New York → Cortland
Cortland County, New York
Pasture here rented for $39.50 an acre in 2026, $17.25 above the New York median of $22.25. That's the 84th percentile among the 16 New York counties reporting that year, and the 75th percentile nationally.
Put that in lease terms. On a quarter section of 160 acres, the gap between this county and the state median is $2,760 a year. A difference that looks small per acre is large at that scale.
Across New York's counties, the middle half of county averages in 2026 runs $17.75 to $35.25 an acre. Individual leases spread wider than county averages do, because grass, water, fencing and term length all move the price. An offer far outside this band should come with a reason the other side can say out loud.
Since 2009, this county's rate has fallen 1 percent: $40 then, $39.50 in 2026.
The counties next door
The comparison made at the kitchen table is with the neighbors. This year, rates across the county line go from $14.50 to $35 an acre. Every bordering county NASS tracks is listed at its most recent published rate.
| County | $/acre |
|---|---|
| Tompkins | $48.50 (2024) |
| Madison | $35 |
| Onondaga | $19.50 (2021) |
| Cayuga | $16.50 (2024) |
| Tioga | $15 (2023) |
| Chenango | $14.50 |
| Broome | $13 (2009) |
Every year on record
| Year | $/acre |
|---|---|
| 2009 | $40 |
| 2010 | $29 |
| 2012 | $17.50 |
| 2016 | $20 |
| 2017 | $33 |
| 2019 | $29 |
| 2020 | $29 |
| 2021 | $50 |
| 2024 | $38.50 |
| 2025 | $27.50 |
| 2026 | $39.50 |
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