Cortland County Crime & Safety

Cortland County, New York

Safety Score

15/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2357.0

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

179.7

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2177.3

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

15/100

Higher = safer

State avg 56/100

State Safety Rank

#56

of 60 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Cortland County, New York

Cortland Mirrors National Crime Trends

Cortland County’s total crime rate of 2,357.0 per 100K is nearly identical to the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 96.3, which is lower than many neighboring counties.

Below the New York Safety Average

Cortland struggles compared to the rest of the state, as its crime rate is double the New York average of 1,074.4. Its safety score of 96.3 falls below the state’s typical 98.3 benchmark.

Higher Crime Than Neighboring Counties

Cortland has a much higher crime rate than nearby Chenango County, which sits at just 1,142.4. Local law enforcement across 4 agencies handles a higher volume of cases relative to the population size.

High Concentration of Property Crimes

The vast majority of Cortland's crime is property-based, recorded at 2,177.3 per 100K residents. Violent crime is also higher than the state average, standing at 179.7 per 100K.

Priority Security for Cortland Residents

Given the elevated property crime rate, residents should invest in robust home security systems. Use doorbell cameras and alarm systems to deter theft and help local police protect your neighborhood.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Cortland County, NY?

Cortland County has a total crime rate of 2357.0 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (179.7 per 100K) and property crimes (2177.3 per 100K).

Is Cortland County, NY safe?

Cortland County has a safety score of 15/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #56 out of 60 counties in New York for safety (1 = safest).

How does Cortland County crime compare to the New York average?

Cortland struggles compared to the rest of the state, as its crime rate is double the New York average of 1,074.4. Its safety score of 96.3 falls below the state’s typical 98.3 benchmark.

What types of crime are most common in Cortland County?

The vast majority of Cortland's crime is property-based, recorded at 2,177.3 per 100K residents. Violent crime is also higher than the state average, standing at 179.7 per 100K.

How is crime data measured and reported for Cortland County?

Crime data for Cortland County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Cortland County?

Cortland County has a safety score of 15/100, which is below the New York average of 56/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.