Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Plainfield, NJ
Considering a move to Plainfield, NJ? With a population of about 54,500, Plainfield offers affordable housing with a median home price of $330,000 and average rents near $1,480. The city is known for its vibrant, diverse community, good public transit access, and a moderate cost of living. Commute times average just over 33 minutes, and while crime rates are higher than average, residents enjoy a convenient location, abundant local amenities, and a strong sense of community. Explore schools, healthcare, and more to see if Plainfield is right for you.
Demographics - Plainfield, NJ
Demographics - Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield, NJ is home to about 54,500 residents with a population density of 8,400 per square mile, reflecting its urban character. The community is notably diverse, with nearly 47% identifying as Black and 22.5% as White, and over a third of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The median age is 35.6, making it a youthful and vibrant city.
Population:
54,513
Density:
8,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.6
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
35.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
22.5%
Black:
46.8%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
29.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Plainfield, NJ?
Plainfield’s cost of living is moderately above the national average, with a median home value of $330,000 and average rent around $1,480. Residents face higher expenses in areas such as housing and transportation, but utilities and groceries are only slightly higher than average. State income tax rates range from 1.4% to 10.75%, contributing to the overall cost.
Median House Value:
$330,000
Gross Rent:
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.5
Grocery:
113.0
Housing:
120.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
115.0
Health Care:
109.0
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Plainfield, NJ a safe place to live?
The city experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with about 502 violent crimes and 1,540 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. This means residents have a 1 in 199 chance of being affected by violent crime. Despite these figures, many residents appreciate Plainfield's active community efforts to improve neighborhood safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
502
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,540
Crime Index:
2,042
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 199
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Plainfield, NJ year-round?
Plainfield enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and chilly winters dipping to 25°F. The city receives about 47 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, offering a balanced climate for year-round activities. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, making outdoor living appealing.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn a median income of $72,418, though the poverty rate stands at 14.7%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and nearly one in five hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average 33 minutes, with 18% relying on public transportation for work.
Median Income:
$40,000
Household Income:
$72,418
Family Income:
$78,300
Per Capita Income:
$26,800
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$36,400
Poverty Rate:
14.7%
Non English Speakers:
35.7%
Rent:
$1,480
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
18.2%
Commute Time:
33.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
77.5%
Bachelors or More:
18.4%
Education
How are the schools in Plainfield, NJ?
Plainfield offers a range of public and private school options, with public schools like Plainfield High School serving around 1,500 students at a student-teacher ratio of 13.8. The community is also close to higher education institutions such as Union College and Kean University, located within a 10-mile radius. Educational attainment is strong, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Plainfield High School
Street:
950 Park Ave
Phone:
908-731-4300
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Name:
Emerson Community School
Street:
305 Emerson Ave
Phone:
908-731-4250
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5

Private Schools
Name:
Holy Trinity School
Street:
336 First St
Phone:
908-757-7153
Students:
280

Colleges
Name:
Union College of Union County
City:
Cranford
State:
NJ
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
8,000
Name:
Kean University
City:
Union
State:
NJ
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
14,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to well-equipped healthcare facilities, including Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center and nearby Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, Plainfield offers solid healthcare options. Emergency and general medical services are readily available for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center (Outpatient Services)
Address:
1200 Randolph Rd, Plainfield, NJ 07060
Phone:
(908) 668-2000
Type:
Outpatient & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Address:
110 Rehill Ave, Somerville, NJ 08876
Phone:
(908) 685-2200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Plainfield, NJ?
The median home price in Plainfield is $330,000, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,480, making it relatively affordable for the region. About 45% of homes are owner-occupied, and the housing market has seen a healthy 6.1% appreciation in the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, reflecting steady demand and a stable market.
Median Home Price:
$330,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate:
44.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Plainfield are managed by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, headquartered in Trenton. Residents can access licensing, registration, and title services both online and at local offices. Comprehensive information and resources are available on the state DMV website.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.