Pennsylvania / Luzerne County

Moving to Plains, PA

Thinking of making a move to Plains, PA? 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 Plains, PA

Considering a move to Plains, PA? This welcoming community of 9,780 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $170,000 and average rents near $1,000. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Plains's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Plains, PA

Plains has a population of 9,780 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 46 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 89% White, 3% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Plains is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.1. Median home values are around $170,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,000. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 165 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 96. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Pennsylvania.

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?

Plains experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 20°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
20°F
Max
36°F

Summer

Min
60°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
39°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
37.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $52,800 and a low poverty rate of 13.7%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like Plains-Solomon Elementary School and James M. Coughlin High School (serves Plains area) known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Wilkes University and King's College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Plains residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 92.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $170,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 72%. The market has seen a 3.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Plains offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Plains handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), conveniently located in Dunmore. 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
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address
81 Keystone Industrial Park, Dunmore, PA 18512
Phone
1-800-932-4600

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 Plains, PA

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

Before moving to Plains, review the core fields on this page: population 9,780, median home value $170,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,000, commute time 22.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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