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CITY · 1990 CENSUS

Plainfield

New Jersey · 46,567 residents · 5.959 sq mi
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The short version

Plainfield is wealthier than most US places, with a median household income of $38,463. Population has held roughly steady since 2000. Median home value is $140,400.

At a glance
Wealthier
above the US median
US median: $30,130
Younger
median age 31.3
US median: 33.0
Average education
19% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 20%
Less affordable
home values up 35%, inflation adjusted
US median home: $93,722
Section 01

Population & growth

Total population
46,567
−3%vs 2000
vs 47,829 in 2000
1990 – 2025
Population density
7,815 / sq mi
−3%vs 2000
vs 8,026 / sq mi in 2000
US average: 221
Median age
31.3
−4%vs 2000
vs 32.8 in 2000
US average: 33.0
Population, 1990 – 2024
45K48K51K53K56K1990201020202024Plainfield
202455K
1990201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income
$38,463
+9%inflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $46,683 in 2000
US average: $30,130
1990 – 2024
Per capita income
$14,742
−23%vs 2000
vs $19,052 in 2000
US average: $14,340
Poverty rate
12.2%
−3.7 ptsvs 2000
vs 15.9% in 2000
US average: 13.2%
Section 03

Housing

Median home value
$140,400
+35%inflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $137,500 in 2000
US average: $93,722
1990 – 2024
Median gross rent
$627
+14%inflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $726 in 2000
US average: $450
Owner-occupied
51.0%
+0.9 ptsvs 2000
vs 50.1% in 2000
49.0% rent
Afford Score
3.7
+24%vs 2000
vs 2.9 in 2000
1990 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in Plainfield on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000
White, non-Hispanic11.5%(5,508)
Black60%(28,698)
Hispanic / Latino25.2%(12,033)
Asian0.9%(428)
Other0%
Diversity Score67.7%(32,364)
1990
White, non-Hispanic26.4%(12,301)
Black66%(30,744)
Hispanic / Latino14.5%(6,759)
Asian0.9%(400)
Other6.7%(3,122)
Diversity Score74.4%(34,626)
Diversity Score
74
+10%vs 2000
vs 68 in 2000
1990 – 2024
Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
18.9%
+0.4 ptsvs 2000
vs 18.5% in 2000
US average: 20.3%
High school or higher
71.4%
+0.9 ptsvs 2000
vs 70.6% in 2000
US average: 75.2%
Graduate degree
6.9%
+0.7 ptsvs 2000
vs 6.2% in 2000
US average: 7.1%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute
23.0 min
+11%vs 2000
vs 20.8 min in 2000
US average: 21.9
Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

Drill deeper

Places similar to Plainfield

Bozeman
Pop 58,814
The Hammocks
Pop 58,838
Clermont
Pop 52,812
Hilo
Pop 50,404
Places similar to Plainfield
Head to head

Compare Plainfield to nearby cities

PLAINFIELD VS
North Plainfield
Income$87,349+127%
Home value$374,700+167%
Population22,879−60%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
PLAINFIELD VS
Fanwood
Income$195,529+408%
Home value$635,200+352%
Population8,035−86%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
PLAINFIELD VS
South Plainfield
Income$130,239+239%
Home value$470,900+235%
Population24,891−56%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
PLAINFIELD VS
Dunellen
Income$86,967+126%
Home value$393,500+180%
Population8,337−85%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
Frequently asked

How many people live in Plainfield, New Jersey?

Plainfield, New Jersey has about 46,567 residents according to the 1990 Census.

What is the median household income in Plainfield, New Jersey?

The typical household in Plainfield, New Jersey earns about $38,463 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Plainfield, New Jersey expensive?

In Plainfield, New Jersey, the median home is worth about $140,400, and the typical rent is about $627 a month.

How educated are people in Plainfield, New Jersey?

About 18.9% of adults age 25 and over in Plainfield, New Jersey hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Plainfield, New Jersey?

About 12.2% of people in Plainfield, New Jersey live below the federal poverty line.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

How we source and harmonize this data →