Clifton Forge is a town in Alleghany County, Virginia, United States which is part of the Roanoke Region. The population was 3,884 at the 2010 census. The Jackson River flows through the town, which as a result was once known as Jackson's River Station. Clifton Forge was an independent city during the 2000 census. However, in 2001, Clifton Forge gave up its city status and reverted to a town. In previous decades, the railroad was a major employer. Clifton Forge is known for its mountain views and clear streams. Clifton Forge and the surrounding Alleghany Highlands is served by the newspaper of record, the Virginian Review newspaper, and its related social media platforms, with print editions published Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and the Virginian Review Online published seven days a week.
Clifton Forge is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the town had a total area of, all land. Portions of the town were built upon a bridge, elevating the town above a stream.
Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,884 people, 1,701 households, and 982 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,252.9 people per square mile. There were 2,004 housing units at an average density of 646.5 per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 84.4% White, 11.8% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.7% of the population. There were 1,701 households, out of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.8% were married couplesliving together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.3% were non-families. 37.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.85. In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.7% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 28.5% from 45 to 64, and 22.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.7 males. The median income for a household in the city was $34,256, and the median income for a family was $53,547. Males had a median income of $38,500 versus $29,630 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,833. About 14.3% of families and 23.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.4% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.
