Cliffwood Beach, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,056
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$116,500/yr
7.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,252
1.1% year-over-year change

Cliffwood Beach population

How many people live in Cliffwood Beach

Cliffwood Beach is home to 3,056 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.3% of Cliffwood Beach locals are male, and 48.7% are female.

Total population
3,056
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.3%
1,568
Female
48.7%
1,488
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,568 51.3% 1.9%
Female 1,488 48.7% -1.1%
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 Cliffwood Beach is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.3% are children under 15, then 9.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.5% of the population, while another 28.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.3%
15 to 24
9.6%
25 to 44
31.5%
45 to 64
28.3%
Over 65
17.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 406 13.3% -1.9%
15 to 24 292 9.6% -2.3%
25 to 44 962 31.5% -1.1%
45 to 64 865 28.3% -0.6%
Over 65 531 17.4% 8.8%
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 Cliffwood Beach, 84.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 57.1% of locals are Caucasian, 16.1% are African American and 8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.7%
Non-citizens
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,582 84.5% 2.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 357 11.7% -10.8%
Non-citizens 117 3.8% -7.9%
Racial breakdown
White
57.1%
Black or African American
16.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.8%
Other
4.9%
Value Percent
White 1,746 57.1%
Black or African American 491 16.1%
Asian 246 8%
Two or more races 422 13.8%
Other 151 4.9%

Households in Cliffwood Beach

A peek inside Cliffwood Beach households

Cliffwood Beach has 1,228 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 72.6% are families, while the remaining 27.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,228
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
336
Family households
892
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 336 27.4% 6.0%
Family households 892 72.6% -0.7%
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 Cliffwood Beach

The housing landscape of Cliffwood Beach

Cliffwood Beach's housing consists of 1,252 units, with 94.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,252
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,183 94.5%
1 unit, attached 30 2.4%
2 units 9 0.7%
3 or 4 units 12 1%
5 to 9 units 18 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
12
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cliffwood Beach

In Cliffwood Beach, the median construction year is 1955. About 20.8% 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.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 260 20.8% -15.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 193 15.4% -3.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 331 26.4% 6.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 128 10.2% -10.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 97 7.8% -23.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 157 12.5% 20.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 29 2.3% 262.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 45 3.6% 246.2%
Built in 2020 or later 12 1% N/A
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.

Cliffwood Beach occupancy rates

Out of the 1,228 occupied housing units in Cliffwood Beach, 93.2% are owner-occupied, while 6.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,228
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
84
Owner occupied
1,144
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 84 6.8% -14.3%
Owner occupied 1,144 93.2% 2.4%
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.

Cliffwood Beach housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$2,084/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 Cliffwood Beach

Cliffwood Beach education at a glance

About 40.4% of the population in Cliffwood Beach went to high school, while 22.4% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 16% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 94 3.7% 11.9%
High school diploma 1,026 40.4% 3.3%
College diploma 570 22.4% -18.4%
Associate degree 195 7.7% 8.9%
Bachelor's degree 407 16% 9.4%
Graduate degree 251 9.9% 21.3%
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 Cliffwood Beach

How much people earn in Cliffwood Beach

The average annual household income in Cliffwood Beach was $124,869 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $116,500, reflecting a +7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cliffwood Beach
$124,869/year
5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cliffwood Beach
$116,500/year
7.0% year-over-year change

Cliffwood Beach income by age

In Cliffwood Beach, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $172,692. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $123,235 overall. Overall, 98.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $172,692 12.2%
45 - 64 $123,235 3.3%
Over 65 $76,750 -8.1%
Above poverty level
2,974
Below poverty level
48
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,974 98.4% 0.9%
Below poverty level 48 1.6% -17.2%

Average renter income in Cliffwood Beach

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cliffwood Beach, their median household income was $78,301 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$78,301
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
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 Cliffwood Beach

Workforce and job types in Cliffwood Beach

The job market in Cliffwood Beach is powered by 1,551 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.3% run their own businesses, 82.2% are employed by private companies, and 7.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,551
-0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,218
Blue collar
333
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,218 78.5% 6.2%
Blue collar 333 21.5% -19.9%
Employer type
Self employees
7.3%
Private companies
82.2%
Governmental workers
7.1%
Not for profit companies
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 113 7.3% -13.7%
Private companies 1,275 82.2% 3.8%
Governmental workers 110 7.1% 1.9%
Not for profit companies 53 3.4% -44.8%
Unemployment rate
5.7%
5.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cliffwood Beach stands at 5.7%, 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 Cliffwood Beach

How people get around in Cliffwood Beach

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,276 82.8% -8.1%
Taxicab 12 0.8% -7.7%
Bus or trolleybus 39 2.5% 200.0%
Railroad 7 0.4% 0.0%
Bicycle 15 1% 7.1%
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.

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FAQs about Cliffwood Beach demographics 

What is the total population of Cliffwood Beach?

Cliffwood Beach has a total population of 3,056 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cliffwood Beach?

The gender ratio in Cliffwood Beach is as follows:
  • 51.3% males (1,568 residents)
  • 48.7% females (1,488 residents)

What is the median age in Cliffwood Beach?

The median age in Cliffwood Beach is 44.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cliffwood Beach?

The age distribution in Cliffwood Beach is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.3% (406 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.6% (292 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.5% (962 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.3% (865 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.4% (531 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cliffwood Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cliffwood Beach is as follows:
  • White: 57.1% (1,746 residents)
  • Black or African American: 16.1% (491 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 8% (246 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.8% (422 residents)
  • Other: 4.9% (151 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.5% of the population in Cliffwood Beach.

How many housing units are there in Cliffwood Beach?

There are 1,252 housing units in Cliffwood Beach, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cliffwood Beach has a total of 1,228 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cliffwood Beach?

Cliffwood Beach has a median household income of $116,500, representing a +7.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Cliffwood Beach?

The employment rate is 94.3% in Cliffwood Beach, with a workforce of 1,551 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.5% (1,218 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.5% (333 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.3% (113 residents)
  • Private companies: 82.2% (1,275 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.1% (110 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.4% (53 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