Clifton, CO
Population 19,746 · Colorado
About Clifton, CO
Clifton is a mid-sized city located in Colorado with a population of 19,746 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,301 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.2 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 $234,200, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Clifton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,035, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,794 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (5,490 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (2,108 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clifton shows an unemployment rate of 9.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Clifton have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.8% 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 16.8% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, and 6.8% Asian residents, with 8.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Clifton Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Clifton, CO
Compared to national averages, Clifton has a median household income of $54,301 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $234,200, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,035 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Clifton's income is 39% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 49% below the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Clifton, CO?
Clifton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $234,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,035/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,301) that falls below the national average. However, Clifton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clifton has a population of 19,746 with a median age of 35.2 years. Compare Clifton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Clifton
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherrelwood | 19,368 | $73,849 | $412,200 | Compare |
| Durango | 19,257 | $79,545 | $609,700 | Compare |
| Golden | 20,467 | $95,913 | $790,500 | Compare |
| Cimarron Hills | 18,808 | $75,853 | $333,300 | Compare |
| Montrose | 20,703 | $63,177 | $359,000 | Compare |
| Louisville | 20,788 | $149,159 | $835,000 | Compare |
| Fort Carson | 18,447 | $61,783 | $0 | Compare |
| Johnstown | 18,075 | $130,851 | $493,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Colorado
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, CO?
The population of Clifton, CO is 19,746 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Colorado.
What is the median household income in Clifton?
The median household income in Clifton, CO is $54,301 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clifton?
The median home value in Clifton, CO is $234,200, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Clifton?
The median monthly rent in Clifton, CO is $1,035, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clifton?
The unemployment rate in Clifton, CO is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clifton, CO a good place to live?
Clifton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,746 and a median age of 35.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clifton, CO?
11.8% 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, CO: median home value is $234,200 (4% below national), median rent is $1,035/month, and median household income is $54,301. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Clifton?
The poverty rate in Clifton, CO is 15.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Clifton, CO?
Clifton's population is 16.8% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 6.8% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 8.7% of residents are foreign-born.