The town comprises patents of various pre-Revolutionary grants, including part of the extensive land grants of Sir William Johnson. Settlement began around 1800 by settlers from Connecticut. The town was formed in 1805 from the town of Palatine while still part of Montgomery County. Part of the town was removed in 1842 to form part of the town of Caroga. The population of Stratford was 353 in 1810.
As of the census of 2000, there were 640 people, 237 households, and 167 families residing in the town. The population density was 8.5 people per square mile. There were 525 housing units at an average density of 7.0 per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was 97.19% White, 1.09% African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.31% from other races, and 0.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.56% of the population. There were 237 households out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.4% were married couplesliving together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.08. In the town, the population was spread out with 24.2% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.6 males. The median income for a household in the town was $27,813, and the median income for a family was $33,125. Males had a median income of $26,103 versus $20,526 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,120. About 20.1% of families and 24.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.8% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.
Communities and locations in Stratford
Ayers Creek - A stream flowing into the East Canada Creek at Stratford village.
Bliss Corner - A hamlet southeast of Stratford village. It is named after one of the first settlers.
Emmonsburg - A hamlet on the west town line by the East Canada Creek, located at the junction of County Roads 104 and 119. The community was formerly known as "Hart's Bridge" and "Whitesburg."
Knappville - A hamlet north of Stratford village.
Middle Sprite - A hamlet on the south town line, taking its name from Middle Sprite Creek.
Oregon - A hamlet in the northwest part of the town, north of Knappville.
Pleasant Lake - A lake in the eastern part of the town, north of NY-29A.
Spectacle Lake - An irregularly shaped lake by the north town line.
Stewart Landing - A hamlet in the southeastern part of the town.
Stratford - The hamlet of Stratford is located at the west town line on NY-29A. Part of the community is in the town of Salisbury in Herkimer County. It was once called "Deveraux" and "Nicholsville."
Third Lake - A lake located northeast of Stratford.
