Cortland County, New York Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 52nd-largest in New York
The population of Cortland County, New York is 46,401 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 52nd-largest county in New York. The median household income is $67,527, the median home value is $158,100, and the median age is 36.5.
The population of Cortland County has declined 6.8% since 2010 (49,277 → 45,945), a -0.50% annualized rate.
46,401
Population
-0.50%
Annual growth
93
People / sq mi
$67,527
Median Income
$158,100
Median Home Value
Cortland County covers 499 sq mi of land at 93.0 people per square mile.
About Cortland County, NY
Cortland County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 12.5% of the population. With 46,401 residents, Cortland County is a county in New York.
Median household income is $67,527, below the US median of $78,538. Only 6.9% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $158,100, with typical rent around $911.
College attainment is above the local norm at 28.3%, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Cortland County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cortland County had a population of 49,277 in 2010 and 45,945 in 2024, a -6.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 49,382 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.50%.
45,945
Population (2024)
49,277
Population (2010)
49,382
Peak (2011)
-0.50%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 49,277 |
| 2011 | 49,382 |
| 2012 | 49,028 |
| 2013 | 48,913 |
| 2014 | 48,747 |
| 2015 | 48,299 |
| 2016 | 47,950 |
| 2017 | 47,834 |
| 2018 | 47,721 |
| 2019 | 47,410 |
| 2020 | 46,751 |
| 2021 | 46,443 |
| 2022 | 46,133 |
| 2023 | 45,957 |
| 2024 | 45,945 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.5% |
| Black or African American | 2.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.5
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
16.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.2% · Seniors (65+): 16.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,527$-17,051 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,947 |
| Per-capita income | $33,818 |
| Poverty rate | 6.9%-2.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cortland County is professional & business services, accounting for 31.5% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
5.1%
Carpool
74.6%
Public transit
7.1%
Work from home
21.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$158,100$-244,900 vs state
Median home value
$911
Median rent
66.4%
Homeownership rate
20,842
Total housing units
90.0%
Occupied
10.0%
Vacant
33.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.6%
With health insurance
94.0%
With broadband internet
12.5%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
14.2%
With a disability
94.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.9%
High School+
28.3%
Bachelor's+
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Part of New York
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cortland County, New York has a population of 46,401 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 52nd-largest county in New York. Population density is 93 people per square mile.
The population of Cortland County has declined 6.8% since 2010 (49,277 → 45,945), a -0.50% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cortland County, New York is $67,527, with mean (average) household income of $82,947 and per-capita income of $33,818. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cortland County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.5%), Black or African American (2.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cortland County, New York is 36.5 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Cortland County is $158,100 and median monthly rent is $911. 66.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 20,842 total housing units, 10.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cortland County, New York is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 31.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
New York is among the largest cities associated with Cortland County, New York, with a population of 8,516,202.
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Statewide data for New York
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.