Cortland, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,450
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,482/yr
7.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,718
-0.4% year-over-year change

Cortland population

How many people live in Cortland

Cortland is home to 17,450 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.1% of Cortland locals are male, and 51.9% are female.

Total population
17,450
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.1%
8,395
Female
51.9%
9,055
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,395 48.1% 1.8%
Female 9,055 51.9% -1.8%
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 27, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.8% are children under 15, then 32.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.1% of the population, while another 19.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
27.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.8%
15 to 24
32.4%
25 to 44
23.1%
45 to 64
19.2%
Over 65
12.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,232 12.8% -3.0%
15 to 24 5,653 32.4% -0.1%
25 to 44 4,026 23.1% 0.2%
45 to 64 3,345 19.2% 3.8%
Over 65 2,194 12.6% -3.3%
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, 96.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.1% of locals are Caucasian, 3.1% are African American and 1.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.9%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,771 96.1% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 507 2.9% 7.9%
Non-citizens 172 1% -5.5%
Racial breakdown
White
87.1%
Black or African American
3.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 15,206 87.1%
Black or African American 542 3.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 8 0%
Asian 304 1.7%
Two or more races 1,216 7%
Other 174 1%

Households in Cortland

A peek inside Cortland households

Cortland has 7,019 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 45.5% are families, while the remaining 54.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,019
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,827
Family households
3,192
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,827 54.5% 3.8%
Family households 3,192 45.5% -3.4%
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 7,718 units, with 43.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.3% 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 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,718
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,368 43.6%
1 unit, attached 178 2.3%
2 units 1,286 16.7%
3 or 4 units 1,275 16.5%
5 to 9 units 585 7.6%
10 to 19 units 319 4.1%
20 to 49 units 325 4.2%
50 or more units 323 4.2%
Mobile home 59 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
8
14.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cortland

In Cortland, the median construction year is 1947. About 41.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,216 41.7% -4.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 911 11.8% 18.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 827 10.7% 10.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 857 11.1% 6.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 789 10.2% 12.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 398 5.2% -24.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 452 5.9% -21.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 207 2.7% 7.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 53 0.7% -23.2%
Built in 2020 or later 8 0.1% 14.3%
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 7,019 occupied housing units in Cortland, 45.9% are owner-occupied, while 54.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,019
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,798
Owner occupied
3,221
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,798 54.1% -2.0%
Owner occupied 3,221 45.9% 3.4%
Unoccupied housing units
9.1%
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 $992 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $975.

Median housing costs per month
$992/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
$975/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 31.7% of the population in Cortland went to high school, while 35.3% pursued college studies. Another 11% earned an associate degree and 9.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 460 3.1% -11.0%
High school diploma 4,713 31.7% -5.0%
College diploma 5,252 35.3% 7.2%
Associate degree 1,638 11% 7.5%
Bachelor's degree 1,465 9.9% -8.4%
Graduate degree 1,333 9% 4.5%
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 $71,374 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,482, reflecting a +7.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cortland
$71,374/year
5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cortland
$59,482/year
7.4% 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 $60,833. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,185 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $57,669, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,886 in earnings. Overall, 79.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $57,669 11.0%
25 - 44 $60,833 7.8%
45 - 64 $70,185 16.2%
Over 65 $49,886 1.5%
Above poverty level
11,351
Below poverty level
2,995
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,351 79.1% 0.9%
Below poverty level 2,995 20.9% -5.3%

Average renter income in Cortland

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cortland, their median household income was $35,935 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$35,935
Rent-to-income ratio
32.6%
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 8,692 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5% run their own businesses, 60.8% are employed by private companies, and 18.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,692
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
7,020
Blue collar
1,672
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,020 80.8% 1.2%
Blue collar 1,672 19.2% 1.3%
Employer type
Self employees
5%
Private companies
60.8%
Governmental workers
18.7%
Not for profit companies
15.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 431 5% 27.1%
Private companies 5,287 60.8% -4.8%
Governmental workers 1,623 18.7% 7.8%
Not for profit companies 1,351 15.5% 13.9%
Unemployment rate
4.2%
-43.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cortland stands at 4.2%, 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

In Cortland, the average commute time is 17 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 79.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
17 min
4.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,687 79.7% 0.6%
Taxicab 40 0.5% -61.5%
Bus or trolleybus 116 1.4% -23.2%
Bicycle 60 0.7% -4.8%
Walk 866 10.3% 2.0%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
13045 28,361 11,397 $69,961 $83,265

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FAQs about Cortland demographics 

What is the total population of Cortland?

Cortland has a total population of 17,450 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cortland?

The gender ratio in Cortland is as follows:
  • 48.1% males (8,395 residents)
  • 51.9% females (9,055 residents)

What is the median age in Cortland?

The median age in Cortland is 27.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cortland?

The age distribution in Cortland is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.8% (2,232 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 32.4% (5,653 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.1% (4,026 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.2% (3,345 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.6% (2,194 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cortland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cortland is as follows:
  • White: 87.1% (15,206 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.1% (542 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (8 residents)
  • Asian: 1.7% (304 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7% (1,216 residents)
  • Other: 1% (174 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.1% of the population in Cortland.

How many housing units are there in Cortland?

There are 7,718 housing units in Cortland, reflecting a -0.4% 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 7,019 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cortland?

Cortland has a median household income of $59,482, representing a +7.4% 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 95.8% in Cortland, with a workforce of 8,692 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.8% (7,020 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.2% (1,672 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5% (431 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.8% (5,287 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.7% (1,623 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.5% (1,351 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