Cortland County, New York
Income Data
At a Glance
How Cortland County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Cortland County, New York
Cortland trails national income median
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.