As of the census of 2000, there were 1,603 people, 591 households, and 416 families residing in the town. The population density was . There were 913 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the town was 97.82% White, 0.56% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.25% from other races, and 0.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.99% of the population.
There were 591 households, out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.0% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.6% were non-families. 23.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 25.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $33,333, and the median income for a family was $37,446. Males had a median income of $27,237 versus $21,500 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,863. About 12.5% of families and 18.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.0% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.
Communities and locations in Harpersfield
- Harpersfield – The hamlet of Harpersfield.
- North Harpersfield – A hamlet on CR 29.
- West Harpersfield – A location at the intersection of NY 23 and CR 33.
- Stamford – Part of the village of Stamford is in the northeastern corner of the town.
- Sturges Corners – A location on CR 29 near its western terminus with NY 23.