Cortland, New York Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Cortland, New York is 17,465 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 109th-largest city in New York. The median household income is $55,368, the median home value is $143,800, and the median age is 27.2.
The population has declined 9.0% since 2010 (19,177 → 17,459).
17,465
Population
4485
People / sq mi
$55,368
Median Income
$143,800
Median Home Value
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Cortland covers 3.9 sq mi of land at 4485 people per square mile.
About Cortland, NY
Cortland skews on age — the median resident is 27.2, younger than the national median. With 17,465 residents, Cortland is a city in New York.
The typical household earns $55,368, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $143,800, with typical rent around $893.
Roughly 26.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 6.9% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Cortland city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Cortland city had a population of 19,177 in 2010 and 17,459 in 2024, a -9.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,298 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.65%.
17,459
Population (2024)
19,177
Population (2010)
19,298
Peak (2011)
-0.65%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,177 |
| 2011 | 19,298 |
| 2012 | 19,096 |
| 2013 | 19,159 |
| 2014 | 19,048 |
| 2015 | 18,862 |
| 2016 | 18,762 |
| 2017 | 18,717 |
| 2018 | 18,657 |
| 2019 | 18,670 |
| 2020 | 17,516 |
| 2021 | 17,445 |
| 2022 | 17,412 |
| 2023 | 17,423 |
| 2024 | 17,459 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.3% |
| Black or African American | 4.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$55,368
Median Household Income
$27,328
Per Capita Income
10.0%
Poverty Rate
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$143,800
Median Home Value
$893
Median Rent
44.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.2%
High School+
26.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.8%
Drive Alone
64.7%
Public Transit
6.9%
Work From Home
16.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
12.4%
Foreign Born
93.9%
Non-English at Home
4.3%
Veterans
16.2%
With Disability
96.3%
Health Insurance
94.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 31.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 18.6% |
| Manufacturing | 10.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.1% |
| Information | 4.1% |
| Construction | 3.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.6% |
| Public Administration | 3.5% |
| Retail Trade | 3.3% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.7% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cortland, New York has a population of 17,465 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 109th-largest city in New York.
The median household income in Cortland, New York is $55,368, with 10.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Cortland, New York is $143,800, with median monthly rent at $893 and a homeownership rate of 44.6%.
The median age in Cortland, New York is 27.2 years. The population is 47.2% male and 52.8% female.
The population has declined 9.0% since 2010 (19,177 → 17,459).
Where to stay in Cortland
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.