Freedom is a town located in Cattaraugus County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 2,493.

The Town of Freedom was incorporated in 1820, comprised of land from the Town of Ischua and is in the northeast corner of the county. Part of the town became the Town of Yorkshire in 1844.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 105.1 km² (40.6 mi²). 104.4 km² (40.3 mi²) of it is land and 0.7 km² (0.3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.64% water.

The north town line is the border of Wyoming County, New York and the east town line is the border of Allegany County, New York.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 2,493 people, 871 households, and 680 families residing in the town. The population density is 23.9/km² (61.8/mi²). There are 1,033 housing units at an average density of 9.9/km² (25.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 98.88% White, 0.16% African American, 0.08% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races. 0.76% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 871 households out of which 39.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.5% are married couples living together, 7.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 21.9% are non-families. 16.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 6.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.86 and the average family size is 3.20.

In the town the population is spread out with 29.5% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 103.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 103.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $34,654, and the median income for a family is $36,061. Males have a median income of $27,380 versus $22,188 for females. The per capita income for the town is $14,145. 11.3% of the population and 12.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 10.3% of those under the age of 18 and 18.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Communities and locations in Freedom

• Camp Scouthaven -- A boy scout camp south of Freedom.
• Elton -- a hamlet in the southwest corner of the town.
• Freedom -- The hamlet of Freedom, in the eastern part of town on Route 98.
• Sandusky -- a hamlet on Clear Creek near the northern town line on Route 98.

Adjacent towns and areas

To the east is the Town of Centerville in Allegany County, and to the east is the Town of Yorkshire. The north border is formed with the Town of Arcade in Wyoming County. The Town of Farmersville is on the south.