Cato is a town located in Cayuga County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 2,744.

The Town of Cato contains a village, also with the name of Cato. The town was formed in 1821 from part of the Town of Aurelius.

Geography

The town of Cato is on the eastern side of the county, so that the east town line is the border of Onondaga County, New York.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 93.7 km² (36.2 mi²). 87.1 km² (33.6 mi²) of it is land and 6.6 km² (2.6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 7.07% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 2,744 people, 994 households, and 747 families residing in the town. The population density is 31.5/km² (81.6/mi²). There are 1,293 housing units at an average density of 14.8/km² (38.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 97.74% White, 0.36% Black or African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.07% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. 0.36% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 994 households out of which 36.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.0% are married couples living together, 7.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 24.8% are non-families. 19.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.76 and the average family size is 3.16.

In the town the population is spread out with 29.0% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 10.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 100.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 98.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $43,281, and the median income for a family is $49,028. Males have a median income of $35,150 versus $24,572 for females. The per capita income for the town is $19,941. 8.3% of the population and 6.0% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 9.5% of those under the age of 18 and 11.7% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Communities and locations in the Town of Cato

• Cato -- The Village of Cato is on the north town line.
• Cross Lake -- A lake on the eastern town line.
• Meridian -- The Village of Meridian is at the north town line.
• Otter Lake -- A lake south of Meridian.
• Parker Pond -- A small lake at the southest corner of Cato village.
• Whitfords Airport (B16) -- A general aviation airport near the south town line.