Clifton, NJ
Population 89,247 · New Jersey
About Clifton, NJ
Clifton is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 89,247 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $99,003 per year, which is 32% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 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 $444,300, which is 81% above the national median of $244,900. This places Clifton in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,658, 43% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 34,064 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (19,302 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (13,595 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clifton shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Clifton have an average one-way commute time of 29.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.5% of Clifton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Black or African American, and 26.5% Asian residents, with 35.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Clifton Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Clifton, NJ
Compared to national averages, Clifton has a median household income of $99,003 (32% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $444,300, which is 81% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,658 is 43% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Clifton's income is 14% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 5% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Clifton, NJ?
Clifton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $99,003, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 34.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $444,300. However, as a mid-sized city, Clifton provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Clifton has a population of 89,247 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare Clifton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Clifton
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trenton | 89,966 | $47,102 | $122,500 | Compare |
| Toms River | 93,915 | $95,759 | $377,800 | Compare |
| Camden | 71,471 | $40,450 | $100,400 | Compare |
| Bayonne | 70,468 | $81,285 | $446,100 | Compare |
| Lakewood | 69,884 | $57,576 | $618,400 | Compare |
| Passaic | 69,651 | $56,780 | $406,500 | Compare |
| East Orange | 69,183 | $59,872 | $315,500 | Compare |
| Union City | 66,375 | $65,369 | $446,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Jersey
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, NJ?
The population of Clifton, NJ is 89,247 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Clifton?
The median household income in Clifton, NJ is $99,003 per year, which is 32% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clifton?
The median home value in Clifton, NJ is $444,300, which is 81% above 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, NJ is $1,658, which is 43% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clifton?
The unemployment rate in Clifton, NJ is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clifton, NJ a good place to live?
Clifton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 89,247 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clifton, NJ?
34.5% of residents in Clifton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Clifton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clifton, NJ: median home value is $444,300 (81% above national), median rent is $1,658/month, and median household income is $99,003. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Clifton?
The poverty rate in Clifton, NJ is 7.4%, 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, NJ?
Clifton's population is 4.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Black or African American, 26.5% Asian, and 3.7% two or more races. 35.1% of residents are foreign-born.