Batavia is a town located in Genesee County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 5,915. The name is derived from the Roman name for Holland.

The Town of Batavia was incorporated in 1802. Within the town is a city, also called Batavia.

History

When Genesee County was created in 1802, it was created with one town: the Town of Batavia. At that time the county and its coterminous town encompassed most of western New York. The regional office of the Holland Land Company was located in the town. As other counties and towns were created, the territory of both the county and town shrank to its current size.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 125.5 km² (48.5 mi²). 125.4 km² (48.4 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.06% water.

The Tonawanda Creek flows westward through the town.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 5,915 people, 2,334 households, and 1,645 families residing in the town. The population density is 47.2/km² (122.1/mi²). There are 2,447 housing units at an average density of 19.5/km² (50.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 96.80% White, 0.85% Black or African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.85% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. 0.66% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 2,334 households out of which 30.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.5% are married couples living together, 10.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% are non-families. 23.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.53 and the average family size is 2.99.

In the town the population is spread out with 24.4% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $38,449, and the median income for a family is $43,425. Males have a median income of $32,098 versus $24,404 for females. The per capita income for the town is $19,563. 9.6% of the population and 7.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 10.3% of those under the age of 18 and 9.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Communities and locations in the Town of Batavia

• City of Batavia - The city is in the east half of the town.
• Bushville -- A hamlet west of the City of Batavia on Route 5, located on the Tonawanda Creek.
• Daws Corners (also called Daws) -- A location at the intersection of Quaker Hill Road (Route 98) and Town line Road, north of the City of Batavia on the northern town line.
• Genesee Community College -- The two-year college is northeast of the City of Batavia.
• Genesee County Airport (GVQ) -- A general aviation airport north of the City of Batavia. Th airport also accommodates coporate and government aircraft.
• West Batavia -- A hamlet in the southwest corner of the town on Route 33.
• East Pembroke - A part of this community is located at the west town line on Route 5.

Adjacent towns and areas

To the north of the Town of Batavia are the Towns of Oakfield and Elba. The Town of Pembroke is on the west side, and the Town of Stafford is on the east side. The south border is shared by the Towns of Alexander and Bethany.

External links

• Town of Batavia webpage