Rifton, NY
Population 462 · New York
About Rifton, NY
Rifton is a small community located in New York with a population of 462 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $2,499 per year, which is 97% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rifton features a median home value of $232,500, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rifton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 430 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (318 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (69 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rifton shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 44.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rifton have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
27.5% of Rifton 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 0.0% White, 8.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rifton, NY
Compared to national averages, Rifton has a median household income of $2,499 (97% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $232,500, which is 5% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Rifton's income is 97% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 40% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Rifton, NY?
Rifton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $232,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($2,499) that falls below the national average. However, Rifton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rifton has a population of 462 with a median age of 58.7 years. Compare Rifton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rifton
What is the population of Rifton, NY?
The population of Rifton, NY is 462 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in New York.
What is the median household income in Rifton?
The median household income in Rifton, NY is $2,499 per year, which is 97% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rifton?
The median home value in Rifton, NY is $232,500, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rifton?
The median monthly rent in Rifton, NY is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rifton?
The unemployment rate in Rifton, NY is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rifton, NY a good place to live?
Rifton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 462 and a median age of 58.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rifton, NY?
27.5% of residents in Rifton 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 Rifton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rifton, NY: median home value is $232,500 (5% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $2,499. The home-value-to-income ratio is 93.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Rifton?
The poverty rate in Rifton, NY is 44.6%, 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 Rifton, NY?
Rifton's population is 0.0% White, 8.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 5.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.