Smithfield is a town located in Madison County, New York, USA. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,205. The town is named after Peter Smith, an original land owner.

The Town of Smithfield is located in the center of the county.

The region was first settled around 1797. The town was organized in 1807 from land taken from the Town of Cazenovia. Many residents were supporters of the Abolitionist Movement.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 63.0 km² (24.3 mi²). 63.0 km² (24.3 mi²) of it is land and 0.04% is water.

As of the census² of 2000, there are 1,205 people, 415 households, and 315 families residing in the town. The population density is 19.1/km² (49.5/mi²). There are 446 housing units at an average density of 7.1/km² (18.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 96.68% White, 1.00% African American, 0.83% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 1.24% from two or more races. 0.25% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 415 households out of which 42.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.8% are married couples living together, 8.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 23.9% are non-families. 16.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.90 and the average family size is 3.25.

In the town the population is spread out with 31.2% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 103.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 102.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $35,109, and the median income for a family is $38,333. Males have a median income of $28,618 versus $23,125 for females. The per capita income for the town is $14,860. 16.2% of the population and 12.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 22.2% of those under the age of 18 and 16.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

• Bliss Corners -- A location south of Peterboro.
• Eisaman Corners -- A location in the northern part of the town.
• Embury Corners -- A location in the southeast corner of the town.
• Peterboro -- A hamlet in the center of the town, where the Gerrit Smith Estate and Peter Smith Land Office is located. The community was named after Peter Smith.
• Siloam -- A hamlet northeast of Peterboro.

• Gerrit Smith information
• Early history of Smithfield