Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cortland, IL
Thinking about moving to Cortland, IL? With a friendly small-town vibe and a population of just under 4,400, Cortland offers affordable living—median home prices are around $239,000 and average rents are $1,180. The town features a low violent crime rate (72 per 100K), quick commutes averaging 25 minutes, and solid local schools. Residents enjoy four beautiful seasons, access to nearby healthcare, and a strong sense of community, making Cortland a great option for families or anyone seeking a quieter pace.
Demographics - Cortland, IL
Demographics - Cortland, IL
Cortland, IL is a close-knit community of about 4,400 residents, with a youthful median age of 32 and a nearly even gender balance. The town is predominantly White, but also home to Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and around 7.5% speak a language other than English. Its moderate population density creates a suburban feel ideal for families and young professionals.
Population:
4,398
Density:
2,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.4
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.7%
Black:
5.4%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
10.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cortland, IL?
Living in Cortland is affordable, with median home values at $239,000 and average rents around $1,180 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation manageable for most residents. State income tax remains steady at 4.95%, further contributing to the town's budget-friendly reputation.
Median House Value:
$239,000
Gross Rent:
$1,180
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,510
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.6
Grocery:
97.3
Housing:
87.5
Utilities:
96.1
Transportation:
98.2
Health Care:
101.7
Miscellaneous:
95.4
Crime
Is Cortland, IL a safe place to live?
Cortland boasts a low violent crime rate of 72 incidents per 100,000 residents, offering peace of mind for families and individuals alike. Property crime is also moderate, and the overall chance of experiencing a violent crime is just 1 in 1,390. This safe environment adds to the town's appeal for those seeking a secure place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
72
Property Crimes Per 100k:
765
Crime Index:
837
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,390
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 131
Weather
What is the weather like in Cortland, IL year-round?
Cortland experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 14°F and warm summers reaching highs around 84°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate supports outdoor activities year-round, from winter snow sports to summer festivals.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Residents of Cortland enjoy a median household income of $78,700 and a relatively low poverty rate of 8.7%. The community is well-educated, with nearly 94% having at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is a manageable 25 minutes. This creates a comfortable, stable environment for both families and professionals.
Median Income:
$41,200
Household Income:
$78,700
Family Income:
$87,400
Per Capita Income:
$32,600
Income Male:
$50,100
Income Female:
$38,900
Poverty Rate:
8.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,180
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
25.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
28.7%
Education
How are the schools in Cortland, IL?
Cortland offers quality education options, including local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to private schooling nearby. The presence of Northern Illinois University just four miles away provides higher education and enrichment opportunities. Families benefit from a well-rounded educational environment, from elementary through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Cortland Elementary School
Street:
370 E. Lexington Ave
Phone:
815-754-2360
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
Huntley Middle School
Street:
1515 S 4th St, DeKalb
Phone:
815-754-2241
Students:
840
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Private Schools
Name:
Cornerstone Christian Academy
Street:
355 N. Cross Street, Sycamore
Phone:
815-895-8522
Students:
240
Colleges
Name:
Northern Illinois University
City:
DeKalb
State:
IL
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
15,649
Healthcare
Healthcare in Cortland is easily accessible, with Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital just minutes away in DeKalb offering full emergency services. The town benefits from a high health insurance coverage rate of 93.5% and has about 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents. These resources ensure quality medical care for individuals and families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital
Address:
1 Kish Hospital Dr, DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone:
(815) 756-1521
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cortland, IL?
Cortland's housing market is attractive, featuring a median home price of $239,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of 78%. Average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are $1,180, and the area maintains a low foreclosure rate. Modest home appreciation and new construction rates suggest a stable and growing community.
Median Home Price:
$239,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,180
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Cortland residents are served by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility in nearby DeKalb for all DMV needs. The office is conveniently located and offers a full range of driver and vehicle services. Information and appointments can be accessed online or by phone.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
1360 Oakwood Ave, DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone:
815-756-7781
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.