Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rifton, NY
Considering a move to Rifton, NY? This peaceful hamlet features a small population of about 440 residents and a median home price of $323,000, with average rents around $1,350. Rifton boasts low violent crime rates, short average commutes at just under 30 minutes, and a high rate of homeownership. Families benefit from well-rated local schools, while the area offers a charming small-town feel and four-season climate with 53% sunny days each year.
Demographics - Rifton, NY
Demographics - Rifton, NY
Rifton, NY is a small and close-knit community with a population of about 440 residents, a median age of 44.2, and a predominantly White population. The area is relatively balanced in gender and features a modest proportion of non-English speakers, contributing to its welcoming and stable atmosphere.
Population:
440
Density:
300 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.5%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
6.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rifton, NY?
Rifton's cost of living is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $323,000 and typical rents around $1,350 per month. Utilities and healthcare costs are somewhat higher than average, but residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with reasonable expenses for a Hudson Valley town.
Median House Value:
$323,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$725
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
107.5
Grocery:
104.2
Housing:
102.1
Utilities:
112.0
Transportation:
105.7
Health Care:
110.2
Miscellaneous:
103.0
Crime
Is Rifton, NY a safe place to live?
Rifton is a safe community, reporting low violent crime rates—about 124 incidents per 100,000 people—making the chance of being a victim just 1 in 800. Property crime is also low for the region, offering peace of mind for residents and families.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
124
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,060
Crime Index:
1,184
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 800
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 94
Weather
What is the weather like in Rifton, NY year-round?
Rifton experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 83°F and chilly winters dipping to 18°F. The area enjoys about 53% sunny days each year and receives nearly 45 inches of annual rainfall, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Residents of Rifton benefit from a median household income of $78,500 and a low poverty rate of 8.8%. Most adults are well-educated, with over 93% holding a high school diploma and nearly 37% earning a bachelor’s degree or higher, adding to the town’s engaged and supportive community.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$78,500
Family Income:
$88,000
Per Capita Income:
$32,000
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$36,500
Poverty Rate:
8.8%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.4%
Bachelors or More:
36.7%
Education
How are the schools in Rifton, NY?
Families in Rifton benefit from well-rated local schools such as Robert R Graves Elementary and Kingston High School, both offering favorable student-to-teacher ratios. The area is also served by private schools and SUNY Ulster, a nearby college providing higher education opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Robert R Graves Elementary School
Street:
345 Mountain View Ave, Port Ewen, NY 12466
Phone:
845-943-3911
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Name:
Kingston High School
Street:
403 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401
Phone:
845-943-3700
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8

Private Schools
Name:
Ulster Academy
Street:
132 S Manor Ave, Kingston, NY 12401
Phone:
845-331-3315
Students:
90

Colleges
Name:
SUNY Ulster
City:
Stone Ridge
State:
NY
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Rifton residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like HealthAlliance Hospital in nearby Kingston and a physician access rate of 2.4 per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at nearly 94%, ensuring most residents have reliable medical support.

Major Hospitals
Name:
HealthAlliance Hospital - Broadway Campus
Address:
396 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401
Phone:
(845) 331-3131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
75.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rifton, NY?
Rifton's housing market is stable, with a median home price of $323,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of 74.5%. The area has seen steady appreciation, low foreclosure rates, and average rents of $1,350, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$323,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Rifton residents can access DMV services at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office in Kingston, just a short drive away. The office provides comprehensive vehicle and licensing services and can be reached online or by phone for convenience.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
111 Main Street, Kingston, NY 12401
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
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.