Benton, New York
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Benton is a town located in Yates County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 2,640. The town is named after an early resident.
The Town of Benton is located in the northeast part of the county.
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History
The town was formed in 1803 before the formation of Yates County. Originally calle the "Town of Vernon," the name was changed to Snell due to conflict with another "Vernon." Finally, the name was changed to Benton, after Levi Benton.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 115.1 km² (44.4 mi²). 107.4 km² (41.5 mi²) of it is land and 7.7 km² (3.0 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 6.66% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 2,640 people, 864 households, and 642 families residing in the town. The population density is 24.6/km² (63.6/mi²). There are 956 housing units at an average density of 8.9/km² (23.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 98.86% White, 0.42% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. 0.42% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 864 households out of which 35.2% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.5% are married couples living together, 8.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 25.6% are non-families. 20.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.82 and the average family size is 3.29.
In the town the population is spread out with 28.4% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 96.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.2 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $37,500, and the median income for a family is $43,988. Males have a median income of $26,951 versus $23,250 for females. The per capita income for the town is $16,843. 13.5% of the population and 7.5% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 25.2% of those under the age of 18 and 7.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Communities and locations in Benton
- Angus -- A hamlet by Seneca Lake on Route 14.
- Bellona (Bellona Station) -- A hamlet near the north town line.
- Benton -- The hamlet of Benton.
- Benton Center -- A location west of Benton hamlet.
- Havens Corners -- A hamlet north of Penn Yan village.
- Penn Yan -- A small part of the Village of Penn Yan is in the south part of the town.