Town in Bosque County, part of the Waco metro

Living in Clifton, TX

A

80th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 88 of 100
7th of 24 in the Waco area

We give Clifton an A. It ranks 80th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and safety, and trails on health and internet access. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals and retirees.

  • Good for families
  • Good for young professionals
  • Good for retirees
  • Errands close by
  • Low crime
  • Short commutes
  • Tornado risk is very high
  • Hail risk is very high
Map of Texas showing where Clifton isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthClifton
Where Clifton is in Texas.
Population
3,523+1.6% since 2020
Median rent
$1,05525% lower than Texas
Median home value
$160,00044% lower than Texas
Household income
$64,653Median
Average commute
16 minOne way
Violent crime
28Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Clifton

Clifton sits about 28 miles from downtown Waco, in the Waco metro. 3,523 people lived here in 2025, up 1.6% from 2020. It is spread out.

Local spots people know include Dahl Park, Cockrell-Thiele Park and Clifton City Park.

The median age is 48.8, 30% of households have children, 61% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $64,653 a year (18% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Clifton

  • Low violent crime. 28 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 93% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,055, 25% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 2.5 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 16 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Plenty close to home. 6 grocery stores, 22 restaurants and 5 parks are mapped in town.

Cons of living in Clifton

  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes and hail as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 115 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Clifton suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 100% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 93% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 89% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 18% lower than the Texas median, with 22 restaurants and 4 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 97% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 20% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 93% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 95% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 86% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,055 is 25% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 72% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,055 is 25% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 70% for people on a budget.

Clifton report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Clifton with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade B

    Median rent $1,055, homes cost 2.5x income.

    72 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade C+

    Median household income $64,653, 4.0% unemployed.

    49 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade B-

    3 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.

    63 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade A-

    28 violent crimes per 100k, 169 property crimes per 100k.

    86 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade A+

    6 grocery stores, 22 restaurants, 5 parks mapped in town.

    97 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade B+

    Average commute 16 min, 7.0% work from home.

    78 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade D+

    25% have a bachelor’s degree.

    32 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D+

    20% of adults uninsured.

    25 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D+

    61% of homes owner-occupied.

    31 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade D+

    86% of homes have broadband.

    29 of 100 vs US towns

Where Clifton stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 34%18 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Average commute: 16 min38% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Home value to income: 2.5x32% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 25%9 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $64,65318% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes with broadband internet: 86%5 points lower than Texas (91%)

Cost of living in Clifton

Clifton renters pay a median of $1,055 a month, 25% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $42,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 34% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $804 for a one-bedroom, $1,014 for a two-bedroom and $1,347 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $160,000, 44% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $876 before tax, or $1,083 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Clifton pays $2,485 a year, 41% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in CliftonStudio$7061 bedroom$8042 bedrooms$1,0143 bedrooms$1,3474 bedrooms$1,352
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Bosque County, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent25% lower than Texas$1,055$1,403$1,413
Median home value44% lower than Texas$160,000$283,800$332,700
Home value to income32% lower than Texas2.5x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent18 points lower than Texas34%52%51%
Median property tax per year41% lower than Texas$2,485$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them2 points lower than Texas61%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197319921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,083
Mortgage payment
$876
Property tax
$207
Median rent, for comparison
$1,055

Based on a $160,000 home in Clifton, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Clifton safe?

In 2025, Clifton Police Department reported 1 violent crimes and 6 property crimes. That works out to 28 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 93% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 169 property crimes per 100,000, 92% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 76% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Clifton by yearTexas2820212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
28
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
169
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Clifton by yearTexas16920212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Clifton Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Clifton

Clifton has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 100% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Clifton ISD.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
63
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
83
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • BClifton High SchoolHigh, Clifton ISD87 of 100
  • BClifton ElementaryElementary, Clifton ISD81 of 100
  • BClifton MiddleMiddle, Clifton ISD80 of 100

Daily life in Clifton

Everyday places mapped inside Clifton, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Dahl Park, Cockrell-Thiele Park, Clifton City Park.

The average one-way commute is 16 minutes, 38% shorter than the Texas average. 7% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

Downtown Waco is about 28 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Clifton work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $64,653, income per person is $29,931, unemployment is 4.0% and 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
6
Pharmacies
2
Restaurants
22
Cafes
4
Bars
2
Parks
5
Gyms
2
Hospitals and urgent care
1
Childcare
1
Libraries
2

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income18% lower than Texas$64,653$78,476$80,734
Income per person27% lower than Texas$29,931$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate1 points lower than Texas4.0%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line4 points lower than Texas9.5%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher9 points lower than Texas25%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher4 points lower than Texas82%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insuranceAbout the same as Texas20%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet5 points lower than Texas86%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute38% lower than Texas16 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home7 points lower than Texas7.0%14%15%
Workers who work from home7.0%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk1.6%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Clifton

Under 1824%
18 to 3414%
35 to 6434%
65 and over29%

Median age 48.8 years. 30% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White54%
Hispanic or Latino36%
Black0.7%
Asian0.7%
Other or more than one race8.4%

Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

Weather in Clifton

Clifton has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 34°F. There are about 115 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 38 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Clifton30°50°70°90°57J61F68M76A84M91J95J96A89S79O68N59DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Whitney Dam, 13 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is moderate, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

  • River floodingModerate
  • HurricanesModerate
  • TornadoesVery high
  • HailVery high
  • Heat wavesHigh
  • WildfiresHigh
  • Winter stormsLow
  • Strong windHigh

Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

Places near Clifton

Nearby, Meridian gets a B-, Laguna Park gets a D+ and Valley Mills gets a D. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

  1. B-MeridianTown, 1,638 people11 mi
  2. D+Laguna ParkTown, 1,596 people12 mi
  3. DValley MillsTown, 1,136 people13 mi
  4. A+CrawfordTown, 1,020 people18 mi
  5. A-China SpringTown, 1,126 people19 mi
  6. DWhitneyTown, 2,050 people19 mi

Clifton in the Waco area

How it ranks among 24 places in the metro.

  1. 1A+Crawford1,020 people15 mito downtown
  2. 2A+Willow Grove2,080 people6 mito downtown
  3. 3A+Woodway9,570 people5 mito downtown
  4. 4ALorena1,497 people12 mito downtown
  5. 5ARiesel1,453 people16 mito downtown
  6. 6AHewitt16,432 people7 mito downtown
  7. 7AClifton3,503 people28 mito downtown
  8. 8A-West2,576 people18 mito downtown
  9. 9A-China Spring1,126 people9 mito downtown
  10. 10B+Robinson12,800 people8 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of waco

Living in Clifton: common questions

Is Clifton, TX a good place to live?

We give Clifton an A. It ranks 80th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and safety, and trails on health and internet access. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals and retirees.

How much does it cost to live in Clifton?

Renters in Clifton pay a median of $1,055 a month, 25% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $160,000, 44% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.5x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $1,083, including property tax.

Is Clifton safe?

In 2025, Clifton Police Department reported 28 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 93% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 169 per 100,000, 92% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Clifton?

We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Clifton. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 63 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Clifton flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Clifton as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, heat waves, hail, wildfires and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

What is the weather like in Clifton?

Summers in Clifton peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 34°F. Expect around 115 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 38 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Clifton?

The average one-way commute is 16 min, 38% lower than the Texas average. About 7.0% of workers work from home. It is about 28 miles from downtown Waco.

Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.