Living in Clifton

Parish

Clifton is a small town in South West with a population of 19,903. It has exceptional schools, with 100% rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted and a low crime rate of 42 per 1,000 residents, with average house prices around £252k. Its schools are among the best in the region, which is a significant draw for families with children.

£252k
Median property price ↑ 3.7%
42
Crimes per 1,000 residents
2
Schools (2 Good/Outstanding)
Limited
Transport rating · Clifton Down

About Clifton

Overview

Elegant Bristol neighbourhood with the suspension bridge, boutiques, and Georgian terraces. Located in South West, Clifton has a population of approximately 19,903 residents, making it a compact parish by UK standards. The primary postcode area is BS8.

Clifton sits within South West and is well connected to neighbouring areas. The local property market is at the affordable end of the spectrum, with a median price of £252k that is 21% below the South West average of £319k. The area has a low crime rate compared to similar areas.

Key facts about Clifton

  • Limited public transport links
  • Nearest station: Clifton Down
  • Part of South West
  • High proportion of Good/Outstanding schools
  • Region: South West
  • Population: ~19,903
  • Median property price: £252k
  • Crime rate: 42 per 1,000
  • Ofsted: 100% schools Good/Outstanding

Property prices in Clifton (2026)

Based on HM Land Registry Price Paid data, updated regularly.

£252k
Median price
↑ 3.7%
Year-on-year change

Property market analysis

The median property price in Clifton currently stands at £252k, placing it in the affordable segment of the South West market. This is 21% below the South West average of £319k. Over the past twelve months, prices in Clifton have been on an upward trend, with a year-on-year change of +3.7%.

This rate of growth outpaces many comparable areas in South West and suggests continued demand from buyers. Factors driving price appreciation may include transport improvements, new developments, or an influx of buyers priced out of more expensive neighbouring areas.

For context, the most affordable areas in South West have median prices around £198k, while the most expensive areas reach £742k. Clifton sits towards the more affordable end of this range.

What types of property are available? At this price level, buyers can access a range of property types including flats, terraced houses, and some semi-detached homes. This makes the area attractive to both first-time buyers and young families.

Crime and safety in Clifton

Crime data sourced from Police.uk, which records all crimes reported to police forces across England and Wales.

Low crime 41.8 crimes per 1,000 residents

Crime rate analysis

Clifton has a low crime rate of 41.8 offences per 1,000 residents per year. This is below the national average of 62 per 1,000. This is a reassuring figure for an area of this size and suggests a relatively safe environment for residents.

Understanding crime statistics: Raw crime numbers can be misleading without context. Areas with high footfall (shopping centres, transport hubs, nightlife) naturally record more incidents. The crimes-per-1,000-residents metric normalises for population size but does not account for visitors. When assessing safety, consider the types of crime most relevant to you — residential burglary and vehicle crime are more directly relevant to homeowners than shoplifting or public order offences.

For a full breakdown by crime category, monthly trends, and year-on-year comparison, sign up for Check Local's detailed safety report for Clifton. Our AI-generated analysis puts the numbers in plain English so you can make an informed decision.

Schools in Clifton

School data from the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted.

2
Total schools
100%
Good or Outstanding

Schools analysis

Clifton has 2 schools in the local area, of which 2 (100%) have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. This represents a exceptional level of school quality. Families moving to the area will find an excellent range of well-regarded schools, which is also a contributing factor to the area's property prices — proximity to top-rated schools typically adds a premium of 8-12% to property values.

Primary and secondary schools: The area serves families with children of all ages, with both primary and secondary schools available locally. The smaller number of schools means catchment areas are important — check distances carefully before committing to a property.

Catchment areas and admissions: Most schools in Clifton use distance-based admissions criteria, meaning the closer you live to a school, the more likely your child is to gain a place. Popular schools can have very tight catchment areas. Check Local's detailed schools report shows the distance from any address to every nearby school, with full Ofsted ratings and Key Stage results.

Transport and commuting in Clifton

Limited Nearest station: Clifton Down

Transport links analysis

Clifton has limited public transport options. Most residents rely on a car for daily commuting and errands. The nearest railway station is Clifton Down, providing regular services to surrounding areas. Transport connectivity data is sourced from NaPTAN, the official UK database of public transport access points.

Commuters from Clifton should factor in travel times carefully. Rail services may be less frequent than in larger centres, and a car is advisable for maximum flexibility.

Impact on property values: Transport links are one of the strongest predictors of property prices. Areas within walking distance of a station typically command a premium of 10-15% over areas further away. Planned transport improvements could be a catalyst for future price growth in Clifton.

Living in Clifton — lifestyle and amenities

Clifton is a compact parish in South West with a population of around 19,903. The area has a community feel with local shops, cafes, and green spaces contributing to quality of life.

Who lives in Clifton? The affordable property prices make this area popular with first-time buyers, young families, and those looking for better value. It often attracts buyers priced out of more expensive neighbouring areas.

Green spaces and recreation: The area offers access to parks, playing fields, and countryside walks, providing a balance between urban convenience and outdoor recreation.

Shopping and dining: While Clifton may not have the range of a major city, local shops and eateries provide for daily needs, with larger centres accessible within a short drive or train ride.

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Frequently asked questions about Clifton

Is Clifton a good place to live?

Clifton is a small town in South West with limited transport, exceptional schools, with 100% rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, and a median house price of £252k. The crime rate is low at 42 per 1,000 residents.

What is the population of Clifton?

Clifton has a population of approximately 19,903, making it a small town by UK standards.

Is Clifton a safe area?

Clifton has a low crime rate of 42 per 1,000 residents, which is below the national average of 62 per 1,000. Crime data is from Police.uk and covers all reported offences.

What are the schools in Clifton like?

There are 2 schools in Clifton, of which 2 (100%) are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted — a exceptional level of school quality.

What is the average house price in Clifton?

The median property price in Clifton is £252k, which is 21% below the South West average of £319k. Prices have been on an upward trend over the past year.

Where does this data come from?

All data in this Clifton area guide is sourced from verified official UK government and public sector data providers. We combine property transaction records, crime statistics, school inspection data, transport network data, and census information to build a complete picture of every area.

We do not scrape, estimate, or fabricate any figures. Check Local processes and combines these official datasets to produce a unified area intelligence report. Our AI then generates plain-English narratives to help you understand what the numbers actually mean for your day-to-day life.

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