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CITY · 2000 CENSUS

Plainfield

New Jersey · 47,829 residents · 5.959 sq mi
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The short version

Plainfield has roughly average household income, with a median household income of $46,683. Population has held roughly steady since 1990. Median home value is $137,500.

At a glance
Wealthier
above the US median
US median: $42,589
Younger
median age 32.8
US median: 35.2
Less educated
19% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 24%
More affordable
home values down 26%, inflation adjusted
US median home: $120,530
Section 01

Population & growth

Total population
47,829
+3%since 1990
from 46,567 in 1990
1990 – 2025
Population density
8,026 / sq mi
+3%since 1990
from 7,815 / sq mi in 1990
US average: 242
Median age
32.8
+5%since 1990
from 31.3 in 1990
US average: 35.2
Population, 1990 – 2024
45K48K51K53K56K1990201020202024Plainfield
202455K
1990201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income
$46,683
−8%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $38,463 in 1990
US average: $42,589
1990 – 2024
Per capita income
$19,052
+29%since 1990
from $14,742 in 1990
US average: $21,522
Poverty rate
15.9%
+3.7 ptssince 1990
from 12.2% in 1990
US average: 12.4%
Section 03

Housing

Median home value
$137,500
−26%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $140,400 in 1990
US average: $120,530
1990 – 2024
Median gross rent
$726
−12%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $627 in 1990
US average: $602
Owner-occupied
50.1%
−0.9 ptssince 1990
from 51.0% in 1990
49.9% rent
Afford Score
2.9
−19%since 1990
from 3.7 in 1990
1990 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in Plainfield on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

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

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
18.5%
−0.4 ptssince 1990
from 18.9% in 1990
US average: 24.4%
High school or higher
70.6%
−0.9 ptssince 1990
from 71.4% in 1990
US average: 80.3%
Graduate degree
6.2%
−0.7 ptssince 1990
from 6.9% in 1990
US average: 8.8%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute
20.8 min
−10%since 1990
from 23.0 min in 1990
US average: 17.6
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+87%
Home value$374,700+173%
Population22,879−60%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
PLAINFIELD VS
Fanwood
Income$195,529+319%
Home value$635,200+362%
Population8,035−86%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
PLAINFIELD VS
South Plainfield
Income$130,239+179%
Home value$470,900+242%
Population24,891−56%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
PLAINFIELD VS
Dunellen
Income$86,967+86%
Home value$393,500+186%
Population8,337−85%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
Frequently asked

How many people live in Plainfield, New Jersey?

Plainfield, New Jersey has about 47,829 residents according to the 2000 Census.

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

The typical household in Plainfield, New Jersey earns about $46,683 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 $137,500, and the typical rent is about $726 a month.

How educated are people in Plainfield, New Jersey?

About 18.5% 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 15.9% of people in Plainfield, New Jersey live below the federal poverty line.

Has Plainfield, New Jersey grown since 1990?

Yes, Plainfield, New Jersey has grown since 1990. The population has added about 1,262 residents, a change of about 3 percent over that period.

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

How we source and harmonize this data →