Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Plains, PA
Considering a move to Plains, PA? This friendly community of about 9,780 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $170,000 and average rents at $1,000. Crime rates are low, and commutes are a quick 22.5 minutes on average. You'll find strong local schools, nearby major hospitals, and a classic northeastern climate with four distinct seasons and 53% sunny days. Plains is a great option for those seeking a relaxed pace, reasonable costs, and convenient access to Wilkes-Barre’s amenities.
Demographics - Plains, PA
Demographics - Plains, PA
Plains, PA is home to approximately 9,780 residents, with a median age of 45.6 and a population density of 1,800 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, and about 7.8% of residents speak a language other than English, making for a diverse yet close-knit small-town feel.
Population:
9,780
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.6
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
3.1%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Plains, PA?
Living in Plains is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index well below the national average at 88.1. Median home values are around $170,000, and average rents are approximately $1,000, offering affordable options for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$170,000
Gross Rent:
$1,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,225
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.1
Grocery:
96.8
Housing:
76.5
Utilities:
102.3
Transportation:
90.3
Health Care:
99.1
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Plains, PA a safe place to live?
Plains boasts low crime rates, with only 165 violent crimes and 1,040 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety, with a 1 in 606 chance of being involved in a violent crime.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
165
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,040
Crime Index:
1,205
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 606
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 96
Weather
What is the weather like in Plains, PA year-round?
The city experiences all four seasons, with mild summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 20°F. Annual rainfall averages about 38 inches, and residents enjoy sunshine 53% of the year.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Households in Plains have a median income of $52,800 and a poverty rate of 13.7%. Most neighbors drive to work, with a short average commute of 22.5 minutes, and over 92% of adults have at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$33,200
Household Income:
$52,800
Family Income:
$68,900
Per Capita Income:
$28,400
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$33,800
Poverty Rate:
13.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$1,000
Unemployment Rate:
5.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
22.4%
Education
How are the schools in Plains, PA?
Plains offers strong educational opportunities, including well-rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to private schools. Nearby Wilkes University and King’s College provide higher education options within a short drive.
Public Schools
Name:
Plains-Solomon Elementary School
Street:
43 Abbott St
Phone:
570-826-7222
Students:
640
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
James M. Coughlin High School (serves Plains area)
Street:
80 N Washington St, Wilkes-Barre
Phone:
570-826-7201
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
Holy Redeemer High School
Street:
159 S Pennsylvania Ave, Wilkes-Barre
Phone:
570-829-2424
Students:
480
Colleges
Name:
Wilkes University
City:
Wilkes-Barre
State:
PA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
5,200
Name:
King's College
City:
Wilkes-Barre
State:
PA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 92.8%. The area maintains a solid healthcare index, and there are 2.1 physicians available per 1,000 people.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
Address:
1000 E Mountain Dr, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone:
(570) 808-7300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Wilkes-Barre General Hospital
Address:
575 N River St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18764
Phone:
(570) 829-8111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
71.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Plains, PA?
The Plains housing market is accessible, with median home prices at $170,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 71.9%. Homes here appreciate modestly, and rental vacancies are relatively low, making it suitable for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$170,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), located in nearby Dunmore. Residents can access licensing and vehicle services both in-person and online through the state’s official website.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
81 Keystone Industrial Park, Dunmore, PA 18512
Phone:
1-800-932-4600
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.