Cortland County scores 51.6, modestly exceeding the national median of 50.0. The county ranks near the 50th percentile nationally, placing it in the middle of the national livability spectrum.
2 / 5
Below New York's State Average
Cortland scores 51.6, trailing New York's state average of 54.7, indicating lower livability than most other counties in the state. The county faces more challenges than typical for the region.
3 / 5
Affordable Housing Remains Accessible
Cortland's cost score of 75.5 highlights genuinely affordable housing, with median rent at $911/month and a median home value of $158,100. This affordability is the county's primary livability strength.
4 / 5
Taxes and Incomes Lag Behind
Cortland's tax score of 27.8 and income score of 27.5 present significant challenges, with a 2.646% effective tax rate among the state's highest and median household income of $67,527. These constraints limit economic opportunity and household wealth.
5 / 5
Best for Retirees and Remote Workers
Cortland suits those with stable income from outside the county—retirees, remote workers, or benefit recipients—who prioritize low housing costs. Traditional job seekers may find limited local opportunities and heavy tax burdens.
Cortland County scores 51.6, modestly exceeding the national median of 50.0. The county ranks near the 50th percentile nationally, placing it in the middle of the national livability spectrum.
Below New York's State Average
Cortland scores 51.6, trailing New York's state average of 54.7, indicating lower livability than most other counties in the state. The county faces more challenges than typical for the region.
Affordable Housing Remains Accessible
Cortland's cost score of 75.5 highlights genuinely affordable housing, with median rent at $911/month and a median home value of $158,100. This affordability is the county's primary livability strength.
Taxes and Incomes Lag Behind
Cortland's tax score of 27.8 and income score of 27.5 present significant challenges, with a 2.646% effective tax rate among the state's highest and median household income of $67,527. These constraints limit economic opportunity and household wealth.
Best for Retirees and Remote Workers
Cortland suits those with stable income from outside the county—retirees, remote workers, or benefit recipients—who prioritize low housing costs. Traditional job seekers may find limited local opportunities and heavy tax burdens.
Score breakdown
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🏛27.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Cortland County's effective tax rate of 2.646% is the highest among these eight counties and roughly four times the national median effective rate of 0.71%. The median property tax bill of $4,184 substantially exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting both Cortland's elevated rate and homes valued above the national median.
Cortland's rate tops New York average
Cortland County's effective rate of 2.646% exceeds New York's state average of 2.046%, placing it among the higher-taxed counties statewide. Its median property tax of $4,184 falls below the state average of $4,709, suggesting Cortland residents face steep rates on more modestly valued properties.
Cortland charges most among peers
Cortland County's 2.646% rate is notably higher than neighboring Chenango (2.389%), Delaware (1.736%), and most others in this regional group. In absolute terms, Cortland's median tax of $4,184 is substantial, making it one of the costlier counties for property owners in central New York.
Cortland homeowners pay $4,184 tax
A homeowner with a median-valued property of $158,100 in Cortland County pays an estimated $4,184 in annual property taxes, or roughly $349 per month. Adding mortgage escrow increases the annual bill to approximately $4,539.
High rates make appeals worthwhile
Cortland County's elevated tax rate makes assessment accuracy especially important—even a small overvaluation compounds significantly. Contact your local assessor to request a reassessment if you suspect your home's value has been inflated; a successful appeal could recover thousands in tax savings.
Cortland County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio beats the national 28% threshold handily, with median rent at just $911 monthly. Despite household incomes of $67,527 running 10% below the national average, housing remains genuinely affordable.
Among New York's most affordable counties
Cortland's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks in the state's more affordable tier, beating New York's 17.6% average despite median rents of $911. This reflects the county's success keeping housing costs in line with lower regional incomes.
Regional affordability leader
Cortland's $911 rent sits squarely between Chenango ($819) and Cortland's regional cohort, offering competitive pricing without sacrificing access to services. Median home values of $158,100 rank among the lowest in the upstate cluster.
Housing remains truly manageable
With incomes of $67,527, Cortland renters paying $911 monthly dedicate just 16.2% of income to rent—leaving 80%+ for other necessities. Homeowners face $1,084 monthly, representing 19.2% of income, placing ownership within reach for disciplined savers.
Affordable upstate living in Cortland
Cortland combines small-town character with solid affordability metrics, making it ideal for families prioritizing housing accessibility. If you're earning $65,000–$75,000, Cortland's 16.2% rent ratio represents exceptional value compared to most New York metros.
Cortland County's median household income of $67,527 falls 9.6% below the national median of $74,755, placing it slightly behind the typical American county. This modest gap reflects a rural upstate economy that generates steady but not exceptional household earnings.
Below average in New York State
Cortland's $67,527 median income sits $8,906 below New York's state average of $76,433, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 62 counties. The shortfall reflects limited access to major employers and metropolitan wage premiums.
Moderate incomes in rural upstate
Cortland's $67,527 sits between neighboring Chenango ($62,093) and Clinton ($69,208), placing it firmly in rural upstate's moderate-income band. The county's reliance on SUNY Cortland, healthcare, and light manufacturing keeps wages competitive within the region.
Affordable housing aids stretched budgets
With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% and a median home value of just $158,100, Cortland households spend conservatively on housing relative to earnings. This affordability helps median income stretch further than the raw number might suggest.
Build savings with steady employment
Cortland's $67,527 median income and low housing costs (16.2% of income) create room for consistent saving and investment. Start with an emergency fund covering three months of expenses, then shift surplus into a diversified IRA or brokerage account.
At 76.2 years, Cortland County residents live 0.2 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. About 16.3% report poor or fair health, a relatively favorable rate within this cohort.
Below state average but improving outlook
Cortland's 76.2-year life expectancy trails New York's state average of 77.9 years by 1.7 years. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide, but its 16.3% poor/fair health rate shows potential.
Mixed results compared to surrounding areas
Cortland (76.2 years) outpaces Chenango County (74.9 years) but falls short of Delaware County (76.7 years). The county sits in the middle of upstate's health landscape.
Strong mental health support, moderate primary care
Cortland excels with 428 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest among all eight counties—but offers only 37 primary care providers per 100,000. With 4.7% uninsured, most residents can access the mental health services available.
Leverage mental health resources with coverage
Cortland's exceptional mental health provider network is a major asset for residents with insurance. Verify your coverage at NY State of Health to access preventive care and mental health services.
Cortland County's composite risk score of 51.24 places it well below the national average, earning a relatively low risk rating. This significantly below-average score reflects notably low exposure to most major natural hazards, particularly wildfires and tornadoes. Cortland residents enjoy one of the more favorable disaster risk profiles in the nation.
New York's safest county in this comparison
At 51.24, Cortland County scores substantially below New York's state average of 69.42, ranking it among the state's safest counties for natural disaster exposure. This favorable position means Cortland residents face significantly lower disaster vulnerability compared to most New York neighbors. The county's risk profile simplifies insurance decisions and preparedness planning.
Lowest-risk county in this regional group
Cortland's 51.24 score ranks it as the safest county among these eight, well below even Essex County (62.66) and Clinton County (68.80). This substantially lower exposure compared to regional peers like Chenango (72.33) and Delaware (83.33) reflects notably gentler terrain and weather patterns. Your county's favorable position is a genuine asset for long-term planning and property investment.
Flooding is your only significant concern
Cortland County's flood risk (71.85) stands as its primary natural hazard exposure, though still below the state average. Wildfire risk (9.89) ranks among the nation's lowest, and tornado exposure (37.40) remains well-managed. Your hazard profile is unusually straightforward compared to most counties.
Flood insurance provides essential coverage
Despite Cortland's exceptional overall safety ranking, flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program remains important given your county's 71.85 flood risk score. Standard homeowners insurance combined with this specialized flood coverage provides comprehensive protection for Cortland properties. Annual review of coverage ensures your policy reflects your property's actual risk.