Cortland County Public RecordsNew York

Cortland County, NY, hosts around 17 public schools, including Cortland Junior-Senior High School and Homer Senior High School. The high school graduation rate is approximately 87%, while 23% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Niche gives schools in the area a B- average rating. The county emphasizes school safety with resource officers and anti-bullying programs. Adult education is available through OCM BOCES, offering GED and workforce training. Schools feature AP, STEM, and arts programs, supporting diverse educational needs.

As of 2023, Cortland County, NY, had an employment rate of approximately 57%. Key industries include education and health services (28%), manufacturing (14%), and retail trade (12%). Major occupation types are in education, office/administrative support (18%), and production (13%). Around 76% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 20 minutes. Most residents work within the county, but approximately 23% commute to nearby Tompkins and Onondaga counties.

Cortland County, NY, has a homeownership rate of approximately 63%, with median home values around $145,000 and median monthly rents of $900. Single-family homes dominate, but there are also apartments and multi-family units, especially in the City of Cortland. Notable neighborhoods include Homer and McGraw. Recent trends show property values slowly rising by about 4% year-over-year. Property tax rates average $31 per $1,000 of assessed value, making taxes on a $150,000 home roughly $4,650 annually. The county features a mix of rural and suburban communities suitable for varied housing preferences.

Cortland County, NY, has a 2022 estimated population of about 46,800. The median age is approximately 37.9 years. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 49.3% male and 50.7% female. The county is predominantly White (90%), with Black or African American residents at 2.4%, Hispanic or Latino at 3.1%, Asian at 1.7%, and other races or two or more races making up the remainder.

Cortland County, NY, has approximately 30,000 registered voters as of 2024, with about 37% Democrat, 33% Republican, and 30% unaffiliated or minor parties. Elections include local, state, and federal races; in the 2020 presidential election, Cortland County voted 52% for Biden and 46% for Trump. The Board of Elections administers polling at 25 locations across the county. Key local issues include rural economic development and education funding. Both major parties actively campaign, and turnout for general elections reaches about 60%. Voter registration and polling info is managed at cortland-co.org/board-of-elections.

Cortland County, NY, reports a crime rate of approximately 15.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, below both the state and national averages. In 2023, there were around 220 property crimes and 40 violent crimes reported. The Sheriff's Office and local police emphasize community policing and regular safety updates. Although incidents of theft and burglary occur, serious violent crime remains low, contributing to a generally safe environment. Crime data is publicly available through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, ensuring transparency in safety reporting for residents and newcomers.