Ischua is a town located in Cattaraugus County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 895.

The Town of Ischua was incorporated in 1846. It is on the eastern border of the county.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 83.9 km² (32.4 mi²). 83.9 km² (32.4 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.06% water.

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

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 895 people, 345 households, and 245 families residing in the town. The population density is 10.7/km² (27.6/mi²). There are 496 housing units at an average density of 5.9/km² (15.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 98.21% White, 0.00% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.89% from other races, and 0.34% from two or more races. 0.45% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 345 households out of which 30.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.7% are married couples living together, 5.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.7% are non-families. 21.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.59 and the average family size is 3.01.

In the town the population is spread out with 25.3% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 27.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 114.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 111.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $34,926, and the median income for a family is $38,173. Males have a median income of $28,155 versus $19,306 for females. The per capita income for the town is $14,414. 14.0% of the population and 9.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 20.0% of those under the age of 18 and 5.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Communities and locations in Ischua

• Abbott -- A hamlet in the northeast corner of the town on Routes 24 and 87.
• Cuba Lake -- Part of the lake is at the northeast town line.
• Fitch -- A location in the northwest corner of the town.
• Ischua -- The hamlet of Ischua is at the convergence of Routes 16, 48, and 81 in the north part of the town.
• Oil Springs Reservation -- Part of the Oil Springs Seneca reservation is in the northeast part of the town.
• Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport (OLE) -- The "Olean Municipal Airport" is located east of Ischua on Route 81. This is a general aviation airport.