Is Cortland or Yonkers Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Yonkers is safer than Cortland (Safety Score 62/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,327 per 100,000 versus 3,181 for Cortland — 58% lower. Cortland has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cortland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Yonkers is 12.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cortland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Yonkers — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cortland, NY
Yonkers, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cortland | Yonkers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,180.8 | 1,326.5 | +1,854.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 226.8 | 311.8 | -85.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 1.9 | -1.9 |
| Rape Rate | 40.7 | 9.2 | +31.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.6 | 63.4 | -51.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 174.5 | 237.2 | -62.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,954.0 | 1,014.7 | +1,939.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 325.6 | 118.1 | +207.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,581.9 | 742.2 | +1,839.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 46.5 | 154.4 | -107.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cortland or Yonkers safer?
Yonkers is safer with a total crime rate of 1,327 per 100K vs 3,181 for Cortland — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cortland has a violent crime rate of 226.8 per 100K while Yonkers has 311.8. Cortland has lower violent crime.
About Cortland, NY
Cortland, "The Crown City," sits in Central New York's hills. Home to SUNY Cortland, it's a small city with a population around 19,000. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 17,197, Cortland has a total crime rate of 3,180.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Yonkers, NY
Yonkers, the fourth most populous city in New York, sits directly north of Manhattan along the Hudson River. Home to Sarah Lawrence College, it was once a major industrial center, known for Otis Elevator. Its diverse population reflects a mix of urban and suburban living. With a safety score of 62/100 and a population coverage of 206,557, Yonkers has a total crime rate of 1,326.5 per 100,000 residents.