| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cortland/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 547 | n/a (estimate) | 3,181 | 2,100 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 40.7 | 21.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 11.6 | 96.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 30 | n/a | 174.4 | 259.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 39 | n/a (estimate) | 227 | 380 | 359 |
| Burglary | 56 | n/a | 325.6 | 136.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 444 | n/a | 2,581.9 | 1,432.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 46.5 | 150.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 508 | n/a (estimate) | 2,954 | 1,720 | 1,760 |

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
| Northeast Ithaca, NY | 2,866 | 132 | 597 | 728 |
| East Ithaca, NY | 2,214 | 135 | 610 | 745 |
| Cortland West, NY | 1,352 | 141 | 639 | 780 |
| Dryden, NY | 2,184 | 178 | 805 | 983 |
| Moravia, NY | 1,467 | 190 | 858 | 1,048 |
| Forest Home, NY | 895 | 192 | 867 | 1,059 |
| Groton, NY | 2,099 | 197 | 893 | 1,090 |
| Cortland, NY | 19,302 | 227 | 2,954 | 3,181 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Imperial, CA | 19,303 | 77 | 182 | 259 |
| Helena, AL | 19,288 | 71 | 436 | 507 |
| Bellwood, IL | 19,287 | 306 | 1,197 | 1,504 |
| Newton, KS | 19,319 | 617 | 1,670 | 2,287 |
| Cedar Mill, OR | 19,282 | 135 | 974 | 1,109 |
| Cortland, NY | 19,302 | 227 | 2,954 | 3,181 |