Clifton, AZ
Population 3,845 · Arizona
About Clifton, AZ
Clifton is a small town located in Arizona with a population of 3,845 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,457 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clifton features a median home value of $66,000, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Clifton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $592, 49% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,419 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (420 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (624 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clifton shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Clifton have an average one-way commute time of 22.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.6% of Clifton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 54.6% White, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 7.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Clifton Ranks in Arizona
Cost of Living in Clifton, AZ
Compared to national averages, Clifton has a median household income of $84,457 (12% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $66,000, which is 73% below the national median. Monthly rent at $592 is 49% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arizona, Clifton's income is 36% above the state average of $62,086, and home values are 72% below the state median of $237,048.
Why Live in Clifton, AZ?
Clifton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,457, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $66,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $592/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%, and a low poverty rate of 7.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.8 minutes.
Clifton has a population of 3,845 with a median age of 24.9 years. Compare Clifton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arizona.
Similar Cities Near Clifton
Cities in Arizona with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avenue B and C | 3,831 | $40,554 | $0 | Compare |
| Ajo | 3,783 | $56,364 | $126,400 | Compare |
| Carefree | 3,672 | $141,331 | $1,066,600 | Compare |
| Fort Defiance | 3,614 | $56,250 | $37,800 | Compare |
| Taylor | 4,091 | $69,945 | $289,600 | Compare |
| Pinetop-Lakeside | 4,103 | $52,207 | $332,200 | Compare |
| Whiteriver | 4,308 | $38,205 | $57,000 | Compare |
| Parker | 3,379 | $74,643 | $253,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Arizona
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Clifton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clifton
What is the population of Clifton, AZ?
The population of Clifton, AZ is 3,845 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Arizona.
What is the median household income in Clifton?
The median household income in Clifton, AZ is $84,457 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clifton?
The median home value in Clifton, AZ is $66,000, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Clifton?
The median monthly rent in Clifton, AZ is $592, which is 49% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clifton?
The unemployment rate in Clifton, AZ is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Clifton, AZ a good place to live?
Clifton offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,845 and a median age of 24.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Clifton, AZ?
19.6% of residents in Clifton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Clifton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clifton, AZ: median home value is $66,000 (73% below national), median rent is $592/month, and median household income is $84,457. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clifton?
The poverty rate in Clifton, AZ is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Clifton, AZ?
Clifton's population is 54.6% White, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 7.3% of residents are foreign-born.