[13] Clifton was incorporated as a city by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 26, 1917, replacing Acquackanonk Township, based on the results of a referendum held two days earlier.

[30] The city of Clifton turned 100 years old in April 2017, but documented European settlements in the area date back to 1679, when a leader of the Lenape Native Americans gave a deed for 11,000 acres (4,500 ha) along the shores of the Passaic River to Hans Frederick.

[31] The modern name of "Clifton" was derived from the cliffs of Garrett Mountain, which borders the Albion Place neighborhood in the western part of the city.

Animal Quarantine Station, which was operated in Clifton by the United States Department of Agriculture, starting in 1903.

The federal station operated in Clifton until the late 1970s, when the facility was relocated to Stewart International Airport.

[32] Although Clifton has long converted from farmlands to suburban neighborhoods, given its close proximity to Manhattan, the city still has three small working farms that sell fresh and organic vegetables in-season: According to the United States Census Bureau, the city had a total area of 11.43 square miles (29.60 km2), including 11.27 square miles (29.19 km2) of land and 0.16 square miles (0.41 km2) of water (1.37%).

Unincorporated communities, localities, and place names, located partially or completely within the city, include:[36] Clifton is located off both Route 3 and Route 46, and is situated 15 miles (24 km) west of Midtown Manhattan, which is accessible via the Lincoln Tunnel.

[38][39][40] The 2010 United States census counted 84,136 people, 30,661 households, and 21,125 families in the city.

[50] As of the 2000 United States census[19] there were 78,672 people, 30,244 households, and 20,354 families residing in the city.

There are significant populations of Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Arabs, Filipinos, Chinese, and Indians as well.

It boasts numerous national and local shopping options and countless specialty grocers and retailers.

The mayor is chosen by the City Council, with the position traditionally given to the top vote getter in the previous election.

On December 13, 2013, the Clifton City Council voted 6–0, with one abstention, to make the move to November local elections binding, which had the effect of extending the terms of all sitting council members by six months, from June 30 to December 31.

Officials cited increased voter participation and reduced costs as the justifications behind supporting the shift.

[60] The other current members of the City Council are Chris D'Amato, William "Bill" Gibson, Antonio Latona, Joseph Kolodziej, Rosemary Pino, Mary Sadrakula, all of whom are serving concurrent terms of office that end on December 31, 2026.

If the vacancy comes before a council election year, the council must decide whether or not to appoint someone to serve as an interim councilperson within thirty days of the creation of the vacancy; if they choose to appoint someone, that person serves until the special election can be held and is eligible to run for the remainder of the term if he/she so desires.

[77] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 9th congressional district is represented by Nellie Pou (D, North Haledon)[78] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027) and Andy Kim (Moorestown, term ends 2031).

[79] For the 2024-2025 session, the 27th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by John F. McKeon (D, West Orange) and in the General Assembly by Rosy Bagolie (D, Livingston) and Alixon Collazos-Gill (D, Montclair).

[83] As of 2025[update], Passaic County's Commissioners are: Bruce James (D, Clifton, 2026),[84] Deputy Director Cassandra "Sandi" Lazzara (D, Little Falls, 2027),[85] Director John W. Bartlett (D, Wayne, 2027),[86] Orlando Cruz (D, Paterson, 2026),[87] Terry Duffy (D, West Milford, 2025),[88] Rodney DeVore (D, Paterson, 2027)[89] and Pasquale "Pat" Lepore (D, Woodland Park, 2025).

[102] Among the city's 2020 Census population, 52.9% (vs. 53.2% in Passaic County) were registered to vote, including 67.9% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 70.8% countywide).

[146] An additional overflow site, the Clifton High School Annex, was constructed at a cost of $17 million and opened in September 2009 to accommodate 540 of the school year's 850 incoming ninth graders to alleviate overcrowding.

[153] The department is led by Chief Thomas Rinaldi, who was named to the position in February 2020, and made full-time June 1, 2020.

The department operates a fleet of five engines, two ladders, and three basic life support ambulances 24/7, along with three marine rescue boats, a foam pumper and tender, light rescue truck, and haz-mat unit, which are cross staffed.

Hatzolah operates two ambulances strategically parked throughout the community, with a third on standby, available to assist neighboring chapters such as Union City and Elizabeth.

[162] Until 1966, the Newark Branch of the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad served several stations in the town, Athenia (Colfax Avenue) and Allwood.