Phelps, New York


Phelps is a town in Ontario County, New York, United States. The population was 7,072 at the 2010 census. The Town of Phelps contains a village called Phelps. Both are north of Geneva, New York.

History

The town was part of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase. The region was first settled around 1788. The town was formed in 1796 and was formerly known as "Sullivan." The town of Phelps is named after one of the original proprietors. The community was incorporated in 1855.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 65.3 square miles, of which, 65.0 square miles of it is land and 0.3 square miles of it is water.
The east town line is the border of Seneca County and the north town line is the border of Wayne County.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 7,017 people, 2,659 households, and 1,957 families residing in the town. The population density was 108.0 people per square mile. There were 2,817 housing units at an average density of 43.4 per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was 98.09% White, 0.26% Black or African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.46% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.23% of the population.
There were 2,659 households out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.4% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the town, the population was spread out with 27.1% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $47,246, and the median income for a family was $53,854. Males had a median income of $34,792 versus $26,498 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,297. About 3.0% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.8% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Annual cultural events

The town of Phelps was formerly a major center for the production of sauerkraut, earning the distinction of sauerkraut capital of the world. 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the annual festival honoring the pickled cabbage.

Museums and other points of interest

The Harmon Cobblestone Farmhouse and Cobblestone Smokehouse, William Huffman Cobblestone House, and Philetus Swift House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Infrastructure

Transportation

The New York State Thruway passes through the town north of Phelps village and Clifton Springs. New York State Route 96 parallels the Thruway and intersects two north-south highways in the western part of the town: New York State Route 88 and New York State Route 488.

Notable people