Plainfield, NJ Census Data
The 18th largest city in New Jersey by population · 19 cities ranked
Plainfield is the 18th largest city in New Jersey by population and ranks 6th of 19 for median household income. With 54,515 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 11 other New Jersey cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
54,515
50.5% male · 49.5% female
Median Age
33.0
5.7 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$80,334
$1,796 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
22.8%
12.2% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 72.2%
Poverty Rate
17.1%
4.7% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 26.6%
Broadband Access
95.6%
5.9% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$383,300
Median rent: $1,673 · 42% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
9.3%
Labor force participation: 66.0%
Per Capita Income
$33,311
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
2.2%
Disability rate: 7.3%
How Plainfield Compares to Other New Jersey Cities
Rankings among all 19 New Jersey cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 18th of 19 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 6th of 19 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 8th of 19 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 12th of 19 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 10th of 19 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Plainfield, NJ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Plainfield, NJ?
The population of Plainfield, NJ is 54,515 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 33.0 years.
What is the median household income in Plainfield?
The median household income in Plainfield, NJ is $80,334, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $33,311.
What is the poverty rate in Plainfield?
The poverty rate in Plainfield, NJ is 17.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 26.6% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Plainfield residents have a college degree?
22.8% of adults (25+) in Plainfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 72.2% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Plainfield?
The median home value in Plainfield, NJ is $383,300. Median rent is $1,673 per month, with 42% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Plainfield?
Plainfield's population is 10.4% White, 33.4% Black, 55.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 0.9% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Plainfield rank among New Jersey cities?
Plainfield is the 18th largest city in New Jersey by population, the 6th highest for median household income, the 8th lowest for poverty rate, the 12th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 19 ranked New Jersey cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Plainfield?
The unemployment rate in Plainfield, NJ is 9.3%, with a labor force participation rate of 66.0%. Per capita income is $33,311.
Cities Similar to Plainfield
Other New Jersey cities with comparable population and income levels.