Elma, New York
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- For other places with this name, see Elma.
The Elma is a town located in Erie County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 11,304.
The Town of Elma is located in the north-central part of the county, east of Buffalo, New York. Because of its location, Elma likes to refer to itself as the "heart of Erie County."
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History
The town was established in 1857 from parts of the Towns of Aurora and Lancaster. Elma was the last town formed in the county. The early residents included members of the Ebenezer Society.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 89.3 km² (34.5 mi²). 89.3 km² (34.5 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 11,304 people, 4,186 households, and 3,294 families residing in the town. The population density is 126.5/km² (327.7/mi²). There are 4,296 housing units at an average density of 48.1/km² (124.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 99.09% White, 0.05% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.07% from other races, and 0.46% from two or more races. 0.60% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 4,186 households out of which 32.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.0% are married couples living together, 6.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 21.3% are non-families. 17.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.69 and the average family size is 3.08.
In the town the population is spread out with 24.5% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 42 years. For every 100 females there are 97.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 95.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $56,334, and the median income for a family is $63,922. Males have a median income of $42,679 versus $28,826 for females. The per capita income for the town is $25,960. 3.4% of the population and 2.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 3.4% of those under the age of 18 and 6.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Communities and locations in Elma
- Billington Heights
- Blossom -- A hamlet in the northwest corner of the town.
- Buffalo Creek -- A stream flowing westward through the northern part of the town. The French name for this stream was Beau Fleuve, and the name of the city of Buffalo, New York is derived from the stream. There were no Buffalo living in the area in the colonial period, although they are now raised on several farms locally. As it approaches the City of Buffalo, the creek is called Buffalo River.
- Cazenovia Creek -- A stream flowing northward through the soutwest part of the town.
- Elma -- A hamlet near the northern town line on Bowen Road.
- Elma Center -- A hamlet near the town's center.
- East Elma -- A hamlet in the southeast corner of the town.
- Spring Brook -- A hamlet on Route 17/78 near the eastern town line.
External links
- Town of Elma official webpage (http://www.elmanewyork.com)
- http://history.rays-place.com/ny/elma-ny.htm Elma history]