| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cortland/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 678 | n/a (estimate) | 3,974 | 2,151 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 58.6 | 29.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 23.4 | 112.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 31 | n/a | 181.7 | 283.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 45 | n/a (estimate) | 264 | 429 | 370 |
| Burglary | 70 | n/a | 410.3 | 162.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 549 | n/a | 3,217.9 | 1,422.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 14 | n/a | 82.1 | 137.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 633 | n/a (estimate) | 3,710 | 1,722 | 1,954 |
The Cortland crime rates are 71% higher 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 45 violent crimes in Cortland (264 per 100,000 people), which is 28.7% lower than the national average and there were a total of 633 property crimes (3710 per 100,000 residents) which is 89.8% higher than average.
In the latest reported crime year, Cortland recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Every year, one in 27 people fall victim to a property crime in Cortland - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3710 per 100,000 people, Cortland has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
What do the local residents think about crime in Cortland? Well, based on a recent survey of 16 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 63% of Cortland residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 38% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
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 71% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Cortland experiences an average of 1.86 daily crimes, comprising 0.12 violent incidents and 1.73 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 us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Cortland crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Cortland has increased by 20.4% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 8.2% and property crime has increased by 23.2%.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Cortland crime rates. In Cortland, the poverty rate stands at 23.2%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Cortland, 84.4% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Cortland, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.33, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Cortland | New York | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 45 | 109,351 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 2.9 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New York /100K | National /100K |
| New York | 25,064 | 137 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cortland West, NY | 1,313 | 175 | 701 | 876 |
| East Ithaca, NY | 2,169 | 183 | 734 | 917 |
| Northeast Ithaca, NY | 2,763 | 184 | 737 | 921 |
| Dryden, NY | 2,127 | 196 | 786 | 982 |
| Tully, NY | 926 | 211 | 849 | 1,060 |
| Moravia, NY | 1,411 | 219 | 880 | 1,099 |
| Groton, NY | 2,048 | 238 | 956 | 1,194 |
| Cortland, NY | 18,633 | 264 | 3,710 | 3,974 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Culpeper, VA | 18,633 | 206 | 1,627 | 1,833 |
| Forest Park, OH | 18,632 | 363 | 1,932 | 2,295 |
| Imperial, CA | 18,631 | 92 | 361 | 453 |
| Helena, AL | 18,631 | 95 | 558 | 654 |
| Creve Coeur, MO | 18,627 | 65 | 2,002 | 2,067 |
| Cortland, NY | 18,633 | 264 | 3,710 | 3,974 |
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