While the town of Apalachin, New York, is widely recognized as the location of the infamous 1957 Mafia meeting, it is also a community with its own distinct characteristics, demographics, and local traditions. Situated at 42°4′28″N 76°9′23″W, this hamlet in Upstate New York has a history and identity that extends beyond the single event that brought it international notoriety. Understanding Apalachin involves looking at its residents, its local events,
and its place within the broader region.
Demographics and Community Life
According to the 2020 census, Apalachin had a population of 2,632. The median age of its residents was 42.5 years, with 19.6% of the population under 18 and 16.9% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution showed 108.2 males for every 100 females, and for every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 111.1 males. These figures paint a picture of a community with a diverse age range and a slight male majority.
Earlier census data from 2000 provides further insight into the community's structure. At that time, there were 1,126 people residing in the CDP (Census-designated place), with a population density of 763.1 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White at 96.54%, with smaller percentages of African American (0.98%), Native American (0.27%), Asian (0.62%), and other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals constituted 0.53% of the population. The median age in 2000 was 37 years, with 26.6% under 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 or older. The median household income was $38,636, and the median family income was $42,647. About 9.5% of families and 11.2% of the population lived below the poverty line.
Households and Local Traditions
In 2000, Apalachin had 442 households, with 33.9% having children under 18. Married couples living together accounted for 51.6% of households, while 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. Individuals living alone made up 24.2% of all households, with 7.7% being someone 65 years or older. The average household size was 2.53, and the average family size was 3.03. By 2020, there were 1,070 households, with 26.6% having children under 18. Married-couple households were 56.1%, while 14.6% had a male householder with no spouse or partner, and 20.9% had a female householder with no spouse or partner. About 22.5% of households were individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 or older.
Beyond these statistics, Apalachin also hosted the annual Apalachin Firemen's Field Days, a four-day carnival generally held in the first week of June. This event, which ran from 1960 until its cancellation in 2016, grew from a small gathering to a large affair with permanent pavilions, game booths, and 15-20 carnival rides. It featured events like the Little Miss Apalachin contest and fireworks, demonstrating a vibrant community spirit. Additionally, Riverside Cemetery in Apalachin was recognized for its historical significance, being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. These details highlight Apalachin as a place with its own local character and history, separate from the notoriety of the 1957 meeting.
