Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Clifton, CO
Considering a move to Clifton, CO? With a population of about 20,600, Clifton offers affordable living—median home prices are $270,000 and rents around $1,150. Residents enjoy a sunny climate with 79% sunny days a year and short 21-minute commutes. While crime rates are higher than average, Clifton features access to quality healthcare and schools, with Colorado Mesa University nearby. Its blend of affordability, sunshine, and access to the amenities of Grand Junction make it a practical choice for families and newcomers.
Demographics - Clifton, CO
Demographics - Clifton, CO
Clifton, Colorado is home to around 20,600 residents, with a young median age of 34.2 years and a population density of 2,900 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with 13% of residents speaking a non-English language at home, reflecting moderate diversity.
Population:
20,600
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.5%
Black:
0.9%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
15.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Clifton, CO?
Clifton boasts a cost of living index of 95.8, lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for families and individuals. Median home values stand at $270,000 and typical rents are about $1,150, while everyday expenses such as utilities and groceries remain manageable.
Median House Value:
$270,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
95.8
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
88.5
Utilities:
94.2
Transportation:
97.3
Health Care:
98.9
Miscellaneous:
99.5
Crime
Is Clifton, CO a safe place to live?
Clifton experiences a higher-than-average crime rate, with a 1 in 298 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 49 chance of property crime annually. Residents should remain alert, but many find the risks manageable due to active community engagement and local law enforcement presence.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
335
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,385
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 298
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Clifton, CO year-round?
Clifton enjoys a sunny, semi-arid climate, boasting 79% sunny days each year and low average rainfall of just 9.3 inches. Summers are warm, with highs reaching 93°F, while winters are chilly but manageable, typically ranging from 18°F to 38°F.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
93°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
9.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
79%
Neighbors
Residents in Clifton have a typical household income of $55,000, with a poverty rate of 17.8% and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The community values education—over 81% have completed high school—and enjoys short average commutes of about 21 minutes.
Median Income:
$33,500
Household Income:
$55,000
Family Income:
$62,700
Per Capita Income:
$22,700
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
17.8%
Non English Speakers:
13.0%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
20.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81.5%
Bachelors or More:
14.1%
Education
How are the schools in Clifton, CO?
Clifton offers a selection of public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, supporting a strong foundation for student achievement. For higher education, Colorado Mesa University is just 7 miles away, providing diverse academic opportunities for local students.

Public Schools
Name:
Rocky Mountain Elementary School
Street:
3260 D 1/2 Rd
Phone:
970-254-6500
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Name:
Clifton Elementary School
Street:
3276 F Rd
Phone:
970-254-4710
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Private Schools
Name:
Junction Christian Academy
Street:
2867 Orchard Ave
Phone:
970-245-9020
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Colorado Mesa University
City:
Grand Junction
State:
CO
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
11,000
Healthcare
Clifton residents benefit from access to major hospitals and a strong healthcare system, with 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people and over 90% health insurance coverage. Nearby facilities such as Community Hospital and St. Mary's Medical Center offer comprehensive services, including emergency care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Community Hospital
Address:
2351 G Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505
Phone:
(970) 242-0920
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Mary's Medical Center
Address:
2635 N 7th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Phone:
(970) 298-2273
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.3%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Clifton, CO?
The Clifton housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $270,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 63%. Home values have appreciated by 3.7% over the past year, and the rental vacancy rate remains moderate at 6.8%.
Median Home Price:
$270,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Clifton residents are served by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Grand Junction. The DMV provides a full range of licensing and registration services for new and current residents.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
222 S. 6th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Phone:
970-248-1020
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.