Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Clifton, NJ
Considering a move to Clifton, NJ? With a population of just over 90,000, Clifton offers diverse neighborhoods, a vibrant community, and convenient access to NYC. Median home prices are around $440,000, and average rents for a two-bedroom are $1,650. Residents enjoy a reasonable commute time of about 30 minutes, low violent crime rates, and a variety of school choices. Clifton’s strong cultural mix, public transit options, and four-season climate make it an appealing destination for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Clifton, NJ
Demographics - Clifton, NJ
Clifton, NJ is home to approximately 90,300 residents with a high population density that creates a lively urban atmosphere. The city boasts a diverse cultural mix—about 57% White, 6% Black, 8% Asian, and nearly 30% from other backgrounds—while over a third of residents speak a language other than English at home. With a median age of 39 and a balanced gender ratio, Clifton is attractive to families and professionals alike.
Population:
90,296
Density:
8,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
34.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
56.9%
Black:
5.8%
Asian:
7.5%
Others:
29.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Clifton, NJ?
Clifton’s cost of living is above the national average, with a median home value around $440,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom at $1,650. Expenses for groceries, utilities, and healthcare also trend higher, reflected in a cost of living index of 125.5. Residents should plan for moderate state taxes and higher-than-average auto insurance rates.
Median House Value:
$440,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
125.5
Grocery:
119.4
Housing:
135.7
Utilities:
112.0
Transportation:
121.5
Health Care:
111.3
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Clifton, NJ a safe place to live?
Clifton experiences relatively low violent crime, with a rate of 176 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 568 chance of being affected. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 88 chance, but overall, the city maintains a safer environment compared to many urban areas. These factors contribute to Clifton’s appeal for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
176
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,141
Crime Index:
1,317
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 568
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 88
Weather
What is the weather like in Clifton, NJ year-round?
Clifton enjoys a classic four-season climate, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and cold winters dipping to 25°F. The city receives about 47.5 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine around 53% of the year. This balanced weather provides residents with a variety of outdoor opportunities throughout the seasons.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Clifton’s residents benefit from a median household income of about $85,900 and a poverty rate below 9%. Educational attainment is high, with nearly 90% holding at least a high school diploma, and public transport is a viable option for the 11.5% who commute that way. The average commute is just under 30 minutes, making it convenient for those working in nearby cities.
Median Income:
$44,800
Household Income:
$85,900
Family Income:
$98,500
Per Capita Income:
$36,800
Income Male:
$49,000
Income Female:
$41,000
Poverty Rate:
8.5%
Non English Speakers:
34.2%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
11.5%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.6%
Bachelors or More:
32.1%
Education
How are the schools in Clifton, NJ?
Clifton provides a wide range of educational opportunities, including large public schools like Clifton High School and Christopher Columbus Middle School, as well as private options such as St. Philip Preparatory School. The city is also close to higher education institutions, with Montclair State University and Passaic County Community College just a few miles away. This access to quality schools and colleges makes Clifton an ideal location for students and families.

Public Schools
Name:
Clifton High School
Street:
333 Colfax Ave
Phone:
973-470-2285
Students:
2,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Christopher Columbus Middle School
Street:
350 Piaget Ave
Phone:
973-470-2260
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Private Schools
Name:
St. Philip Preparatory School
Street:
797 Valley Rd
Phone:
973-779-4700
Students:
400

Colleges
Name:
Montclair State University
City:
Montclair
State:
NJ
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
21,000
Name:
Passaic County Community College
City:
Paterson
State:
NJ
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
9,000
Healthcare
Clifton offers quality healthcare access with major hospitals such as St. Mary's General Hospital and Clara Maass Medical Center nearby. Most residents (over 91%) have health insurance, and the city has 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring strong local medical support. Healthcare services in the area are comprehensive and readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Mary's General Hospital
Address:
350 Boulevard, Passaic, NJ 07055
Phone:
(973) 365-4300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Clara Maass Medical Center
Address:
1 Clara Maass Dr, Belleville, NJ 07109
Phone:
(973) 450-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
73.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Clifton, NJ?
The housing market in Clifton is robust, with a median home price of $440,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 58%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,650 and a low vacancy rate of 4.2%. Home values have appreciated by 5.3% in the past year, signaling a healthy and stable market.
Median Home Price:
$440,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Clifton residents are managed by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, headquartered in Trenton. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services through the state website or by contacting the commission directly. This ensures efficient support for all motor vehicle needs in New Jersey.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
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.