Rifton, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
541
17.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$2,499/yr
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
387
-10.0% year-over-year change

Rifton population

How many people live in Rifton

Rifton is home to 541 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 36.4% of Rifton locals are male, and 63.6% are female.

Total population
541
17.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
36.4%
197
Female
63.6%
344
Value Percent YoY change
Male 197 36.4% 13.2%
Female 344 63.6% 19.4%
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

Adults between 25 and 44 make up 8.9% of the population, while another 52.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 33.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
58.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
5.9%
15 to 24
0%
25 to 44
8.9%
45 to 64
52.1%
Over 65
33.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 32 5.9% N/A
25 to 44 48 8.9% 26.3%
45 to 64 282 52.1% 12.8%
Over 65 179 33.1% 2.9%
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

There’s also a share of 10.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 541 100% 17.1%
Racial breakdown
White
84.1%
Black or African American
5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 455 84.1%
Black or African American 27 5%
Two or more races 59 10.9%

Households in Rifton

A peek inside Rifton households

Rifton has 387 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 23.3% are families, while the remaining 76.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
387
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
297
Family households
90
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 297 76.7% -14.9%
Family households 90 23.3% 136.8%
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 Rifton

The housing landscape of Rifton

Rifton's housing consists of 387 units, with 90.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
387
-10.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 349 90.2%
3 or 4 units 38 9.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rifton

In Rifton, the median construction year is 1938. About 65.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% 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 253 65.4% -7.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 27 7% -57.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 50 12.9% 257.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 19 4.9% 18.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 38 9.8% -5.0%
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.

Rifton occupancy rates

Out of the 387 occupied housing units in Rifton, 90.2% are owner-occupied, while 9.8% are lived in by tenants.

Occupied housing units
387
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
38
Owner occupied
349
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 38 9.8% -44.9%
Owner occupied 349 90.2% 9.8%
Unoccupied housing units
0.0%
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.

Rifton housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$873/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 Rifton

Rifton education at a glance

About 25.9% of the population in Rifton went to high school, while 45.6% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 14% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 132 25.9% 76.0%
College diploma 232 45.6% 5.5%
Associate degree 38 7.5% -5.0%
Bachelor's degree 71 14% 86.8%
Graduate degree 36 7.1% -59.5%
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 Rifton

How much people earn in Rifton

The average annual household income in Rifton was $62,566 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.7% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Rifton
$62,566/year
-4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rifton
$2,499/year
0.0% year-over-year change

Rifton income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $2,499 overall. Overall, 59.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $2,499 0.0%
Above poverty level
323
Below poverty level
218
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 323 59.7% 26.2%
Below poverty level 218 40.3% 5.8%

Employment in Rifton

Workforce and job types in Rifton

The job market in Rifton is powered by 185 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.4% run their own businesses, 40.5% are employed by private companies, and 10.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
185
24.2% year-over-year change
White collar
118
Blue collar
67
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 118 63.8% 4.4%
Blue collar 67 36.2% 86.1%
Employer type
Self employees
18.4%
Private companies
40.5%
Governmental workers
10.8%
Not for profit companies
30.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 34 18.4% -10.5%
Private companies 75 40.5% 27.1%
Governmental workers 20 10.8% -61.5%
Not for profit companies 56 30.3% N/A

Transportation in Rifton

How people get around in Rifton

In Rifton, the average commute time is 27 minutes.

Commute time
27 min
-15.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 151 81.6% 36.0%
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 Rifton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
12471 237 219 $0 $0

Explore more communities

FAQs about Rifton demographics 

What is the total population of Rifton?

Rifton has a total population of 541 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 +17.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rifton?

The gender ratio in Rifton is as follows:
  • 36.4% males (197 residents)
  • 63.6% females (344 residents)

What is the median age in Rifton?

The median age in Rifton is 58.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rifton?

The age distribution in Rifton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 5.9% (32 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 0% (0 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 8.9% (48 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 52.1% (282 residents)
  • Over 65: 33.1% (179 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rifton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rifton is as follows:
  • White: 84.1% (455 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5% (27 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: 10.9% (59 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Rifton?

There are 387 housing units in Rifton, reflecting a -10.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rifton has a total of 387 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rifton?

Rifton has a median household income of $2,499, representing a 0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Rifton?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.8% (118 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.2% (67 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.4% (34 residents)
  • Private companies: 40.5% (75 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.8% (20 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 30.3% (56 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