Median Income
$84,457
12% higher than US avg
Home Value
$66,000
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
20/100K
95% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.6%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$592
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.6%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
53% lower than US avg
How Clifton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,845
Median Age24.9 yrs
Density262/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$84,457
Per Capita$26,216
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty5.8%
County GDP$2,526M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$66,000
Rent$592
Ownership40.2%
Zillow$277,261
Housing Units1,510
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent20/100K
Property2,099/100K
Health
Obesity32.6%
Uninsured16.0%
Smoking10.7%
Depression18.6%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (20°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain17.0 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,237 ft (1,291 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.6%
High School+86.8%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.26
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute23 min
Broadband99.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Clifton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clifton receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Clifton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clifton is $84,457, 12% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clifton is $66,000, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $592 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Clifton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 20 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,099 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Clifton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Clifton has a population of 3,845 with a density of 262 people per square mile, spread across 14.8 square miles. The median age is 24.9 years, 36% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (56.6%), with 7.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 76.5% of residents, while 23.5% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 7.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
24.9yrs
Median Age
36% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
76.5%
3% below US avg
Spanish
23.5%
75% above US avg
The median household income in Clifton is $84,457, which is 12% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,216 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,696, 18% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 110 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100.7, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $84,457 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,216 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,696 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,629 |
| Gini Index | 0.376 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.8% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 110 |
| County GDP | $2,526M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,125 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Clifton is $66,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,261, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $592 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,151 for a one-bedroom to $1,419 for a two-bedroom apartment. 40.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,510 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $1,125 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $66,000 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $277,261 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $592 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,053 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,151 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,889 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,158 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 40.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 40.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 59.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,510 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,125 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.70% |
In Clifton, 32.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 10.7% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 18.6% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 16.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,567. The dentist ratio is 1:4,651. 79.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clifton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.6% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.7% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 18.6% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.9% |
| Uninsured | 16.0% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,567 |
| Dentists | 1:4,651 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.5% |
| Dental Visits | 57.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,217/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Clifton has a violent crime rate of 20 per 100,000 residents, 95% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,099 per 100,000, 7% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clifton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Clifton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 19.8/100K |
| 95% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,099.4/100K |
| 7% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 89 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clifton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (20°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 17.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 4,237 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
87°F Jul (31°C)
| Annual Average | 67.3°F |
| 25% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 87°F (31°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,237 ft (1,291 m) |
| Area | 14.8 sq mi (38.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 262/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.0296°N, 109.2840°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | Greenlee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Safford Regional (SAD)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.0"
55% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 22.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
59 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Jun 29, 2014 |
13 km SW of Franklin, Arizona |
M5.3 |
51 km |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
12 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M4.0 |
55 km |
| Jul 3, 2014 |
11 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.9 |
54 km |
| Jul 11, 2014 |
5 km WSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
44 km |
| Jul 10, 2014 |
16 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
58 km |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
16 km SSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
56 km |
| Jul 12, 2014 |
17 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
59 km |
| Oct 8, 2012 |
32 km WNW of Glenwood, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
41 km |
| May 24, 2010 |
27 km NNE of Morenci, Arizona |
M3.6 |
30 km |
| May 24, 2010 |
24 km NNE of Morenci, Arizona |
M3.6 |
27 km |
| Jul 9, 2014 |
13 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
56 km |
| Jun 30, 2014 |
19 km SSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.5 |
60 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
35 km WNW of Glenwood, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
42 km |
| Jul 6, 2014 |
Arizona |
M3.5 |
53 km |
| Jul 11, 2014 |
12 km SSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.5 |
52 km |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
14 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.5 |
57 km |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
10 km SW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.4 |
48 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
9 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.4 |
52 km |
| Apr 27, 2019 |
2 km WSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.4 |
44 km |
| Feb 16, 2013 |
34 km WNW of Glenwood, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
44 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
8 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 13, 1989 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1979 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1967 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 2015 |
EF0 |
44 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 2008 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 2007 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2006 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1992 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Red Hill (142 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Red Hill |
Volcanic field |
2,300 m (7,546 ft) |
-9450 |
142 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WALLOW (563,664 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
WALLOW |
563,664 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
WHITEWATER-BALDY |
306,923 |
74 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
151,684 |
66 km |
| 2003 |
DRY LAKE COMPLEX (DRY LAKES) |
113,956 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
JOHNSON |
95,808 |
78 km |
| 2011 |
MILLER |
84,760 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
SKUNK |
73,774 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
FRYE |
54,202 |
65 km |
| 1993 |
BRUSH |
39,349 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
MIDDLE |
37,096 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
PINNACLE |
35,281 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
BEAR |
34,703 |
80 km |
| 2020 |
COW CANYON |
33,536 |
60 km |
| 2004 |
NUTALL COMPLEX (NUTALL) |
31,880 |
66 km |
| 2018 |
RATTLESNAKE |
27,383 |
68 km |
| 2020 |
BLUE RIVER 2 |
26,885 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
GREASEWOOD |
24,902 |
73 km |
| 2020 |
CUB |
24,489 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
BEAR |
24,459 |
51 km |
| 2020 |
BRINGHAM |
23,134 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
56°F (14°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| July |
87°F (31°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
Clifton has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 43°F in December to 87°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.7") and April the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Clifton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$252 ($151–$403) |
| Specialist Visit |
$352 ($201–$554) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$201 ($101–$352) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,215 ($806–$5,035) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$201) |
| Dental Filling |
$252 ($151–$403) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($50–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$302 ($151–$504) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$604 ($403–$1,007) |
| Battery Replacement |
$201 ($101–$352) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($60–$151) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($50–$141) |
| HVAC Repair |
$403 ($151–$806) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,049 ($4,028–$12,084) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,007 ($403–$2,014) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,063 ($5,539–$15,105) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,511 ($504–$3,525) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,105 ($5,035–$30,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,035 ($2,014–$10,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,511 ($806–$3,021) |
| Will Preparation |
$504 ($201–$1,007) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,518 ($1,007–$5,035) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$151 ($76–$252) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($50–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.13 ($3.02–$5.54) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.52 ($2.52–$5.04) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.83 ($2.52–$5.54) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.53 ($3.02–$6.55) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.54 ($4.03–$7.55) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.60–$1.81) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$141 ($81–$252) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$151) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($50–$151) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$201 ($76–$504) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,014 ($1,208–$3,525) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.06–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$252) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,208 ($604–$2,518) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,007 ($504–$2,014) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$403 ($201–$705) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,007 ($403–$2,518) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,588 ($5,035–$30,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($50–$201) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$302 ($151–$504) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$201 ($101–$403) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $931 |
| Toddler | $670 |
| Preschool | $670 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clifton
What is the population of Clifton?
Clifton has a population of 3,845 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 262 people per square mile, spread across 14.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 24.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Clifton expensive to live in?
Clifton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100.7 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $84,457, 12% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $66,000 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $592 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clifton safe?
Clifton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 20 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,099 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Clifton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clifton?
Clifton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 87°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Clifton?
The job market in Clifton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,696. There are 110 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clifton?
The median home value in Clifton is $66,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,261. For renters, the median monthly rent is $592. Fair market rent is $1,151 for a 1-bedroom and $1,419 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 40.2%. The average annual property tax is $1,125.
How are the schools in Clifton?
Schools in Clifton score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.6% of adults in Clifton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.8% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clifton?
The obesity rate in Clifton is 32.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 10.7% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 18.6% of residents report depression. 16.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 79.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,567.
What is transportation like in Clifton?
The average commute in Clifton is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clifton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clifton is 56.6% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino. 76.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 23.5% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 7.7% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
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