Clifton, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
89,379
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$98,237/yr
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
34,611
1.6% year-over-year change

Clifton population

How many people live in Clifton

Clifton is home to 89,379 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Clifton locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
89,379
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
44,081
Female
50.7%
45,298
Value Percent YoY change
Male 44,081 49.3% 1.1%
Female 45,298 50.7% -0.7%
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 Clifton is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17% are children under 15, then 9.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.8% of the population, while another 26.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
17%
15 to 24
9.3%
25 to 44
27.8%
45 to 64
26.4%
Over 65
19.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 15,223 17% 2.3%
15 to 24 8,291 9.3% -10.5%
25 to 44 24,826 27.8% -0.7%
45 to 64 23,576 26.4% -0.7%
Over 65 17,463 19.5% 6.7%
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, 61.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 28.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 49.8% of locals are Caucasian, 4.3% are African American and 8.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 21.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
61.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
28.4%
Non-citizens
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 54,833 61.4% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 25,371 28.4% 1.9%
Non-citizens 9,175 10.3% -4.3%
Racial breakdown
White
49.8%
Black or African American
4.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
8.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
21.1%
Other
16.1%
Value Percent
White 44,556 49.8%
Black or African American 3,882 4.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 211 0.2%
Asian 7,479 8.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 32 0%
Two or more races 18,833 21.1%
Other 14,386 16.1%

Households in Clifton

A peek inside Clifton households

Clifton has 33,614 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.1% are families, while the remaining 31.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
33,614
2.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
10,724
Family households
22,890
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 10,724 31.9% 3.7%
Family households 22,890 68.1% 1.5%
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 Clifton

The housing landscape of Clifton

Clifton's housing consists of 34,611 units, with 46.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.9% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
34,611
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 16,046 46.4%
1 unit, attached 2,394 6.9%
2 units 7,185 20.8%
3 or 4 units 2,902 8.4%
5 to 9 units 1,887 5.4%
10 to 19 units 986 2.8%
20 to 49 units 1,074 3.1%
50 or more units 2,065 6%
Mobile home 72 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
177
9.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Clifton

In Clifton, the median construction year is 1951. About 31.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 15.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10,813 31.2% 6.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5,341 15.4% -5.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,779 22.5% -4.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,105 9% 5.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,059 6% -4.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,535 4.4% 3.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 837 2.4% 8.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,960 5.7% 3.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,005 2.9% 27.4%
Built in 2020 or later 177 0.5% 9.9%
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 33,614 occupied housing units in Clifton, 59.6% are owner-occupied, while 40.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
33,614
2.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
13,593
Owner occupied
20,021
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 13,593 40.4% -0.0%
Owner occupied 20,021 59.6% 3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
2.9%
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 $1,885 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,711.

Median housing costs per month
$1,885/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
$1,711/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 35% of the population in Clifton went to high school, while 18.2% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 23.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,923 5.5% 6.0%
High school diploma 25,120 35% -5.2%
College diploma 13,091 18.2% -3.3%
Associate degree 5,216 7.3% 17.4%
Bachelor's degree 16,629 23.2% 1.2%
Graduate degree 7,780 10.8% 6.9%
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 $127,188 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $98,237, reflecting a -0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Clifton
$127,188/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Clifton
$98,237/year
-0.8% 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 $106,091. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $112,219 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $90,284, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $68,322 in earnings. Overall, 92% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $90,284 N/A
25 - 44 $106,091 -5.6%
45 - 64 $112,219 2.1%
Over 65 $68,322 2.3%
Above poverty level
81,118
Below poverty level
7,014
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 81,118 92% 0.0%
Below poverty level 7,014 8% 7.0%

Average renter income in Clifton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Clifton, their median household income was $55,235 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$55,235
Rent-to-income ratio
37.2%
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 46,335 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 72% are employed by private companies, and 12.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
46,335
-0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
35,610
Blue collar
10,725
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 35,610 76.8% -0.3%
Blue collar 10,725 23.2% -1.5%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
72%
Governmental workers
12.1%
Not for profit companies
6.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,145 9% -0.9%
Private companies 33,384 72% -0.4%
Governmental workers 5,590 12.1% -1.7%
Not for profit companies 3,216 6.9% -0.6%
Unemployment rate
7.1%
0.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Clifton stands at 7.1%, 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

In Clifton, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 74.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
-3.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 33,786 74.7% -2.4%
Taxicab 165 0.4% 75.5%
Bus or trolleybus 3,172 7% -5.5%
Subway or elevated 181 0.4% N/A
Railroad 614 1.4% -23.0%
Ferryboat 6 0% N/A
Bicycle 50 0.1% 0.0%
Walk 845 1.9% -4.0%
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
07011 38,587 13,771 $74,194 $94,396
07012 14,653 5,595 $101,737 $139,204
07013 30,811 12,193 $116,273 $153,353
07014 4,975 1,916 $119,545 $154,919

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FAQs about Clifton demographics 

What is the total population of Clifton?

Clifton has a total population of 89,379 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Clifton?

The gender ratio in Clifton is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (44,081 residents)
  • 50.7% females (45,298 residents)

What is the median age in Clifton?

The median age in Clifton is 41.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Clifton?

The age distribution in Clifton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17% (15,223 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.3% (8,291 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.8% (24,826 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.4% (23,576 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.5% (17,463 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Clifton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Clifton is as follows:
  • White: 49.8% (44,556 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.3% (3,882 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (211 residents)
  • Asian: 8.4% (7,479 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (32 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 21.1% (18,833 residents)
  • Other: 16.1% (14,386 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 61.4% of the population in Clifton.

How many housing units are there in Clifton?

There are 34,611 housing units in Clifton, reflecting a +1.6% 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 33,614 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Clifton?

Clifton has a median household income of $98,237, representing a -0.8% 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 92.9% in Clifton, with a workforce of 46,335 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.8% (35,610 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.2% (10,725 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (4,145 residents)
  • Private companies: 72% (33,384 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.1% (5,590 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.9% (3,216 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