Clifton Forge, VA
Population 3,483 · Virginia
About Clifton Forge, VA
Clifton Forge is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 3,483 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,107 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.1 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 Clifton Forge features a median home value of $106,900, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Clifton Forge one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $636, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,845 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (879 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (560 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clifton Forge shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Clifton Forge have an average one-way commute time of 24.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Clifton Forge 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 0.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Clifton Forge Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Clifton Forge, VA
Compared to national averages, Clifton Forge has a median household income of $33,107 (56% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $106,900, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $636 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Clifton Forge's income is 62% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 67% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Clifton Forge, VA?
Clifton Forge offers affordable housing with a median home value of $106,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $636/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,107) that falls below the national average. However, Clifton Forge’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clifton Forge has a population of 3,483 with a median age of 46.1 years. Compare Clifton Forge with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Clifton Forge
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gloucester Courthouse | 3,509 | $88,493 | $342,000 | Compare |
| West Point | 3,439 | $83,475 | $256,600 | Compare |
| Dahlgren | 3,417 | $106,071 | $383,400 | Compare |
| Lake Land'Or | 3,581 | $105,900 | $278,400 | Compare |
| Altavista | 3,356 | $45,962 | $135,000 | Compare |
| Norton | 3,620 | $38,497 | $100,700 | Compare |
| Blackstone | 3,341 | $58,479 | $185,600 | Compare |
| Chincoteague | 3,300 | $62,292 | $329,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Clifton Forge With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clifton Forge
What is the population of Clifton Forge, VA?
The population of Clifton Forge, VA is 3,483 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Clifton Forge?
The median household income in Clifton Forge, VA is $33,107 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clifton Forge?
The median home value in Clifton Forge, VA is $106,900, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Clifton Forge?
The median monthly rent in Clifton Forge, VA is $636, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clifton Forge?
The unemployment rate in Clifton Forge, VA is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clifton Forge, VA a good place to live?
Clifton Forge offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,483 and a median age of 46.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Clifton Forge, VA?
18.8% of residents in Clifton Forge 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 Forge?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clifton Forge, VA: median home value is $106,900 (56% below national), median rent is $636/month, and median household income is $33,107. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clifton Forge?
The poverty rate in Clifton Forge, VA is 19.3%, 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 Forge, VA?
Clifton Forge's population is 0.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 15.9% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.