Is Clifton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Clifton

Clifton, New Jersey, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an attractive option for those seeking a diverse and dynamic place to call home. Nestled within Passaic County, this city provides residents with a wide array of amenities, a strong sense of community, and convenient access to the broader metropolitan area. Clifton’s strategic location, coupled with its varied neighborhoods, caters to a range of lifestyles, from young professionals to growing families and retirees.

The city is characterized by its commitment to preserving green spaces while fostering economic growth and community engagement. Clifton’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a balanced living experience, where the conveniences of city life are balanced with the comforts of a suburban environment. This balance is reflected in its housing options, employment opportunities, and recreational facilities, all contributing to its overall desirability.

Is it Safe to Live in Clifton?

Clifton presents a varied safety landscape, with crime rates that differ across its neighborhoods. The overall crime rate in Clifton is 19.66 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest, with a lower incidence of crime compared to other areas. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Clifton can range from 1 in 42 in the southeast neighborhoods to 1 in 62 in the northwest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

When examining crime statistics, it’s important to note that Clifton’s violent crime rate is 54% lower than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, property crime rates are 29% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The total crime rate in Clifton is 15% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The city is considered safer than 38% of U.S. cities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs and Availability

Clifton’s housing market offers a range of options, though it is characterized by costs that are higher than the national average. The median home value in Clifton is approximately $612,462, showing a 3.4% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median listing home price in Clifton is $599,000 (as reported by Realtor.com®). Homes in Clifton typically sell for a median price of $643,000, representing a 10.8% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

Rental prices in Clifton are also above the national average. The average rent for an apartment in Clifton is $2,239, which is a 4.29% increase from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). Specifically, studio apartments average $1,840, one-bedroom apartments average $2,106, and two-bedroom apartments average $2,533 (as reported by RentCafe). The average rent across all property types and bedrooms in Clifton is $2,500 (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Major Employers

Clifton’s employment landscape is diverse, with a variety of industries contributing to its job market. The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). From 2023 to 2024, employment in Clifton saw a slight decline of -0.603% (as reported by Data USA).

The average salary for jobs in Clifton, New Jersey, is approximately $80,299 per year, or $39 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). This average salary is influenced by various factors, including occupation and experience. Major employers in the Clifton area contribute significantly to the local economy, providing a range of opportunities for residents across different skill levels.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Clifton experiences a climate with distinct seasons, offering a varied weather experience throughout the year. The hot season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 76°F. July is generally the hottest month, with average highs around 85°F and lows of 67°F (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline).

Conversely, the cold season spans from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 47°F. January is typically the coldest month, with average highs of 38°F and lows of 25°F (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). Clifton receives an average annual precipitation of about 50 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather), with rainfall distributed throughout the year. The wettest month is typically April, with an average of 3.7 inches of rain (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline).

Education and School Ratings

Clifton’s public school system serves a significant number of students, with 83% of K-12 students attending public schools (as reported by Niche). The Clifton Public School District is rated 1 star out of 5 by SchoolDigger, ranking it 457th out of 609 districts in New Jersey (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Public schools in Clifton have an average math proficiency score of 30% and a reading proficiency score of 38%, which are below the New Jersey state averages (as reported by Niche).

Despite the district’s overall ranking, some individual schools within Clifton are recognized for their performance. School #16, Classical Academy Charter School Of Clifton, and School #9 are noted as top-ranked public schools (as reported by Niche). Minority enrollment in Clifton public schools is 74% of the student body, which is higher than the New Jersey state average (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Diversity

Clifton is a city of significant diversity, with a population that reflects a rich tapestry of racial and ethnic backgrounds. As of 2024, Clifton is home to approximately 89,400 people, with 89.7% of residents being citizens (as reported by Data USA). White (Non-Hispanic) residents constitute the largest demographic group, making up 41.1% of the population (as reported by Data USA).

Hispanic or Latino individuals represent a substantial portion of Clifton’s population, accounting for 39.4% of residents (as reported by Data USA). The city’s foreign-born population is also notable, with 35.1% of residents born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Clifton is 41.6 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by World Population Review).

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Clifton, New Jersey, is higher than both the national and state averages. Clifton’s overall cost of living index stands at 133, indicating it is 33% more expensive than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this higher cost, being 88% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Groceries, healthcare, and transportation also contribute to the elevated cost of living in Clifton. Grocery prices are approximately 7% higher than the national average, while healthcare costs are about 11% higher (as reported by PayScale). Utility prices are marginally higher than the national average, by about 4% (as reported by PayScale).

Major Employers

Clifton’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers across various sectors. Key industries that employ a significant number of Clifton residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). These sectors provide a broad spectrum of job opportunities, from entry-level positions to specialized roles.

While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided search results, the concentration of industries indicates a strong presence of healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, and retail establishments within or near the city. These employers play a crucial role in the economic vitality and employment stability of Clifton and its surrounding communities.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Clifton, NJ, is currently at 4.60%, which is lower than the long-term average of 5.75% (as reported by YCharts). This rate reflects the percentage of the labor force actively seeking employment but not currently working. As of February 2026, the unemployment rate in New Jersey was 5.1%, which was slightly higher than the U.S. overall rate (as reported by USAFacts).

The national unemployment rate is a key indicator of economic health, and fluctuations can be influenced by various economic factors. The data suggests that Clifton’s local job market is performing slightly better than the broader state average in recent periods.