Clifton, IL
Population 1,279 · Illinois
About Clifton, IL
Clifton is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,279 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,276 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clifton features a median home value of $184,100, which is 25% 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 $839, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 557 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (396 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (151 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clifton shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Clifton have an average one-way commute time of 27.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.3% 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 2.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Clifton, IL
Compared to national averages, Clifton has a median household income of $69,276 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $184,100, which is 25% below the national median. Monthly rent at $839 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Clifton's income is 8% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 11% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Clifton, IL?
Clifton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $184,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $839/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,276) 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 1,279 with a median age of 40.3 years. Compare Clifton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Clifton
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westlake Village | 1,282 | $143,424 | $210,900 | Compare |
| Phoenix | 1,284 | $25,703 | $86,300 | Compare |
| Griggsville | 1,272 | $37,457 | $84,400 | Compare |
| Cambria | 1,271 | $51,042 | $140,100 | Compare |
| Louisville | 1,288 | $44,318 | $86,300 | Compare |
| Germantown | 1,268 | $83,661 | $185,300 | Compare |
| Timberlane | 1,291 | $194,286 | $349,700 | Compare |
| Divernon | 1,262 | $72,936 | $123,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
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, IL?
The population of Clifton, IL is 1,279 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Clifton?
The median household income in Clifton, IL is $69,276 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clifton?
The median home value in Clifton, IL is $184,100, which is 25% 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, IL is $839, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clifton?
The unemployment rate in Clifton, IL is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Clifton, IL a good place to live?
Clifton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,279 and a median age of 40.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clifton, IL?
21.3% 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, IL: median home value is $184,100 (25% below national), median rent is $839/month, and median household income is $69,276. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clifton?
The poverty rate in Clifton, IL is 10.7%, 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, IL?
Clifton's population is 2.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.