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Is Plainfield a Good Place to Live? Plainfield, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Plainfield ranks #966 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #405 of 524 smaller cities and #14 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (7.3%, #459 of 476) and low graduation rates (72.4%, #416 of 437).
Plainfield by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Plainfield's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Plainfield?
Plainfield's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,767/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $519,451, 10% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | Plainfield | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 112.6#1160 of 1,308 | 108.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $519,451#850 of 1,187 | $580,353 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,146/mo#780 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $410,800#812 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,767/mo#939 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.8x#802 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.7%#971 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Plainfield housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Plainfield is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is Plainfield safe?
Plainfield recorded 411 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 25% above the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #736 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #328 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Plainfield Police Department. Property crime runs 1,611 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Plainfield | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 411#736 of 1,085 | 194 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,611#529 of 1,085 | 1,250 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Plainfield?
The median household in Plainfield earns $85,908, 3% above the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 7.3% (US 4.3%). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Plainfield | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $85,908#524 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 7.3%#1032 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 15.5%#887 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Plainfield?
The median resident of Plainfield is 32.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1093 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Plainfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 32.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 22%#1093 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 44.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Plainfield's schools and health?
Plainfield's 19 public schools graduate 72.4% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 14 students per teacher and $20,987 spent per pupil. 36.1% of adults are obese and 14.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Plainfield | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 72.4%#1011 of 1,063 | 85.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14#282 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $20,987#165 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36.1%#880 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.4%#1117 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 27%#1282 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,827 students are enrolled in Plainfield's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Plainfield?
The average commute in Plainfield is 29.5 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 5.2% of workers take transit and 6.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Plainfield scores 13.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.7°F and winters 34.9°F, with 48.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Plainfield | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 29.5 min#1079 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 10.8%#1099 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 58% | 63.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5.2% | 9.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.7% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.8% | 13.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.6#225 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 40.7 | 23.8 | 3.8 |
| Feb | 44.2 | 25.7 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 52.9 | 32.1 | 4.3 |
| Apr | 65.7 | 41.7 | 3.6 |
| May | 74.9 | 51.3 | 4 |
| Jun | 83.7 | 60.3 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 88.1 | 66 | 5.3 |
| Aug | 86 | 64 | 4 |
| Sep | 79.4 | 57.5 | 4.3 |
| Oct | 66.3 | 45.7 | 4.3 |
| Nov | 55.7 | 35.9 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 45.7 | 29.4 | 4.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Plainfield.
| Measure | Plainfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 54.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 34.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 48.7 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Plainfield.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Plainfield?
Union County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Union County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Plainfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#535 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Union County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Union County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0088% | 77% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0051% | 66% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0012% | 64% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0011% | 54% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.001% | 31% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0018% | 21% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Plainfield compare with similar-size cities?
Plainfield is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #405 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 55,236.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainfield, NJPop. 55,236 | #966 | 50.7 | $85,908 | $1,767/mo | 411 | 29.5 min |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #76 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 | 25.9 min |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #980 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 | 24.7 min |
| Texas City, TXPop. 55,364 | #861 | 52.3 | $68,776 | $1,307/mo | 249 | 25.7 min |
| West Haven, CTPop. 55,351 | #435 | 59.4 | $74,382 | $1,442/mo | 65 | 22.9 min |
| Chicopee, MAPop. 55,295 | #690 | 55.1 | $62,615 | $1,157/mo | 482 | 21.3 min |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #1150 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 | 16.1 min |
| Winter Haven, FLPop. 55,200 | #934 | 51.2 | $59,648 | $1,246/mo | 269 | 28.4 min |
| San Jacinto, CAPop. 55,180 | #1162 | 46.4 | $80,647 | $1,615/mo | 319 | 40.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Plainfield compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Plainfield ranks #14 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 50.7 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 18% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 10% below the typical New Jersey home.
| City | Rank in NJ | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoboken, NJPop. 58,668 | #1 | 74.2 | $180,579 | $2,938/mo | 199 |
| Clifton, NJPop. 89,379 | #2 | 63.4 | $98,237 | $1,711/mo | 166 |
| Hackensack, NJPop. 46,057 | #3 | 62.2 | $84,277 | $1,911/mo | 235 |
| Jersey City, NJPop. 294,078 | #4 | 60.5 | $97,710 | $2,007/mo | 487 |
| Bayonne, NJPop. 71,553 | #5 | 60.0 | $83,887 | $1,682/mo | 275 |
| Toms River, NJPop. 94,956 | #6 | 59.7 | $100,137 | $1,731/mo | no data |
| West New York, NJPop. 52,004 | #7 | 58.1 | $71,729 | $1,716/mo | 236 |
| Union City, NJPop. 66,463 | #8 | 55.9 | $64,310 | $1,537/mo | 248 |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #9 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 |
| New Brunswick, NJPop. 56,345 | #10 | 51.5 | $65,810 | $1,814/mo | 504 |
| Perth Amboy, NJPop. 55,855 | #11 | 51.4 | $61,977 | $1,688/mo | 269 |
| Lakewood, NJPop. 69,585 | #12 | 50.9 | $56,968 | $1,718/mo | no data |
| Vineland, NJPop. 61,006 | #13 | 50.7 | $67,860 | $1,233/mo | 408 |
| Plainfield, NJPop. 55,236 | #14 | 50.7 | $85,908 | $1,767/mo | 411 |
| East Orange, NJPop. 70,090 | #15 | 49.7 | $60,830 | $1,441/mo | 426 |
| Passaic, NJPop. 70,002 | #16 | 47.9 | $55,371 | $1,465/mo | 585 |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #17 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 |
| Paterson, NJPop. 158,735 | #18 | 43.1 | $55,997 | $1,548/mo | 869 |
| Trenton, NJPop. 90,338 | #19 | 42.8 | $52,537 | $1,294/mo | 808 |
| Camden, NJPop. 71,496 | #20 | 38.0 | $40,546 | $1,226/mo | 1,312 |
All 20 New Jersey cities we track, by overall score. New Jersey statewide: median income $104,294, violent crime 193.8 per 100,000.
How is Plainfield's score calculated?
Plainfield scores 50.7 out of 100, #966 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with New Jersey's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Plainfield. Similar-size median 55.5.
38.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Plainfield's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
69.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Plainfield. Similar-size median 58.9.
43.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Plainfield's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
57.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Plainfield's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
51.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Plainfield. Similar-size median 56.1.
49.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Plainfield. Similar-size median 42.4.
33.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Plainfield. Similar-size median 50.0.
45.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Plainfield's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
66.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
56.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Plainfield's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Plainfield has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Plainfield
Is Plainfield, NJ a good place to live?
Plainfield ranks #966 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #405 of 524 smaller cities and #14 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (7.3%, #459 of 476) and low graduation rates (72.4%, #416 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Plainfield?
Plainfield's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,767/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $519,451, 10% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
What is the crime rate in Plainfield?
Plainfield recorded 411 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 25% above the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #736 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #328 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Plainfield Police Department. Property crime runs 1,611 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Plainfield?
The median household in Plainfield earns $85,908, 3% above the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 7.3% (US 4.3%). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Plainfield?
Median rent in Plainfield is $1,767/mo (Census), #939 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,146/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Plainfield?
The typical home value in Plainfield is $519,451, up 0.6% in a year, against $580,353 for New Jersey and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $410,800.
How are the public schools in Plainfield?
Plainfield's 19 public schools graduate 72.4% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 14 students per teacher and $20,987 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Plainfield?
The average commute is 29.5 minutes, #1079 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 10.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Plainfield?
Plainfield averages 54.9°F over the year, 74.7°F in summer and 34.9°F in winter, with 48.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Plainfield walkable?
Plainfield scores 13.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Plainfield at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Union County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Plainfield?
Union County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Plainfield?
Plainfield has 55,236 residents. The median resident of Plainfield is 32.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1093 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Plainfield compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Plainfield ranks #14 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 50.7 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 18% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 10% below the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to Plainfield?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Plainfield's population of 55,236 are Mount Prospect, IL (#76 overall), Anderson, IN (#980 overall), Texas City, TX (#861 overall), West Haven, CT (#435 overall), and Chicopee, MA (#690 overall). Plainfield is #966.