Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Plains Township, PA
Thinking about moving to Plains Township, PA? With a population of just under 10,000, Plains Township offers affordable living (median home price $162,000, rents around $950) and low violent crime (89 per 100K). Residents enjoy short average commutes (about 22 minutes), a strong owner-occupied housing rate, and easy access to healthcare and educational options. While the area boasts a friendly, close-knit community, its proximity to Wilkes-Barre means more amenities and higher education are only minutes away—making it a practical and welcoming choice for new residents.
Demographics - Plains Township, PA
Demographics - Plains Township, PA
Plains Township is home to nearly 10,000 residents, with a median age of 45.2 and a population density of 1,000 per square mile. The community is predominantly White, and about 6.5% speak a language other than English at home, creating a close-knit yet diverse atmosphere.
Population:
9,828
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.1%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
2.7%
Others:
4.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Plains Township, PA?
Living in Plains Township is affordable, with a median home value of $162,000 and average rent around $950. The cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.7
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
74.3
Utilities:
104.5
Transportation:
94.8
Health Care:
94.2
Miscellaneous:
90.1
Crime
Is Plains Township, PA a safe place to live?
Plains Township enjoys a low violent crime rate of 89 incidents per 100,000 residents, and while property crime is higher, the area remains generally safe. Residents have a 1 in 1,120 chance of experiencing violent crime, supporting a sense of security in the community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
89
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,025
Crime Index:
1,114
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,120
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Plains Township, PA year-round?
The township experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows near 19°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. Annual rainfall is about 42 inches, and nearly half the days are sunny, providing a comfortable climate for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Residents of Plains Township benefit from a median household income of $56,900, and the area boasts a high school graduation rate above 91%. With an average commute of just over 21 minutes and a poverty rate of 13.8%, the township offers a balanced lifestyle in a welcoming neighborhood.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$56,900
Family Income:
$68,200
Per Capita Income:
$27,800
Income Male:
$41,500
Income Female:
$32,200
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
21.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.7%
Bachelors or More:
21.5%
Education
How are the schools in Plains Township, PA?
Families in Plains Township have access to local public and private schools, such as Plains-Solomon Elementary and Good Shepherd Academy, along with higher education just minutes away at King’s College and Wilkes University. The area supports lifelong learning opportunities from early education through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Plains-Solomon Elementary School
Street:
43 Abbott St
Phone:
570-826-7222
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9

Private Schools
Name:
Good Shepherd Academy
Street:
316 N Maple Ave
Phone:
570-718-4724
Students:
350

Colleges
Name:
King's College
City:
Wilkes-Barre
State:
PA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
2,300
Name:
Wilkes University
City:
Wilkes-Barre
State:
PA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
4,600
Healthcare
Plains Township is well-served by nearby major hospitals offering emergency services and a robust network of physicians, with 94.8% of residents covered by health insurance. Access to quality healthcare is convenient and reliable for families and individuals alike.

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:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Plains Township, PA?
The housing market in Plains Township is stable and accessible, with a median home price of $162,000 and 71% of residents owning their homes. Home values have appreciated over 6% in the past year, reflecting steady local growth.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services in nearby Dunmore for all motor vehicle needs, with helpful resources available online and by phone. The DMV provides essential services for licensing, registration, and state compliance.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
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.