| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cortland/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 23 | n/a (estimate) | 509 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 44.3 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 44 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 22.1 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 15 | n/a | 331.9 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 110.6 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 21 | n/a (estimate) | 465 | 1,715 | 1,760 |

The Cortland crime rates are 76% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 2 violent crimes in Cortland (44 per 100,000 people), which is 87.7% lower than the national average and there were a total of 21 property crimes (465 per 100,000 residents) which is 73.6% lower than average.
Cortland enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 509, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Cortland as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.
With only 44 incidents per 100,000 people, Cortland boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Cortland has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Cortland registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Cortland maintains a property crime rate of 465 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Cortland as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Cortland, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Cortland presents a total crime rate that is 76% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Cortland experiences an average of 0.06 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.06 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Cortland. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Cortland has decreased by 48.9%. Violent crimes have didn't change by 0%, while property crimes have decreased by 51.2%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Cortland, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Cortland, the cost of living is 0.69% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Cortland, the average rental rates are $1,998 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Cortland | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 3 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 0.7 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Illinois /100K | National /100K |
| Illinois | 32,213 | 263 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Waterman, IL | 1,801 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Campton Hills, IL | 11,243 | 9 | 46 | 56 |
| Pingree Grove, IL | 9,076 | 9 | 158 | 167 |
| Maple Park, IL | 1,647 | 0 | 268 | 268 |
| Prestbury, IL | 2,025 | 41 | 241 | 281 |
| Lily Lake, IL | 1,360 | 41 | 241 | 281 |
| Sugar Grove, IL | 9,959 | 33 | 326 | 359 |
| Cortland, IL | 4,384 | 44 | 465 | 509 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| American Falls, ID | 4,384 | 268 | 288 | 556 |
| Beaver, PA | 4,385 | 41 | 407 | 448 |
| Millinocket, ME | 4,385 | 84 | 960 | 1,044 |
| Grant-Valkaria, FL | 4,385 | 69 | 369 | 438 |
| Bellingham, MA | 4,383 | 215 | 1,044 | 1,260 |
| Cortland, IL | 4,384 | 44 | 465 | 509 |