Leon is a town located in Cattaraugus County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,380.

The Town of Leon was incorporated in 1832. It is on the western border of the county.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 94.0 km² (36.3 mi²). 93.9 km² (36.3 mi²) of it is land and 0.03% is water.

The west town line is the border of Chautauqua County, New York.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 1,380 people, 378 households, and 289 families residing in the town. The population density is 14.7/km² (38.1/mi²). There are 464 housing units at an average density of 4.9/km² (12.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 99.13% White, 0.00% African American, 0.07% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 0.65% from two or more races. 0.29% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 378 households out of which 44.2% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.4% are married couples living together, 8.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 23.3% are non-families. 19.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.64 and the average family size is 4.30.

In the town the population is spread out with 42.3% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 16.9% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 23 years. For every 100 females there are 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $30,333, and the median income for a family is $32,946. Males have a median income of $25,625 versus $22,266 for females. The per capita income for the town is $10,189. 35.1% of the population and 26.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 50.2% of those under the age of 18 and 14.7% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Communities and locations in Leon

• Conewango Creek -- A stream flowing through the northern part of the town.
• East Leon -- A hamlet in the northeast corner of the town on Route 5.
• Kendall Corners -- A hamlet by the eastern town line on Route 5.
• Leon -- The hamlet of Leon, centrally located in the town on Routes 6 and 62.
• Millmans Corners -- A hamlet west of Leon village by the east town line on Route 6.
• Meyers Corners -- A hamlet at the north town line on Route 62.
• Mud Creek -- A stream flowing westward past Leon is a tributary of Conewango Creek.
• Rays Corners -- A hamlet near the east town line on Route 44.

Adjacent towns and areas

Leon is south of the Town of Dayton and north of the Town of Conewango. To the east is the Town of New Albion. The west boundary is shared by the Town of Cherry Creek in Chautauqua County.