Cliffside, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
438
-30.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,438/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
269
-14.6% year-over-year change

Cliffside population

How many people live in Cliffside

Cliffside is home to 438 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 66.7% of Cliffside locals are male, and 33.3% are female.

Total population
438
-30.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
66.7%
292
Female
33.3%
146
Value Percent YoY change
Male 292 66.7% -29.3%
Female 146 33.3% -32.7%
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 Cliffside is 51, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.7% are children under 15, then 8.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 16% of the population, while another 38.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
50.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
8.4%
25 to 44
16%
45 to 64
38.6%
Over 65
20.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 73 16.7% 92.1%
15 to 24 37 8.4% -75.5%
25 to 44 70 16% -36.4%
45 to 64 169 38.6% -22.8%
Over 65 89 20.3% -20.5%
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

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 438 100% -30.5%
Racial breakdown
White
89.5%
Black or African American
10.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 392 89.5%
Black or African American 46 10.5%

Households in Cliffside

A peek inside Cliffside households

Cliffside has 241 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 41.5% are families, while the remaining 58.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
241
-16.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
141
Family households
100
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 141 58.5% 39.6%
Family households 100 41.5% -46.5%
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 Cliffside

The housing landscape of Cliffside

Cliffside's housing consists of 269 units, with 70.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 21.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
269
-14.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 190 70.6%
10 to 19 units 22 8.2%
Mobile home 57 21.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cliffside

In Cliffside, the median construction year is 1980. About 8.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 23 8.6% 4.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 22 8.2% 4.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 41 15.2% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 21 7.8% 10.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 25 9.3% N/A
Built between 1980 and 1989 81 30.1% 107.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 21 7.8% -85.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 35 13% 9.4%
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.

Cliffside occupancy rates

Out of the 241 occupied housing units in Cliffside, 74.3% are owner-occupied, while 25.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
241
-16.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
62
Owner occupied
179
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 62 25.7% 138.5%
Owner occupied 179 74.3% -31.7%
Unoccupied housing units
10.4%
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.

Cliffside housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$433/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.

Education in Cliffside

Cliffside education at a glance

About 48.2% of the population in Cliffside went to high school, while 25.5% pursued college studies. Another 11.5% earned an associate degree and 9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4 1.1% 0.0%
High school diploma 176 48.2% -38.2%
College diploma 93 25.5% 63.2%
Associate degree 42 11.5% -70.0%
Bachelor's degree 33 9% -63.7%
Graduate degree 17 4.7% 13.3%
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 Cliffside

How much people earn in Cliffside

The average annual household income in Cliffside was $61,786 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.5% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Cliffside
$61,786/year
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cliffside
$51,438/year
% year-over-year change

Cliffside income by age

Overall, 92.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Over 65 $51,250 N/A
Above poverty level
407
Below poverty level
31
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 407 92.9% -32.0%
Below poverty level 31 7.1% 0.0%

Employment in Cliffside

Workforce and job types in Cliffside

The job market in Cliffside is powered by 199 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 22.6% run their own businesses, 45.7% are employed by private companies, and 29.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
199
8.2% year-over-year change
White collar
147
Blue collar
52
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 147 73.9% 81.5%
Blue collar 52 26.1% -49.5%
Employer type
Self employees
22.6%
Private companies
45.7%
Governmental workers
29.2%
Not for profit companies
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 45 22.6% 80.0%
Private companies 91 45.7% -34.1%
Governmental workers 58 29.2% 176.2%
Not for profit companies 5 2.5% N/A

Transportation in Cliffside

How people get around in Cliffside

In Cliffside, the average commute time is 11 minutes.

Commute time
11 min
-30.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 148 74.4% -6.9%
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.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Cliffside demographics 

What is the total population of Cliffside?

Cliffside has a total population of 438 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 -30.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cliffside?

The gender ratio in Cliffside is as follows:
  • 66.7% males (292 residents)
  • 33.3% females (146 residents)

What is the median age in Cliffside?

The median age in Cliffside is 50.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cliffside?

The age distribution in Cliffside is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.7% (73 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.4% (37 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 16% (70 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 38.6% (169 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.3% (89 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cliffside?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cliffside is as follows:
  • White: 89.5% (392 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.5% (46 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0% (0 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Cliffside.

How many housing units are there in Cliffside?

There are 269 housing units in Cliffside, reflecting a -14.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cliffside has a total of 241 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cliffside?

Cliffside has a median household income of $51,438, representing a % shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Cliffside?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.9% (147 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.1% (52 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 22.6% (45 residents)
  • Private companies: 45.7% (91 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 29.2% (58 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.5% (5 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