Lansing is a sprawling town located on the Eastern shore of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes district of New York State. The first settlers came to Lansing in 1791. In 1789 the area was divided into lots to repay the Revolutionary war soldiers for their service. John Lansing, Secretary to General Schuyler, was charged with granting this land. Later the North Family moved to Michigan and named Lansing, Michigan.

With 60.7 square miles Lansing is the second largest town in Tompkins County (after Dryden with 93.9 sq. miles). In 2000 the town's population was 10,521 people. 3,417 of those live in the Village of Lansing. Lansing is the third most populous town in the county after Dryden (13,532) and Ithaca city (28,775) and town (18,710). The population is evenly split by gender.

In 2000 the median household income was $48,250. The median age was 34.8 years old, and median household value was $127,800. Lansing residents are above average in education with 93.2% holding a High School diploma, 52.4 with bachelor's degrees and 33.8% earning graduate or professional degrees. 56% of those over 15 are married. 12.4% is foreign-born.

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Lansing's governmental bodies include the Town Board, Village government and the School Board. There is an active and successful recreation program with many sports programs. The Recreation Department maintains four parks, including Myers Park that includes a marina as well as camping areas, a play ground and pavilions.

Lansing schools are above average with 72% of graduates earning Regents diplomas. Class sizes are below average and annual attendance rate is 96.1%.

The county's largest mall and airport are located in Lansing, with businesses encompassing the full range of enterprise. Retail space in the town and village is being built and renovated. Inns, bed and breakfasts and restaurants attract visitors, and the town boasts a number of churches and a new synagogue.

Sources:

"Town of Lansing, Its Beginning" by Louise Bement

2000 Census

Tompkins County Local Government Directory

city-data.com

New York State Education Department