IncomeBy County

Cortland County, New York

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-12% vs. New York average
$67,527
Median Household Income
$33,818
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$67,527
-12% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,818
-14% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
42.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in New York
#42 / 62
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Cortland County Compares

Cortland County$67,527
New York Average$76,433
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$67,527
Median Household Income
$33,818
Per Capita Income
$158,100
Median Home Value
42.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Cortland County

Income Verdict

Cortland County has a median household income of $67,527 and per capita income of $33,818 — a gap of $33,709, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $911/month and a median household income of $67,527, rent consumes approximately 16.2% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $67,527 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $33,818 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Cortland County earns approximately 11.7% below the New York state median household income of $76,433.

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

What is the median household income in Cortland County, New York?
The median household income in Cortland County, New York is $67,527, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Cortland County?
The per capita income in Cortland County is $33,818, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $67,527.
How does Cortland County compare to the New York average?
Cortland County's median household income of $67,527 is lower than the New York state average of $76,433. The per capita income is $33,818, compared to the state average of $41,133.
What is the per capita income in Cortland County, New York?
The per capita income in Cortland County, New York is $33,818, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Cortland County a low-income area in New York?
Cortland County's median household income of $67,527 is below the New York average of $76,433. The per capita income of $33,818 is also lower than the state average of $41,133. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Cortland County rank for income in New York?
Cortland County ranks #42 out of 62 counties in New York by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $67,527 and per capita income of $33,818, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Cortland County

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Your income is above the Cortland County median

County median: $67,527 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-12%

vs. National Median

-10%

vs. Cortland County MedianAbout equal
vs. New York Average▼ 12% below
vs. National Median▼ 10% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.2x

Your monthly income ($5,627) vs. median rent ($911/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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