[2] Clarence is part of the Buffalo–Niagara Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area.

New York State Route 5, Main Street, passes east–west through the center of the CDP.

The hamlet is also called "Clarence Hollow", or just "The Hollow", due its location centered at the base of an indentation in the Onondaga Escarpment formed by Ransom Creek.

The Clarence Historical Society is located on Main Street.

During the time of its founding, Clarence village was called "Pine Grove" and later "Ransomville".