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
Get Cortland's next ACS population data
Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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% |
Largest cities in New York
Largest counties in New York
Part of New York
Metro areas in New York
City rankings
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).
Cortland city, NY Climate
Cortland city, NY has an average annual temperature of 7.4°C (45°F) and receives about 1017 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.4°C
Avg Temp
1017
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 68 mm |
| February | -5° / 22° | 62 mm |
| March | 0° / 32° | 76 mm |
| April | 6° / 44° | 84 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 87 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 103 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 92 mm |
| August | 19° / 67° | 82 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 104 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 84 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 90 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 85 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Cortland city, NY
The most comfortable months to visit Cortland city, NY are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Cortland
Visiting or relocating to Cortland, NY? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Cortland
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Cortland?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Cortland, NY by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from New York
Population 8,516,202
Population 276,397
Population 209,720
Population 209,529
Population 146,211
Full rankings of New York cities by population
Statewide data for New York
Population, race, income, age, and trends across New York
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.