Median Income
$69,276
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$184,100
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.3%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$839
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.0%
52% lower than US avg
How Clifton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,279
Median Age40.3 yrs
Density1,375/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans4.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,276
Per Capita$37,898
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty6.0%
County GDP$1,425M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$184,100
Rent$839
Ownership72.4%
Zillow$219,681
Housing Units581
Rent Burden34.3%
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking13.6%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
Rain39.0 in/yr
Elevation668 ft (204 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.3%
High School+96.9%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute27 min
Broadband91.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Clifton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clifton receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Clifton stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clifton is $69,276, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clifton is $184,100, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $839 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
21.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Clifton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.0 inches, including 24.0 inches of snow.
Clifton has a population of 1,279 with a density of 1,375 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 40.3 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (98%), with 4.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 4.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,279
Total Population
2023 Census
40.3yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Clifton is $69,276, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,898. The average weekly wage is $963, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 675 business establishments, including 59 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,276 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,898 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $963 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,388 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.0% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 675 |
| County GDP | $1,425M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 59 |
| Healthcare | 69 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,558 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Clifton is $184,100, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,681, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $839 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 581 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $4,558 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $184,100 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $219,681 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $839 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.6% |
| Housing Units | 581 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,558 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.48% |
In Clifton, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 19.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,353. The dentist ratio is 1:2,941. 38.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clifton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.5% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,353 |
| Dentists | 1:2,941 |
| Mental Health | 1:284 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 66.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,715/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 69 |
Clifton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.0 inches. The area receives 24.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 668 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.7°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 668 ft (204 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,375/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9347°N, 87.9343°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Iroquois County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joliet Regional (JOT)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.0"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.85"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
100 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
135 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
124 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
97 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
102 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
127 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
50 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
699 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 101 fatalities, 1,736 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
90 km |
29 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
82 km |
2 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
83 km |
18 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
82 km |
33 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
31 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
122 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
53 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
51 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
31 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
49 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
51 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
51 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
52 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
51 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Clifton has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 24°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.9") and February the driest (2.0").
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) |
$250 ($150-$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200-$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100-$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800-$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75-$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150-$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25-$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50-$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400-$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100-$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60-$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50-$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150-$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000-$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400-$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500-$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500-$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000-$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000-$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800-$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200-$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000-$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30-$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75-$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50-$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00-$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50-$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50-$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00-$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00-$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60-$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80-$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30-$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50-$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75-$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200-$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30-$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600-$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500-$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200-$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25-$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400-$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000-$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50-$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100-$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Clifton
What is the population of Clifton?
Clifton has a population of 1,279 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,375 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.3 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% 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 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $69,276, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $184,100 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $839 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Clifton?
Clifton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 39.0 inches, with 24.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Clifton?
The job market in Clifton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $963. There are 675 business establishments in the area, including 59 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clifton?
The median home value in Clifton is $184,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,681. For renters, the median monthly rent is $839. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,558.
How are the schools in Clifton?
Schools in Clifton score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.3% of adults in Clifton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clifton?
The obesity rate in Clifton is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 19.5% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 38.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,353.
What is transportation like in Clifton?
The average commute in Clifton is 27 minutes. 88.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clifton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clifton is 98% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 4.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.