Rushford is a town located in Allegany County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,259.

The Town of Rushford was incorporated in 1816 from part of the Town of Caneadea. The town is in the northwest part of Allegany County.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 93.5 km² (36.1 mi²). 91.6 km² (35.3 mi²) of it is land and 2.0 km² (0.8 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.10% water.

The western town line is the border of Cattaraugus County, New York.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 1,259 people, 479 households, and 346 families residing in the town. The population density is 13.8/km² (35.6/mi²). There are 1,394 housing units at an average density of 15.2/km² (39.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 98.97% White, 0.00% African American, 0.08% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.16% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. 0.87% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 479 households out of which 32.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.9% are married couples living together, 7.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.6% are non-families. 21.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.63 and the average family size is 3.09.

In the town the population is spread out with 27.3% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 100.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 97.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $27,557, and the median income for a family is $30,938. Males have a median income of $26,800 versus $20,855 for females. The per capita income for the town is $13,156. 16.1% of the population and 13.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 26.9% of those under the age of 18 and 6.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Communities and locations in Rushford

• Balcom Beach -- A hamlet on the north side of Rushford Lake on Route 243.
• Fairview -- A location by the northwest corner of the town.
• Hardy Corners -- A location in the southwest corner of the town.
• Hillcrest -- A hamlet on the south side of Rushford Lake on Route 49.
• Rushford -- The hamlet of Rushford on Route 243, west of Rushford Lake.
• Rushford Lake -- A lake located on the eastern town line.