Definition
Richmond is a town located in Ontario County in the U.S. state of New York.
Overview
Situated in the western part of the state, Richmond lies approximately 30 mi southeast of Rochester and is part of the Finger Lakes region. According to the 2020 United States Census, the town had a population of 4,361 residents. The town encompasses the hamlet of Richmond, which serves as its primary settlement, and includes portions of the Honeoye Lake shoreline. The local economy is largely based on agriculture, small‑scale manufacturing, and tourism associated with the nearby lakes and state parks.
Etymology/Origin
The town was named after Richmond, a historic city and former county in England. The name reflects the common practice of early American settlers assigning familiar British place names to new settlements.
Characteristics
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Geography: The town covers a total area of approximately 41.5 sq mi (107.5 km²), of which 41.4 sq mi (107.3 km²) is land and 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) is water. The terrain is gently rolling, with fertile soils supporting dairy farming and crop production. Honeoye Lake, one of the smaller Finger Lakes, borders the town’s western edge.
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Demographics: As of the 2020 census, the population density was about 105 persons per square mile (40 persons per km²). The racial composition was predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. Median household income and other socioeconomic indicators are comparable to county averages.
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Government: Richmond operates under a town board system, consisting of a Town Supervisor and four council members elected to three‑year terms. Municipal services include road maintenance, fire protection, and land‑use planning.
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Education: The town is served by the Honeoye Falls–Lima Central School District, which provides elementary through high‑school education for local students.
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Transportation: New York State Route 96A traverses the town north‑south, connecting it to nearby communities such as Lima and Honeoye Falls. The closest major highway is Interstate 90 (the New York State Thruway), located to the north.
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Points of Interest: Notable sites within or near Richmond include the Honeoye Lake State Park, the historic Richmond Town Hall, and several preserved 19th‑century farmsteads that reflect the town’s agricultural heritage.
Related Topics
- Ontario County, New York
- Finger Lakes region
- Honeoye Lake
- Town of Gorham (the parent town from which Richmond was formed)
- Richmond County, New York (Staten Island) – distinct from the town of Richmond.