The town was first settled around 1788. The town of Johnsburg was formed from the town of Thurman in 1805.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of, of which, of it is land and of it is water. The north and west town lines are the border of Hamilton County. The east town line is marked by the Hudson River.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000 there were 2,450 people, 999 households, and 666 families residing in the town. The population density was 12.0 people per square mile. There were 1,714 housing units at an average density of 8.4 per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was 98.41% White, 0.20% African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.24% from other races, and 0.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.33% of the population. There were 999 households out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.0% were married couplesliving together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% were non-families. 27.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.88. In the town, the population was spread out with 21.5% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.9 males. The median income for a household in the town was $30,559, and the median income for a family was $37,540. Males had a median income of $27,064 versus $20,862 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,740. About 13.7% of families and 17.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.2% of those under age 18 and 12.8% of those age 65 or over.
Communities and locations in Johnsburg
Bakers Mills - hamlet in the central part of the town. This hamlet has ZIP code 12811.
Kibby Pond - A lake located southwest of Edwards Hill.
Lower Fish Pond - A lake located southeast of Oregon.
Lower Siamese Pond - A lake located northwest of Oregon.
North Creek - hamlet and the largest community, located in the northeast part of the town. Gore Mountain Ski Center, Johnsburg town hall and library, and Johnsburg Central School are located in the hamlet.
North River - location near the north town line, east of Christian Hill.
