Clifton Forge, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,447
-1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$40,000/yr
20.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,854
0.5% year-over-year change

Clifton Forge population

How many people live in Clifton Forge

Clifton Forge is home to 3,447 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 57.4% of Clifton Forge locals are male, and 42.6% are female.

Total population
3,447
-1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
57.4%
1,980
Female
42.6%
1,467
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,980 57.4% 3.2%
Female 1,467 42.6% -6.3%
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 Forge is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.5% are children under 15, then 8.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.8% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.5%
15 to 24
8.6%
25 to 44
21.8%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
25%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 671 19.5% -4.1%
15 to 24 296 8.6% 6.1%
25 to 44 750 21.8% 4.8%
45 to 64 868 25.2% -3.1%
Over 65 862 25% -3.4%
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 Forge, 96.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.4% of locals are Caucasian, 15.3% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 1.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.5%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,319 96.3% -1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 86 2.5% 0.0%
Non-citizens 42 1.2% 13.5%
Racial breakdown
White
80.4%
Black or African American
15.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.6%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 2,773 80.4%
Black or African American 528 15.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 14 0.4%
Asian 3 0.1%
Two or more races 57 1.6%
Other 72 2.1%

Households in Clifton Forge

A peek inside Clifton Forge households

Clifton Forge has 1,418 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58% are families, while the remaining 42% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,418
-1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
595
Family households
823
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 595 42% -9.7%
Family households 823 58% 5.5%
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 Forge

The housing landscape of Clifton Forge

Clifton Forge's housing consists of 1,854 units, with 74.8% 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 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,854
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,387 74.8%
2 units 7 0.4%
3 or 4 units 74 4%
5 to 9 units 35 1.9%
10 to 19 units 78 4.2%
20 to 49 units 122 6.6%
50 or more units 137 7.4%
Mobile home 14 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Clifton Forge

In Clifton Forge, the median construction year is 1938. About 54.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.8% 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 1,018 54.9% -0.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 219 11.8% 23.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 201 10.8% -0.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 86 4.6% -10.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 138 7.4% -19.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 141 7.6% 25.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 39 2.1% -15.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 12 0.6% -20.0%
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.

Clifton Forge occupancy rates

Out of the 1,418 occupied housing units in Clifton Forge, 63.5% are owner-occupied, while 36.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 23.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,418
-1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
517
Owner occupied
901
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 517 36.5% -7.7%
Owner occupied 901 63.5% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
23.5%
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 Forge housing costs

Housing costs in Clifton Forge come to a median of $621 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $592.

Median housing costs per month
$621/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 Forge
$592/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 Forge

Clifton Forge education at a glance

About 50.4% of the population in Clifton Forge went to high school, while 20.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.6% earned an associate degree and 9.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 89 3.3% 17.1%
High school diploma 1,350 50.4% -5.5%
College diploma 554 20.7% 1.5%
Associate degree 151 5.6% -6.8%
Bachelor's degree 265 9.9% 13.7%
Graduate degree 272 10.2% 5.0%
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 Forge

How much people earn in Clifton Forge

The average annual household income in Clifton Forge was $60,136 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $40,000, reflecting a +20.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Clifton Forge
$60,136/year
11.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Clifton Forge
$40,000/year
20.8% year-over-year change

Clifton Forge income by age

In Clifton Forge, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $59,200. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $60,833 overall. Overall, 85.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $59,200 4.3%
45 - 64 $60,833 29.0%
Over 65 $25,945 3.7%
Above poverty level
2,799
Below poverty level
482
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,799 85.3% 4.4%
Below poverty level 482 14.7% -22.8%

Average renter income in Clifton Forge

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Clifton Forge, their median household income was $22,113 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$22,113
Rent-to-income ratio
32.1%
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 Forge

Workforce and job types in Clifton Forge

The job market in Clifton Forge is powered by 1,077 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.6% run their own businesses, 61.3% are employed by private companies, and 19.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,077
6.1% year-over-year change
White collar
778
Blue collar
299
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 778 72.2% 0.4%
Blue collar 299 27.8% 24.6%
Employer type
Self employees
11.6%
Private companies
61.3%
Governmental workers
19.2%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 125 11.6% 31.6%
Private companies 660 61.3% 8.9%
Governmental workers 207 19.2% -13.0%
Not for profit companies 85 7.9% 11.8%
Unemployment rate
2.0%
-54.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Clifton Forge stands at 2%, 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 Forge

How people get around in Clifton Forge

In Clifton Forge, the average commute time is 23 minutes.

Commute time
23 min
-8.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,001 94.3% 2.0%
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 Forge by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
24422 5,334 2,222 $48,750 $67,823

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FAQs about Clifton Forge demographics 

What is the total population of Clifton Forge?

Clifton Forge has a total population of 3,447 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 -1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Clifton Forge?

The gender ratio in Clifton Forge is as follows:
  • 57.4% males (1,980 residents)
  • 42.6% females (1,467 residents)

What is the median age in Clifton Forge?

The median age in Clifton Forge is 45.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Clifton Forge?

The age distribution in Clifton Forge is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.5% (671 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.6% (296 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.8% (750 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (868 residents)
  • Over 65: 25% (862 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Clifton Forge?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Clifton Forge is as follows:
  • White: 80.4% (2,773 residents)
  • Black or African American: 15.3% (528 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (14 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.6% (57 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (72 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.3% of the population in Clifton Forge.

How many housing units are there in Clifton Forge?

There are 1,854 housing units in Clifton Forge, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Clifton Forge has a total of 1,418 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Clifton Forge?

Clifton Forge has a median household income of $40,000, representing a +20.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98% in Clifton Forge, with a workforce of 1,077 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.2% (778 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.8% (299 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.6% (125 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.3% (660 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.2% (207 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (85 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