New JerseyPop. 89,379Smaller cities
Is Clifton a Good Place to Live? Clifton, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Clifton ranks #240 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #119 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (112.6, #430 of 524) and high unemployment (5.1%, #372 of 476).
Clifton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Clifton's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Clifton?
Clifton's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,711/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $612,937, 6% above the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | Clifton | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 112.6#1160 of 1,308 | 108.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $612,937#948 of 1,187 | $580,353 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,672/mo#954 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $461,900#911 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,711/mo#883 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.7x#782 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.9%#556 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Clifton housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Clifton is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is Clifton safe?
Clifton recorded 166 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 328 and 14% below New Jersey's 194. That ranks #275 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #129 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Clifton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,953 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Clifton | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 166#275 of 1,085 | 194 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,953#698 of 1,085 | 1,250 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Clifton?
The median household in Clifton earns $98,237, 18% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Clifton | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $98,237#360 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.9%#319 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Clifton?
The median resident of Clifton is 41.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 35.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #596 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Clifton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 41.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 35.5%#596 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 59.6% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Clifton's schools and health?
Clifton's 19 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 11.6 students per teacher and $22,282 spent per pupil. 28.4% of adults are obese and 11.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Clifton | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 85.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 11.6#61 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $22,282#110 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 28.4%#287 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.1%#639 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15%#262 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 16%#1118 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,586 students are enrolled in Clifton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Clifton?
The average commute in Clifton is 28.3 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 9% of workers take transit and 12.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Clifton scores 14.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #65 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.6°F and winters 35.2°F, with 46.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Clifton | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 28.3 min#1018 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 11.1%#1115 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 66.5% | 63.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 9% | 9.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.9% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.5% | 13.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.7#65 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39.9 | 25.7 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 42.8 | 27 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 50.6 | 34 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 62.5 | 43.7 | 4 |
| May | 73.1 | 53.3 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 82 | 63.1 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 87 | 68.9 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 85.1 | 67.3 | 4.3 |
| Sep | 78.4 | 59.9 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 66.8 | 47.9 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 55.5 | 38.3 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 44.9 | 30.8 | 4.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Teterboro Airport.
| Measure | Clifton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 35.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 46.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Teterboro Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Clifton?
Passaic County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Passaic County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Clifton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.16%#753 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Passaic County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Passaic County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 85% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.007% | 73% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0047% | 65% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0025% | 25% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Clifton compare with similar-size cities?
Clifton is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #119 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 89,379.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clifton, NJPop. 89,379 | #240 | 63.4 | $98,237 | $1,711/mo | 166 | 28.3 min |
| Lawton, OKPop. 90,595 | #1244 | 42.7 | $54,433 | $967/mo | 769 | 16.2 min |
| Fort Smith, ARPop. 89,805 | #1112 | 47.7 | $54,816 | $884/mo | 793 | 16.8 min |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #851 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 | 21 min |
| Waukegan, ILPop. 89,076 | #695 | 55.0 | $71,919 | $1,205/mo | 375 | 26.1 min |
| Newton, MAPop. 89,044 | #3 | 78.3 | $190,304 | $2,370/mo | 56 | 26.6 min |
| Manteca, CAPop. 89,043 | #784 | 53.5 | $97,055 | $2,065/mo | 336 | 37.6 min |
| Santa Fe, NMPop. 89,019 | #571 | 57.0 | $73,482 | $1,463/mo | 518 | 21 min |
| Bloomington, MNPop. 88,665 | #265 | 62.8 | $93,211 | $1,561/mo | 283 | 21 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Clifton compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Clifton ranks #2 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 63.4 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 6% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 14% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical New Jersey home.
| City | Rank in NJ | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoboken, NJPop. 58,668 | #1 | 74.2 | $180,579 | $2,938/mo | 199 |
| Clifton, NJPop. 89,379 | #2 | 63.4 | $98,237 | $1,711/mo | 166 |
| Hackensack, NJPop. 46,057 | #3 | 62.2 | $84,277 | $1,911/mo | 235 |
| Jersey City, NJPop. 294,078 | #4 | 60.5 | $97,710 | $2,007/mo | 487 |
| Bayonne, NJPop. 71,553 | #5 | 60.0 | $83,887 | $1,682/mo | 275 |
| Toms River, NJPop. 94,956 | #6 | 59.7 | $100,137 | $1,731/mo | no data |
| West New York, NJPop. 52,004 | #7 | 58.1 | $71,729 | $1,716/mo | 236 |
| Union City, NJPop. 66,463 | #8 | 55.9 | $64,310 | $1,537/mo | 248 |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #9 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 |
| New Brunswick, NJPop. 56,345 | #10 | 51.5 | $65,810 | $1,814/mo | 504 |
| Perth Amboy, NJPop. 55,855 | #11 | 51.4 | $61,977 | $1,688/mo | 269 |
| Lakewood, NJPop. 69,585 | #12 | 50.9 | $56,968 | $1,718/mo | no data |
| Vineland, NJPop. 61,006 | #13 | 50.7 | $67,860 | $1,233/mo | 408 |
| Plainfield, NJPop. 55,236 | #14 | 50.7 | $85,908 | $1,767/mo | 411 |
| East Orange, NJPop. 70,090 | #15 | 49.7 | $60,830 | $1,441/mo | 426 |
| Passaic, NJPop. 70,002 | #16 | 47.9 | $55,371 | $1,465/mo | 585 |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #17 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 |
| Paterson, NJPop. 158,735 | #18 | 43.1 | $55,997 | $1,548/mo | 869 |
| Trenton, NJPop. 90,338 | #19 | 42.8 | $52,537 | $1,294/mo | 808 |
| Camden, NJPop. 71,496 | #20 | 38.0 | $40,546 | $1,226/mo | 1,312 |
All 20 New Jersey cities we track, by overall score. New Jersey statewide: median income $104,294, violent crime 193.8 per 100,000.
How is Clifton's score calculated?
Clifton scores 63.4 out of 100, #240 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with New Jersey's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Clifton. Similar-size median 55.5.
56.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Clifton's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
82.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Clifton. Similar-size median 58.9.
66.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Clifton's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
78.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Clifton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
50.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Clifton. Similar-size median 56.1.
68.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Clifton. Similar-size median 42.4.
38.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Clifton. Similar-size median 50.0.
51.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Clifton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
72.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
51.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Clifton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Clifton has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Clifton
Is Clifton, NJ a good place to live?
Clifton ranks #240 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #119 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (112.6, #430 of 524) and high unemployment (5.1%, #372 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Clifton?
Clifton's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,711/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $612,937, 6% above the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
What is the crime rate in Clifton?
Clifton recorded 166 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 328 and 14% below New Jersey's 194. That ranks #275 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #129 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Clifton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,953 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Clifton?
The median household in Clifton earns $98,237, 18% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Clifton?
Median rent in Clifton is $1,711/mo (Census), #883 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,672/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Clifton?
The typical home value in Clifton is $612,937, up 3.9% in a year, against $580,353 for New Jersey and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $461,900.
How are the public schools in Clifton?
Clifton's 19 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 11.6 students per teacher and $22,282 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Clifton?
The average commute is 28.3 minutes, #1018 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 11.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Clifton?
Clifton averages 55.4°F over the year, 75.6°F in summer and 35.2°F in winter, with 46.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Clifton walkable?
Clifton scores 14.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #65 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Clifton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Passaic County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 56% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Clifton?
Passaic County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Clifton?
Clifton has 89,379 residents. The median resident of Clifton is 41.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 35.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #596 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Clifton compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Clifton ranks #2 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 63.4 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 6% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 14% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to Clifton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Clifton's population of 89,379 are Lawton, OK (#1244 overall), Fort Smith, AR (#1112 overall), Temple, TX (#851 overall), Waukegan, IL (#695 overall), and Newton, MA (#3 overall). Clifton is #240.