Allegany County is located in the western part of New York State. It is bordered by Cattaraugus County to the north, McKean County, Pennsylvania to the south, Potter County, Pennsylvania to the west, and Steuben County to the east. See Countryaah – Counties in New York. The county seat is Belmont.
Allegany County covers an area of 563 square miles and has a population of approximately 49,000 people. The county’s major cities include Wellsville (the county seat), Cuba, and Olean. Other towns in Allegany include Bolivar, Alma, Angelica, Burns, Clarksville, Friendship, Genesee and Rushford.
The main rivers in Allegany are the Genesee River which forms its northern border with Cattaraugus County; The Allegheny River which forms its western border with Potter County; The Chemung River which forms its southern border with McKean County; and The Canisteo River which forms its eastern border with Steuben County.
The highest point in Allegany is located at Sugar Hill in Friendship at 1,835 feet above sea level. Another notable peak is Mount Morris Fire Tower located near Wellsville at an elevation of 2240 feet above sea level. This peak offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside including nearby Pennsylvania and Canadian mountains.
The climate of Allegany County is generally temperate with cold winters and warm summers due to its location within North America’s humid continental zone as well as its proximity to Lake Erie and Lake Ontario on either side of it.
Demographics of Allegany County, New York
Allegany County is located in western New York and is home to approximately 49,000 people. It has a population density of 87 people per square mile. The county is made up of a diverse population with the majority being white (86%), followed by Black or African American (7%), Hispanic or Latino (3%) and Native American (2%).
The median household income in Allegany County is $45,867 which is slightly lower than the state median of $54,543. The poverty rate in Allegany County is 13.6%, also slightly higher than the state average of 12%.
The largest cities in Allegany County are Wellsville, Cuba, and Olean. Wellsville has a population of 4,800 and Cuba has a population of 1,900. Olean has the largest population with 8,300 people living there.
Allegany County has a large elderly population with 20% of its residents over 65 years old compared to the state average of 16%. Approximately 77% of residents over 25 years old have obtained at least a high school diploma or equivalent while only 15% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to the state average of 28%.
Allegany County also has an agricultural economy with dairy farming as its primary industry followed by poultry farming and crop production such as corn, oats and hay. Other industries include manufacturing and tourism due to its proximity to Lake Erie and Lake Ontario on either side.
Places of Interest in Allegany County, New York
Allegany County, New York is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the diverse landscapes and attractions that the area has to offer. The county is home to numerous state parks, forests, and conservation areas that make it a great place for camping, hiking, fishing, biking and more.
Letchworth State Park is one of the most popular attractions in Allegany County. It is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” due to its deep gorges carved by the Genesee River. The park offers a variety of activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking trails, swimming pools, and more.
Cuba Lake Wildlife Management Area is another popular destination in Allegany County. This area encompasses over 8500 acres and includes a large lake surrounded by wetlands as well as forests and fields. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, hunting, boating and more here.
The Allegheny River Valley Trail is a great place for cycling or walking along the riverbanks with scenic views of farmland and forests along the way. There are also several historic sites located in Allegany County such as Cuba’s historic downtown district which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980.
Other places of interest in Allegany County include Mount Morris Fire Tower located near Wellsville at an elevation of 2240 feet above sea level offering spectacular views of nearby Pennsylvania and Canadian mountains; Cuba Lake offering recreational activities like swimming boating fishing; Townline State Forest providing camping opportunities; Rushford Lake providing excellent fishing opportunities; and Quaker Lake offering kayaking canoeing swimming boating and more.
Notable People of Allegany County, New York
Allegany County, New York has produced a variety of notable people who have made an impact in their respective fields. These include politicians, athletes, authors, actors, and more.
One of the most famous people from Allegany County is former Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Henry A. Wallace. He was born in 1888 near Orienta and went on to become the 33rd Vice President of the United States under Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1941-1945. He was also a noted agricultural scientist and editor of Wallaces’ Farmer magazine.
Another notable person from Allegany County is author James Fenimore Cooper who wrote many books including The Last of the Mohicans and The Pioneers which were both set in upstate New York during the French and Indian War. His works are still widely read today and have been adapted for film multiple times.
The county has also produced several professional athletes such as Major League Baseball player Wally Bunker who played for the Baltimore Orioles; National Basketball Association player Phil Sellers who played for five teams throughout his career; NFL player Steve Tasker who played for both Buffalo Bills and Houston Oilers; NHL player Joe Juneau who played for four teams during his career; MLB pitcher Tony Cloninger; NFL quarterback Jim Kelly; and NHL players Gary Leeman and Adam Mair.
Finally, Allegany County has also produced several actors including Jay Mohr who appeared in Jerry Maguire, Ghost World, Action, Suburbicon; Christopher Meloni who appeared in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; Richard Kind featured in Inside Out and A Serious Man; Bill Hader known for Saturday Night Live; Kate McKinnon from Ghostbusters (2016); Jane Krakowski from 30 Rock; John Leguizamo featured in Spawn (1997) as well as Moulin Rouge. (2001); Fred Armisen known for Portlandia (2011-2018); Zachary Quinto appearing in Star Trek (2009) as well as American Horror Story: Asylum (2012); Alan Ruck featured in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986); Michael McKean best known for This Is Spinal Tap (1984); John Ventimiglia also known as Artie Bucco on The Sopranos (1999-2007).