Cortland
New York

What stands out

Against every county in America, Cortland County is unusual in three ways: the property tax rate is among the highest in America (2.72%), the uninsured rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (5.2%), and winter sunshine is in the bottom 8% of American counties (-1.2 on the USDA scale). Within New York it ranks 5th of 62 counties for the property tax rate.

Where you are

You live in Cortland County, New York. 46,755 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -229).

New York's top income-tax rate is 10.9%, and New York City residents add a city income tax of up to 3.876% on top. The state estate tax has a cliff: estates just over the exemption can owe tax on the whole amount. Social Security is not taxed and up to $20,000 of pension income is excluded. Upstate home prices and taxes look nothing like the downstate market.

Money

The typical household here brings in $65,029 a year, higher than 62% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $55,778. Unemployment runs 3.8%, higher than 63% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 20 minutes each way.

New York takes 5.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,347 a year.

Home

The median home costs $203K, cheaper than 62% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $938 a month. Property tax is 2.72% of home value, roughly $4,035 a year on that median home, higher than almost every county in America. 66% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.5 per 1,000 residents, lower than 72% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.7 years, longer than 61% of American counties. There are 47 active physicians in the county, about 10.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 5.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted almost evenly. 57% of eligible voters turned out. Under New York law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 45°F, highs near 55 and lows near 36, colder than 90% of American counties. About 41 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 39 out of 100, safer than 61% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 260 Mbps down, faster than 79% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery, 3 museums.