Newstead, New York
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Newstead is the most northeastern town in Erie County, New York, USA. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 8,404.
The Town of Newstead is northeast of Buffalo, New York, and its principal community is the Village of Akron.
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History
The Town of Newstead was established in 1823 as the "Town of Erie" from the eastern part of Town of Clarence. In 1831 the name was changed to Newstead.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 132.3 km² (51.1 mi²). 132.0 km² (51.0 mi²) of it is land and 0.4 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.27% water.
The Tonawanda Creek defines the northern boundary.
The Town of Newstead is in the northeast corner of the county. The north town line is the border of Niagara County, New York and the east town line is the border of Genesee County, New York.
The New York State Thruway (Interstate 90) crosses the south part of the town.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 8,404 people, 3,371 households, and 2,332 families residing in the town. The population density is 63.7/km² (164.9/mi²). There are 3,623 housing units at an average density of 27.4/km² (71.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 98.20% White, 0.40% African American, 0.77% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races, and 0.40% from two or more races. 0.52% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 3,371 households out of which 30.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.2% are married couples living together, 8.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% are non-families. 26.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.49 and the average family size is 3.02.
In the town the population is spread out with 24.0% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $40,580, and the median income for a family is $50,255. Males have a median income of $34,306 versus $24,011 for females. The per capita income for the town is $18,447. 4.2% of the population and 2.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 3.3% of those under the age of 18 and 6.1% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Communities and locations in Newstead
- Akron -- The village of Akron is located on Route 93.
- Akron Airport (9G3) -- A general aviation airport on the hilltop east of Akron village.
- Akron Falls County Park -- A park located within the village of Akron, built along the banks of Murder Creek. The park provides picnicking, walking trails, and some sports fields.
- Hawkins Corner -- A location now of historical interest only, south of the Village of Akron.
- Leisurewood Recreational Community -- A large seasonal community composed of trailers and recreational vehicles, occupied primarily during the summer months. It is southwest of Akron.
- Murder Creek -- A tributary of Tonawanda Creek that flows through the town. The name stems from the first white person having been killed there.
- Sand Hill -- A small hamlet in the northwest part of the town, consisting of a few residences and a church. The hamlet at the intersection of Rapids and Crego Roads.
- South Newstead -- A location near the border with the Town of Alden at the junction of South Newstead and Buckwheat Roads. Residences and farms are scattered through the area. Formerly, a post office was located in this area.
- Swifts Mills -- A location of historical interest in the north part of the town, located on Murder Creek.
- Tonawanda Reservation -- A small inhabited part of this Indian reservation is in the eastern part of the town. Several retail establishments sell discount cigarettes and untaxed gasoline.
Additional information about Newstead
Newstead and the Town of Clarence have constructed several miles of biking and jogging trails that link the towns. The Octagon House in the village of Akron is open to visitors who wish to examine this architectural style.
External links
- Town of Newstead (http://www.erie.gov/newstead)
- Newstead history (http://history.rays-place.com/ny/newstead-ny.htm)