Cost of Living in Cortland, IL
Population 4,556 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Cortland stay well under national norms: a median home value of $204,000 against median household incomes of $82,750 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Illinois. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cortland sits roughly 20 miles west of Elgin — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 19% lower than Elgin's $252,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cortland
The median home value in Cortland is $203,700 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,420/month, 8% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $82,750/year is 11% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Cortland has a cost of living index of 83 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% less expensive.
Cortland has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cortland, IL?
Cortland has a cost index of 83 (100 = national average). It is 17% below the national average.
What is average rent in Cortland, IL?
The median gross rent in Cortland is $1,420 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cortland?
The median home value in Cortland is $203,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cortland?
The median household income in Cortland is $82,750 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cortland, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cortland is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Cortland, IL affordable?
Yes, Cortland is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 83 — about 17% below the US national average of 100.
Cortland at a Glance
- Population
- 4,556
- Median Income
- $82,750
- Home Value
- $203,700
- Median Rent
- $1,420/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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