Akron, New York

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Akron, New York
Akron, New York (New York)
Akron, New York
Akron, New York
Location within the state of New York
Coordinates: 43°1′10″N 78°29′41″W / 43.01944, -78.49472
Country United States
State New York
County Erie
Area
 - Total 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²)
 - Land 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²)
 - Water 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km²)
Elevation 741 ft (226 m)
Population (2000)
 - Total 3,085
 - Density 1,571.3/sq mi (606.7/km²)
Time zone Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
 - Summer (DST) EDT (UTC-4)
ZIP code 14001
Area code(s) 716
FIPS code 36-00441
GNIS feature ID 0942224
Position within Erie County.
Position within Erie County.

Akron, New York is a village in Erie County, New York, United States. The population was 3,085 at the 2000 census. The name means, A high place.

The Village of Akron is located in the Town of Newstead on the west and north slopes of a hill. NY 93 passes through the village.

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[edit] History

The village was developed after land was purchased from local Native Americans. The site of the village was first settled around 1829, centered around Akron Falls, which provided water power. Akron became an incorporated village in 1849. The village absorbed the community of Fallkirk in its growth.

In 1880, the population of Akron was about 1,050. It was then an important cement-producing center, due to local deposits of gypsum Along with producing cement, the village also produced cigars.

[edit] Geography

Akron is located at 43°1′10″N, 78°29′41″W (43.019309, -78.494644)[1]. The village is northeast of Buffalo, New York.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.0 square miles (5.1 km²), all of it land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 3,085 people, 1,313 households, and 839 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,571.3 people per square mile (607.7/km²). There were 1,373 housing units at an average density of 699.3/sq mi (270.5/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 97.57% White, 0.39% African American, 1.39% Native American, 0.03% Asian, 0.13% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.65% of the population.

There were 1,313 households out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.1% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the village the population was spread out with 23.7% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 87.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $35,313, and the median income for a family was $48,083. Males had a median income of $33,250 versus $24,327 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,712. About 4.9% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Additional facts about Akron, New York

Akron is adjacent to the Tonawanda Reservation of the Seneca, but most of the reservation is in Genesee County. A small general aviation airport, Akron Airport, is on high ground on the eastern side of the village. Much of Akron Falls County Park is within the village. The falls are a feature of Murder Creek, which passes through the park and the village.

The Octagon House, an example of this unusual style of architecture, is open to the public.

A popular spot for social gathering in Akron is Russell Park, which was put in Akron's founder's will to be a park forever or returned to his next of kin. At one point in time, where the gazebo is now there used to be a fountain. Due to the cost of upkeep, the fountain was removed and replaced with the Akron gazebo.

Akron's most celebrated mayor, Ray M. Perkins, died on October 2, 2006.

Akron includes many locally owned businesses including a general store known as The Bag and Barrel, a sub shop called Guys, The Bank of Akron and Akron Pharmacy, among others. Its local newspaper is called the Akron Bugle. Whiting Door, Ford Gum and Perry's Ice Cream also operate in the town.

Akron is home to one school, Akron Central School, which includes all students, k-12.

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