Is Clifton Heights Safe, Pros and cons of living in Clifton Heights

Clifton Heights, a borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, situated approximately six miles southwest of Philadelphia. Its history dates back to the 1800s, once characterized by textile mills and railway connections, it has evolved into a close-knit community with tree-lined streets and a welcoming atmosphere. This borough provides a convenient location for commuters and families, with easy access to the broader Philadelphia job market and numerous amenities.

The community is known for its walkable layout, local parks, and a strong sense of community pride. Residents benefit from convenient access to healthcare facilities, with numerous hospitals and clinics in the vicinity. Clifton Heights also offers proximity to other charming towns near Philadelphia, such as Lansdowne, Drexel Hill, and Upper Darby, providing a variety of local attractions and services. Reviews often highlight its affordability, location, and neighborhood spirit, making it an appealing option for those seeking a starter home or a change of pace.

Is it Safe to Live in Clifton Heights?

Clifton Heights is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates below both national and state averages. The overall crime rate is 1,709 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 25% below the national average and 7% below the state average (as reported by Clifton Heights PA safety reports). The violent crime rate is 32% below the national average, and the property crime rate is 24% below the national average, indicating a relatively secure environment for residents.

However, it’s important to note that crime can vary by neighborhood. While the overall statistics are favorable, some analyses suggest that Clifton Heights has a crime rate that is higher than the national average across all communities, with 14 crimes per one thousand residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 299, and the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 93 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). When comparing Clifton Heights to other communities of similar population size, its combined violent and property crime rate is noted as being higher than average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs and Real Estate Trends

The housing market in Clifton Heights presents a balanced picture, with a median home value of $192,900 as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This median property value has seen a slight increase of 2.01% between 2023 and 2024. The homeownership rate in Clifton Heights is 73.9%, which is notably higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).

For those considering renting, the average rent in Clifton Heights is approximately $1,215 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). This figure is 26% lower than the national average rent, making renting in Clifton Heights more affordable than in many other U.S. cities. A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,215 per month, while a two-bedroom unit averages about $1,521 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

The Clifton Heights housing market is currently described as very competitive, with homes selling quickly. In March 2026, homes sold after an average of 75 days on the market, a significant decrease from 12 days the previous year, indicating increased demand and faster sales cycles (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot has also increased by 8.9% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin).

Cost of Living and Affordability

The cost of living in Clifton Heights is slightly higher than the U.S. national average. In 2026, the estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $2,832, and for a family of four, it is $6,236 (as reported by Salary.com). This makes Clifton Heights 14% more expensive than the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor, running about 26.0% higher than the national average (as reported by Salary.com).

Other essential expenses also contribute to the overall cost of living. Food expenses are slightly below the national average at 5.8% less, with monthly costs around $377 for an individual and $1,225 for a family (as reported by Salary.com). However, utility, transportation, and healthcare costs are higher than the national average, by 3.1% (as reported by Salary.com).

When compared to other major cities, Clifton Heights offers a more affordable option. For instance, it is 65% less expensive than San Francisco and 25% less expensive than Washington D.C. (as reported by Salary.com). A family of four in Clifton Heights would need to earn approximately $114,875 annually to live comfortably in the area (as reported by Clifton Heights PA Cost of Living). This is influenced by the median household income, which was $70,931 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).

Job Market and Employment Opportunities

Clifton Heights benefits from its proximity to Philadelphia, offering access to a broad job market. While specific major employers within Clifton Heights are not detailed, the general job market in the area includes opportunities in healthcare, education, retail, and technology sectors (as reported by Clifton Heights PA Cost of Living). Small businesses, healthcare clinics, and public services also provide local employment options.

The average salary in the Clifton Heights/Philadelphia area is estimated to be around $81,000 (as reported by Clifton Heights PA Cost of Living). For those working in specific roles, such as a Team Member, the average hourly wage in Clifton Heights is $11.63 per hour, based on salary data from job postings over the past 36 months (as reported by Indeed.com).

The unemployment rate in Clifton Heights is not directly provided in the search results. However, for context, the unemployment rate in Delaware County was 3.1% in March 2026 (as reported by Ohio County Unemployment Rates, with Delaware County being the parent county of Clifton Heights). This suggests a relatively stable job market in the broader region.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Clifton Heights experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. The hot season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 77°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 86°F and lows of 69°F (as reported by Clifton Heights Climate). Summers are generally wet, contributing to the overall humidity.

Conversely, the cold season extends from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 49°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 27°F and highs of 40°F (as reported by Clifton Heights Climate). The area receives an average annual precipitation of about 48 inches, with rainfall distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. July is typically the wettest month, with an average of 3.6 inches of rain, while February sees the least rainfall, averaging 2.1 inches (as reported by Clifton Heights Climate).

Overall, the temperature in Clifton Heights typically varies between 26°F and 86°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 13°F or exceeding 94°F (as reported by Clifton Heights Climate). The humidity level remains comfortable during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment.

Education and School Ratings

Public schools in Clifton Heights, PA, have an average math proficiency score of 27% and a reading proficiency score of 37% (as reported by Niche). These scores are below the Pennsylvania state averages of 38% for math and 55% for reading. Consequently, schools in Clifton Heights have an average ranking of 1 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania public schools (as reported by Niche).

The student body in Clifton Heights public schools is diverse, with minority enrollment comprising 71% of students, predominantly Black students. This is higher than the Pennsylvania public school average of 39% (as reported by Niche). The top-ranked public elementary schools in Clifton Heights include Primos Elementary School, Westbrook Park Elementary School, and Aldan Elementary School (as reported by Niche).

For the 2026 school year, there are three public schools serving approximately 1,190 students in Clifton Heights. Additionally, there are six private schools serving around 624 private students. Public school education accounts for 66% of all K-12 students in Clifton Heights, compared to the Pennsylvania state average of 86% (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Population

Clifton Heights is home to a population of approximately 6,832 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The borough is currently experiencing slight growth, with a projected population of 6,888 in 2026, assuming an annual rate of change of 0.4% (as reported by Census Data). The population density is quite high, with 10,882.5 inhabitants per square mile (as reported by Wikipedia).

The racial makeup of Clifton Heights is diverse. As of the latest data, White residents (Non-Hispanic) constitute about 49.4% of the population, followed by Black or African American residents at 38.8% (as reported by Census Data). Other racial groups include those of Two or More Races (7.6%), Asian (2.25%), and Other Races (0.26%) (as reported by Census Data).

The median age in Clifton Heights is 32.7 years (as reported by Data USA), with a slight majority of females at 53% and males at 47% (as reported by Niche). A significant portion of the population, 98.8%, are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The foreign-born population is relatively small, at 3.7% as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA).

Major Employers and Economic Landscape

While specific major employers within Clifton Heights are not explicitly listed in the provided data, the borough’s economic landscape is influenced by its proximity to Philadelphia and the surrounding Delaware County. Key industries in Delaware County include Health Care and Social Services, Education, Retail, and Manufacturing (as reported by Delaware County Economic Development Corporation). These sectors likely provide a significant number of employment opportunities for Clifton Heights residents.

Companies such as AutoZone, McDonald’s, and various retail chains like Dollar Tree and The Home Depot have a presence in or near Clifton Heights, contributing to the local job market (as reported by Indeed.com). The broader Philadelphia metropolitan area offers a more extensive range of large corporations and diverse industries for employment.

The median household income in Clifton Heights was $70,931 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), which is slightly below the median household income for Delaware County ($90,419) (as reported by Delaware County Economic Development Corporation). The poverty rate in Clifton Heights is 15.65% (as reported by Data USA), which is higher than the national average of 12.5%.