty level
5,386
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 36,830 87.2% -0.4%
Below poverty level 5,386 12.8% -0.6%

Employment in Cortland County

Workforce and job types in Cortland County

The job market in Cortland County is powered by 23,165 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.1% run their own businesses, 56.4% are employed by private companies, and 19.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
23,165
-0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
17,889
Blue collar
5,276
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 17,889 77.2% -1.1%
Blue collar 5,276 22.8% 2.5%
Employer type
Self employees
10.1%
Private companies
56.4%
Governmental workers
19.8%
Not for profit companies
13.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,347 10.1% 12.9%
Private companies 13,074 56.4% -3.1%
Governmental workers 4,575 19.8% -3.0%
Not for profit companies 3,169 13.7% 7.0%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
-21.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cortland County stands at 4.6%, 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 County

How people get around in Cortland County

Commuting methods vary: 84.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.7% 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 18,934 84.1% -1.8%
Taxicab 92 0.4% -29.2%
Bus or trolleybus 189 0.8% -17.5%
Subway or elevated 19 0.1% N/A
Motorcycle 11 0% N/A
Bicycle 77 0.3% -11.5%
Walk 1,275 5.7% 10.0%
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 County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
13141 652 241 $80,208 $104,666
13040 2,595 998 $70,167 $78,712
13158 1,217 488 $85,208 $101,335
13159 5,204 2,065 $101,250 $124,758
13045 28,361 11,397 $69,961 $83,265
13052 1,759 703 $76,750 $87,946
13053 4,794 1,962 $83,021 $95,339
13077 6,405 3,006 $72,266 $92,126
13087 116 61 $97,125 $116,216
13101 2,358 996 $63,587 $79,498

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FAQs about Cortland County demographics 

What is the total population of Cortland County?

Cortland County has a total population of 46,246 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cortland County?

The gender ratio in Cortland County is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (22,947 residents)
  • 50.4% females (23,299 residents)

What is the median age in Cortland County?

The median age in Cortland County is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cortland County?

The age distribution in Cortland County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15% (6,935 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 21.6% (9,994 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.1% (10,236 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.1% (11,152 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.2% (7,929 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cortland County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cortland County is as follows:
  • White: 90% (41,609 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.9% (861 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (27 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (656 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (4 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.5% (2,539 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (550 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.4% of the population in Cortland County.

How many housing units are there in Cortland County?

There are 20,841 housing units in Cortland County, reflecting a 0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cortland County has a total of 18,999 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cortland County?

Cortland County has a median household income of $70,418, representing a +4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.4% in Cortland County, with a workforce of 23,165 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.2% (17,889 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.8% (5,276 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.1% (2,347 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.4% (13,074 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.8% (4,575 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.7% (3,169 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