City profile
Clifton, NJ
Essex County · Population 89,379
Clifton is a city in Essex County, NJ with about 89,379 residents and a typical home value near $462,000. It is 4 miles from Montclair, NJ, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
32°F
Summer avg
77°F
Sunny days / yr
205
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$461,900
Typical monthly housing
$3,367
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
123
Taxes
- Property tax
- 2.23%
- State income tax (top)
- 10.75%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Partly exempt
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 6.60%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively High · county score 96/100
Top hazards: Strong wind, Riverine flooding, Lightning
Nearest major airport
12 mi to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Democratic · 72% Democratic / 27% Republican
Community
Population
89,379
Black population
4.3%
County
Essex County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸More retirees are leaving NJ than arriving, mostly over cost
- ▸Home prices are still rising in 2026 — good for long-term value, less room to negotiate
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: coastal flooding, very high property taxes
Highlights
- About 89,379 residents
- Typical home value about $462,000
- 4 miles from Montclair, NJ
Trade-offs
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.