| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cortland/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 38 | n/a (estimate) | 539 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 56.7 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 57 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 56.7 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 29 | n/a | 411.3 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 14.2 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 34 | n/a (estimate) | 482 | 1,551 | 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 lower than the national average by 74.6%. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes in Cortland, equivalent to 57 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 84.2%. Furthermore, Cortland recorded 34 property crimes, amounting to 482 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 72.6%.
Cortland has a crime rate of 539, which is considerably less than the national average of 2119. This results in Cortland being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.
Cortland has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 57 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Cortland ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Cortland experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
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 482 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.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Cortland a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Cortland crime rate is 75% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.1 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.09 property crimes.
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 didn't change by 0%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 300%, while property crime has didn't change by 8.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Cortland.
Cortland has a poverty rate that stands at 7.3, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Cortland crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
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 2.1%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Cortland, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

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| Item | Cortland | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Ohio /100K | National /100K |
| Ohio | 17,872 | 156 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Brookfield Center, OH | 1,412 | 98 | 516 | 614 |
| Craig Beach, OH | 1,711 | 104 | 549 | 653 |
| West Middlesex, PA | 1,179 | 96 | 560 | 656 |
| Lordstown, OH | 3,385 | 181 | 572 | 753 |
| Orwell, OH | 1,924 | 126 | 666 | 792 |
| Churchill, OH | 2,053 | 129 | 679 | 808 |
| Leavittsburg, OH | 1,510 | 135 | 715 | 850 |
| Cortland, OH | 7,001 | 57 | 482 | 539 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Darnestown, MD | 7,001 | 137 | 667 | 803 |
| Lincoln, AL | 7,002 | 388 | 2,278 | 2,667 |
| Mira Monte, CA | 6,999 | 207 | 883 | 1,090 |
| Lochbuie, CO | 7,003 | 203 | 787 | 990 |
| Savage, MD | 7,006 | 289 | 1,410 | 1,699 |
| Cortland, OH | 7,001 | 57 | 482 | 539 |