Belfast is a town located in Allegany County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,714. The town is believed to be named after Belfast in Ireland.

History

The Town of Belfast was incorporated in 1824 as the Town of Orrinsburgh from part of the Town of Caneadea. The name was changed to Belfast in 1825. The first settlers had arrived by 1804. The village of Belfast was established as a mill town with water power from the Genesee River, which runs across the town. A sawmill andgrist mill were set up by David Sanford in 1809.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 94.6 km² (36.5 mi²). 93.9 km² (36.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.7 km² (0.3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.77% water.

The Genesee River flows northward through the northeast corner of the town.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 1,714 people, 651 households, and 417 families residing in the town. The population density is 18.3/km² (47.3/mi²). There are 945 housing units at an average density of 10.1/km² (26.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 98.31% White, 0.06% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.99% from two or more races. 0.41% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 651 households out of which 33.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% are married couples living together, 9.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 35.8% are non-families. 32.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 16.7% 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 3.34.

In the town the population is spread out with 31.7% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 99.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $30,909, and the median income for a family is $40,000. Males have a median income of $31,473 versus $21,971 for females. The per capita income for the town is $15,803. 19.4% of the population and 11.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 26.9% of those under the age of 18 and 12.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Communities and locations in Belfast

• Belfast The hamlet of Belfast is located on Route 19 and the west bank of the Genesee River.
• Black Creek -- A stream that joins the Genesee River north of Belfast.
• Genesee River -- An important river in Western New York.
• Marshall -- A location in the northwest corner of the town.
• Rockville -- A hamlet in the western part of the town by the Black Creek.
• Transit Bridge -- A former location in the town.