Median Income
$61,705
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$81,800
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
214/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$665
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How Clifton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population453
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density1,105/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,705
Per Capita$30,521
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.6%
County GDP$352M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$81,800
Rent$665
Ownership82.9%
Zillow$129,620
Housing Units248
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent214/100K
Property2,563/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking17.0%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain32.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,294 ft (394 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score6.32
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute19 min
Broadband82.9%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Clifton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clifton receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $61,705, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clifton is $81,800, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $665 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Clifton is below the national average at 214 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,563 per 100,000, 31% above the national average.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Clifton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.4 inches, including 14.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Clifton has a population of 453 with a density of 1,105 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.4% female and 53.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
The median household income in Clifton is $61,705, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,521 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $772, 46% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 284 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,705 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,521 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $772 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,464 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 284 |
| County GDP | $352M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,450 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Clifton is $81,800, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,620, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $665 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 248 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $3,450. 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $81,800 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $129,620 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $665 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.1% |
| Housing Units | 248 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,450 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.22% |
In Clifton, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.1% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:734. The dentist ratio is 1:2,681. 56.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clifton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:734 |
| Dentists | 1:2,681 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,001 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 63.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,001/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Clifton has a violent crime rate of 214 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,563 per 100,000, 31% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 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 | 213.6/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,563.5/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clifton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 302 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 32.4 inches. The area receives 14.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,294 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,294 ft (394 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,105/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5681°N, 97.2806°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Manhattan Regional (MHK)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.4"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 16.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
154 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 4, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
129 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
89 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
74 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
79 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
64 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
78 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
94 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
91 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
98 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
96 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
81 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
88 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
76 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
75 km |
| Apr 6, 2023 |
6 km N of Bennington, Kansas |
M3.3 |
59 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
95 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
61 km |
| Aug 4, 2025 |
5 km E of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
644 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 360 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2016 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 6, 2016 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURLEY HILL (16,381 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
BURLEY HILL |
16,381 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
RANGE 51 |
13,760 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
MA-KILO |
8,935 |
53 km |
| 2024 |
AXELTON-BURKLUND |
8,831 |
52 km |
| 2019 |
2019-3238A |
8,632 |
62 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH HILLS |
8,445 |
89 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
7,758 |
50 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,465 |
63 km |
| 2015 |
IMPACT |
7,242 |
62 km |
| 2014 |
MOYER RANCH |
6,641 |
80 km |
| 2022 |
CARLSON |
6,101 |
55 km |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
100 km |
| 2013 |
IMPACT COMPLEX |
5,233 |
63 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
5,159 |
54 km |
| 2012 |
CALFEX COMPLEX |
5,122 |
53 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,425 |
63 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
59 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,595 |
58 km |
| 2017 |
KILO |
3,242 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Clifton has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 26°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.6").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clifton
What is the population of Clifton?
Clifton has a population of 453 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,105 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 46.4% female and 53.6% male.
Is Clifton expensive to live in?
Clifton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $61,705, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,800 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $665 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clifton safe?
Clifton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 214 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,563 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 has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.4 inches, with 14.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Clifton?
The job market in Clifton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $772. There are 284 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clifton?
The median home value in Clifton is $81,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,620. For renters, the median monthly rent is $665. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,450.
How are the schools in Clifton?
Schools in Clifton score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.5% of adults in Clifton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clifton?
The obesity rate in Clifton is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 56.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:734.
What is transportation like in Clifton?
The average commute in Clifton is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clifton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clifton is 93.8% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
