Clifton, Mesa County, CO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
19,518
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,100/yr
-4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,933
1.8% year-over-year change

Clifton population

How many people live in Clifton

Clifton is home to 19,518 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.7% of Clifton locals are male, and 51.3% are female.

Total population
19,518
-1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.7%
9,514
Female
51.3%
10,004
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,514 48.7% -4.2%
Female 10,004 51.3% 1.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Clifton is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 21% are children under 15, then 10.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.4% of the population, while another 22.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
21%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 44
30.4%
45 to 64
22.6%
Over 65
15.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,091 21% -2.5%
15 to 24 2,107 10.8% -14.1%
25 to 44 5,939 30.4% -1.1%
45 to 64 4,409 22.6% -1.1%
Over 65 2,972 15.2% 12.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Clifton, 91.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73.7% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 20% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.9%
Non-citizens
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,910 91.8% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 562 2.9% -13.7%
Non-citizens 1,046 5.4% -10.1%
Racial breakdown
White
73.7%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
20%
Other
4.9%
Value Percent
White 14,388 73.7%
Black or African American 71 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 103 0.5%
Asian 99 0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0%
Two or more races 3,900 20%
Other 956 4.9%

Households in Clifton

A peek inside Clifton households

Clifton has 7,784 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.1% are families, while the remaining 38.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,784
2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,027
Family households
4,757
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,027 38.9% 9.6%
Family households 4,757 61.1% -1.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Clifton

The housing landscape of Clifton

Clifton's housing consists of 7,933 units, with 59.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 20.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,933
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,742 59.8%
1 unit, attached 240 3%
2 units 159 2%
3 or 4 units 904 11.4%
5 to 9 units 156 2%
10 to 19 units 15 0.2%
20 to 49 units 74 0.9%
50 or more units 17 0.2%
Mobile home 1,601 20.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 25 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
36
157.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Clifton

In Clifton, the median construction year is 1987. About 3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 235 3% 44.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 78 1% 11.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 193 2.4% 89.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 159 2% -22.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,846 23.3% -7.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,095 26.4% 8.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,580 19.9% 1.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,372 17.3% -5.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 339 4.3% 16.5%
Built in 2020 or later 36 0.4% 157.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Clifton occupancy rates

Out of the 7,784 occupied housing units in Clifton, 73.4% are owner-occupied, while 26.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,784
2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,071
Owner occupied
5,713
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,071 26.6% -1.8%
Owner occupied 5,713 73.4% 4.1%
Unoccupied housing units
1.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Clifton housing costs

Housing costs in Clifton come to a median of $1,125 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,107.

Median housing costs per month
$1,125/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Clifton
$1,107/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Clifton

Clifton education at a glance

About 51.1% of the population in Clifton went to high school, while 26% pursued college studies. Another 7.9% earned an associate degree and 8.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 441 3% -29.0%
High school diploma 7,499 51.1% 2.3%
College diploma 3,815 26% -5.6%
Associate degree 1,166 7.9% 2.5%
Bachelor's degree 1,211 8.2% -0.4%
Graduate degree 547 3.7% 37.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Clifton

How much people earn in Clifton

The average annual household income in Clifton was $63,468 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,100, reflecting a -4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Clifton
$63,468/year
-2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Clifton
$52,100/year
-4.0% year-over-year change

Clifton income by age

In Clifton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $62,938. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,812 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $87,519, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,469 in earnings. Overall, 85.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $87,519 7.0%
25 - 44 $62,938 4.2%
45 - 64 $53,812 -9.8%
Over 65 $41,469 12.3%
Above poverty level
16,408
Below poverty level
2,796
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 16,408 85.4% -0.2%
Below poverty level 2,796 14.6% -4.6%

Average renter income in Clifton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Clifton, their median household income was $34,709 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$34,709
Rent-to-income ratio
38.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Clifton

Workforce and job types in Clifton

The job market in Clifton is powered by 8,375 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.1% run their own businesses, 70% are employed by private companies, and 11.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,375
-3.7% year-over-year change
White collar
5,298
Blue collar
3,077
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,298 63.3% -6.1%
Blue collar 3,077 36.7% 0.7%
Employer type
Self employees
9.1%
Private companies
70%
Governmental workers
11.4%
Not for profit companies
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 759 9.1% -0.9%
Private companies 5,862 70% -2.9%
Governmental workers 958 11.4% -11.1%
Not for profit companies 796 9.5% -2.6%
Unemployment rate
8.6%
-13.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Clifton stands at 8.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Clifton

How people get around in Clifton

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,692 81.7% -3.4%
Bus or trolleybus 60 0.7% -17.8%
Ferryboat 15 0.2% -25.0%
Motorcycle 91 1.1% 16.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Clifton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
81520 12,892 5,291 $50,283 $64,121

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FAQs about Clifton demographics 

What is the total population of Clifton?

Clifton has a total population of 19,518 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Clifton?

The gender ratio in Clifton is as follows:
  • 48.7% males (9,514 residents)
  • 51.3% females (10,004 residents)

What is the median age in Clifton?

The median age in Clifton is 36.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Clifton?

The age distribution in Clifton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21% (4,091 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.8% (2,107 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.4% (5,939 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.6% (4,409 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.2% (2,972 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Clifton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Clifton is as follows:
  • White: 73.7% (14,388 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (71 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (103 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (99 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 20% (3,900 residents)
  • Other: 4.9% (956 residents)

What percentage of the population in Clifton are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.8% of the population in Clifton.

How many housing units are there in Clifton?

There are 7,933 housing units in Clifton, reflecting a +1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Clifton and what is the average household size?

Clifton has a total of 7,784 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Clifton?

Clifton has a median household income of $52,100, representing a -4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Clifton?

The employment rate is 91.4% in Clifton, with a workforce of 8,375 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.3% (5,298 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.7% (3,077 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.1% (759 residents)
  • Private companies: 70% (5,862 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.4% (958 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.5% (796 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025