Clifton, NJ Census Data
The 7th largest city in New Jersey by population · 19 cities ranked
Clifton is the 7th largest city in New Jersey by population and ranks 2nd of 19 for median household income. With 89,247 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 16 other New Jersey cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
89,247
48.9% male · 51.1% female
Median Age
41.1
2.4 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$99,003
$20,465 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
34.5%
0.5% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 89.3%
Poverty Rate
7.4%
5.0% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 7.5%
Broadband Access
93.2%
3.5% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$444,300
Median rent: $1,658 · 59% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.0%
Labor force participation: 63.5%
Per Capita Income
$49,770
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
3.5%
Disability rate: 11.3%
How Clifton Compares to Other New Jersey Cities
Rankings among all 19 New Jersey cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 7th of 19 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 2nd of 19 | Top 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 3rd of 19 | Top 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 5th of 19 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 6th of 19 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Clifton, NJ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Clifton, NJ?
The population of Clifton, NJ is 89,247 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 41.1 years.
What is the median household income in Clifton?
The median household income in Clifton, NJ is $99,003, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $49,770.
What is the poverty rate in Clifton?
The poverty rate in Clifton, NJ is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 7.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Clifton residents have a college degree?
34.5% of adults (25+) in Clifton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 89.3% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Clifton?
The median home value in Clifton, NJ is $444,300. Median rent is $1,658 per month, with 59% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Clifton?
Clifton's population is 55.3% White, 4.7% Black, 39.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 7.8% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Clifton rank among New Jersey cities?
Clifton is the 7th largest city in New Jersey by population, the 2nd highest for median household income, the 3rd lowest for poverty rate, the 5th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 19 ranked New Jersey cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Clifton?
The unemployment rate in Clifton, NJ is 7.0%, with a labor force participation rate of 63.5%. Per capita income is $49,770.
Cities Similar to Clifton
Other New Jersey cities with comparable population and income levels.