New Jersey / Union County

Moving to Plainfield, NJ

Thinking of making a move to Plainfield, NJ? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Plainfield, NJ

Considering a move to Plainfield, NJ? This welcoming community of 54,513 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $330,000 and average rents near $1,480. Commute times average 33 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Plainfield's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Plainfield, NJ

Plainfield has a population of 54,513 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 23% White, 47% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 36% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Plainfield is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 116.5. Median home values are around $330,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,480. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Plainfield is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 502 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 65. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in New Jersey.

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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 25°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
25°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
46°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
47 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $72,418 and a low poverty rate of 14.7%. Over 78% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 33 minutes, and almost 18% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like Plainfield High School and Emerson Community School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Union College of Union County and Kean University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Plainfield residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center (Outpatient Services) and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.5 per 1,000 people and 89.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $330,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 45%. The market has seen a 6.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.2%. Plainfield offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Plainfield handle vehicle services through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, conveniently located in Trenton. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
New Jersey
Department
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone
1-609-292-6500

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.

FAQs About Moving to Plainfield, NJ

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Plainfield, review the core fields on this page: population 54,513, median home value $330,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,480, commute time 33.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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