In an era where shiny new apps emerge almost daily, it’s easy to assume that older platforms have faded into digital obscurity. Surprisingly, however, Craigslist — the service that has been a staple of online classifieds since the 1990s — still holds its ground in 2025. But how relevant is it now? Are people still using Craigslist in a meaningful way, or is it simply a relic of Internet history?
TLDR: Is Craigslist Still Relevant in 2025?
Yes, people still use Craigslist in 2025, although its user base is more niche than ever. It remains a valuable platform for local classifieds, job listings, and secondhand goods, especially in urban areas. While newer apps offer sleeker interfaces and safety features, Craigslist’s no-frills design and low fees continue to appeal to budget-conscious users and those seeking straightforward transactions. It’s not the titan it once was, but it’s far from irrelevant.
The Platform That Refused to Die
Craigslist hasn’t changed much in the past decade — and that’s part of its charm for many users. Unlike flashy competitors like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or Nextdoor, Craigslist offers a minimalist design and avoids monetizing every feature. This sense of consistency and simplicity has carved out a loyal, albeit shrinking, user base.
By 2025, Craigslist still sees millions of monthly users across the U.S. It serves as a community hub for those seeking affordable used furniture, odd jobs, garage sales, and housing — especially in metropolitan areas where the cost of living remains high. According to recent analytics from SimilarWeb, Craigslist remains within the top 50 most visited websites in the U.S.
Why People Still Use Craigslist
Despite the emergence of newer and more secure platforms, Craigslist holds certain advantages that keep it alive and useful:
- Simple User Interface: No distractions, no pop-ups — just straightforward listings.
- No App Required: Fully functional through a web browser, appealing to less tech-savvy users.
- Fewer Fees: Posting most local ads is free, which can’t be said for many competitors.
- Wide Reach: Available in virtually every U.S. city and many international regions.
This continued relevance is especially noticeable among older adults, long-term locals, and bargain hunters. Craigslist is also popular among landlords and property managers who prefer the traditional methods of listing apartments and homes.
What Craigslist Still Does Well in 2025
While Craigslist no longer dominates online classifieds, it still excels in several key areas:
1. Local Job Listings
For gig workers, independent contractors, and small business employers, Craigslist remains a go-to for hiring or picking up short-term work. These include tasks like yard work, manual labor, writing gigs, and tech tutoring.
2. Secondhand Market
People continue to flock to Craigslist to buy and sell everything from couches to bicycles to musical instruments. The lack of seller fees and limited competition contribute to this ongoing usage.
3. Housing and Rentals
The platform is still widely used by renters, particularly in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Given high competition and inflated rental costs in these areas, many tenants and landlords prefer Craigslist for its immediacy and vast audience.
4. Event Announcements and Community Boards
Craigslist still offers functional community bulletin boards where individuals can post about upcoming yard sales, local concerts, or neighborhood meetups. This old-school method resonates with those who want to avoid social media overload.
The Challenges: Why Many Have Moved On
Even though Craigslist retains a solid niche, many users have switched to newer platforms for a number of reasons:
- Lack of Safety Features: Craigslist lacks buyer/seller ratings and secure payment methods found in modern apps.
- Outdated Design: Its interface looks almost identical to what it was in 2005, resulting in a clunky experience for some users.
- Scams and Fraud: The anonymous nature of Craigslist makes it a common target for scammers and spam posts.
- Heavy Competition: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and even TikTok Shops offer engaging, safer, and visually appealing shopping and selling experiences.
Who Still Uses Craigslist in 2025?
Usage is not evenly distributed across demographics. Here’s a breakdown of who still turns to Craigslist today:
- Older Millennials and Gen Xers: These users often appreciate Craigslist’s no-frills design and functionality.
- Small Business Owners: Still post job ads or search for freelance help.
- Frugal Shoppers: Craigslist remains a haven for bargain hunters.
- People Relocating or Downsizing: Craigslist is a fast way to offload bulk items locally.
The Future of Craigslist
Craigslist might never return to its heyday — and that’s okay. Its survival in 2025 is proof that even old tools have lasting value in the right context. Whether Craigslist adapts by enhancing safety features or continues to lean into its minimalist legacy remains to be seen. Either way, it’s likely to stick around for those who value practical, local, and affordable exchanges.
FAQs: Craigslist in 2025
- Is Craigslist safe to use in 2025?
- While Craigslist can be safe with caution, it does not offer integrated security features like payment protection or user reviews. Meeting in public and trusting your instincts are still essential practices.
- What is Craigslist mostly used for now?
- Craigslist is primarily used for buying and selling secondhand goods, local job listings, rentals, and community events.
- Are there better alternatives to Craigslist today?
- Depending on your needs, platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and LinkedIn Jobs may offer better user interfaces, security features, and broader visibility.
- Is Craigslist free to use in 2025?
- Most local listings are still free. However, there is a small fee for certain post types such as job postings and real estate listings in select markets.
- Why hasn’t Craigslist updated its design?
- The site’s minimalism is intentional. Craigslist’s founder has always preferred a lightweight, no-nonsense approach, which has resonated with a segment of the user base.
In the fast-evolving digital landscape, Craigslist remains an anomaly — a resilient, albeit niche, platform defying expectations with its classic charm and utilitarian purpose. It may no longer be the king of online classifieds, but for many, it still gets the job done.