C-
50%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
37%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
68%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleCortland/100k peopleNew York/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime547n/a (estimate)3,1812,1002,119
Murder0n/a0.02.75.0
Rape7n/a40.721.737.5
Robbery2n/a11.696.160.6
Assault30n/a174.4259.6256.1
Violent crime39n/a (estimate)227380359
Burglary56n/a325.6136.6229.2
Theft444n/a2,581.91,432.81,272.1
Vehicle theft8n/a46.5150.2258.8
Property crime508n/a (estimate)2,9541,7201,760

Cortland crime map

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The Cortland crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Cortland as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Cortland crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Cortland crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Cortland, NY

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Cortland crime rate is higher than the national average by 50.1%. Specifically, there were 39 violent crimes in Cortland, equivalent to 227 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 36.9%. Furthermore, Cortland recorded 508 property crimes, amounting to 2954 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 67.8%.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Cortland reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Cortland?

AreaVibes surveyed 16 local residents in Cortland to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 63% of people answered that there was very little crime in Cortland and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 38% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Cortland a Safe Place to Live?

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 50% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Cortland experiences an average of 1.5 daily crimes, comprising 0.11 violent incidents and 1.39 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Cortland Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Cortland. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Cortland has decreased by 2.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 20.4%, while property crime has decreased by 1.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Cortland.

Potential Causes for Crime in Cortland

In Cortland, 84.4% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Cortland stands at $206,757, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Cortland are $1,156, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.

Compare Cortland, NY Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Cortland crime rates are 50% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Cortland are 37% lower than the national average
      • In Cortland you have a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Cortland is safer than 26% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Cortland has decreased by 4%

      Cortland, NY Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Cortland (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Cortland, NY per 100,000 people. In Cortland, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.51 times more than the New York average and 1.50 times more than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Cortland is 1.68 times less than the New York average and 1.58 times less than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Cortland has a daily crime rate that is 1.72 times more than the New York average and 1.68 times more than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Cortland (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Cortland, New York compared to other areas of New York, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Cortland safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Cortland is safer than 43% of New York cities, and 26% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in New York, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Cortland. At this time, Cortland sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Cortland

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Cortland is 1 in 441
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Cortland is 1 in 34
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Cortland is 1 in 32
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Cortland, New York you have a 1 in 441 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Cortland.

        Year Over Year Crime In Cortland (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Cortland, NY is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Cortland has decreased by 35%, while the property crime rate in Cortland has decreased by 1% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Cortland has decreased by 4% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Cortland police department

        Item Cortland New York National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)45109,351558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.32.93.3
        There are a total of 45 Cortland police officers. This results in 2.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 18.8% less than the New York average and 28.4% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in New York

        State Total offenders New York /100K National /100K
        New York25,064137266
        There are a total of 25,064 sex offenders in New York. This yields a total of 137 sex offenders in New York per 100,000 residents which is 48% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Northeast Ithaca, NY2,866132597728
        East Ithaca, NY2,214135610745
        Cortland West, NY1,352141639780
        Dryden, NY2,184178805983
        Moravia, NY1,4671908581,048
        Forest Home, NY8951928671,059
        Groton, NY2,0991978931,090
        Cortland, NY19,3022272,9543,181

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Imperial, CA19,30377182259
        Helena, AL19,28871436507
        Bellwood, IL19,2873061,1971,504
        Newton, KS19,3196171,6702,287
        Cedar Mill, OR19,2821359741,109
        Cortland, NY19,3022272,9543,181
        Source: The Cortland, NY crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.