Plainfield, New Jersey Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Plainfield, New Jersey is 54,515 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 18th-largest city in New Jersey. The median household income is $80,334, the median home value is $383,300, and the median age is 33.0.
The population has grown 13.8% since 2010 (49,667 → 56,507).
54,515
Population
9148
People / sq mi
$80,334
Median Income
$383,300
Median Home Value
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Plainfield covers 6.0 sq mi of land at 9148 people per square mile.
About Plainfield, NJ
What distinguishes Plainfield is density: among the most densely settled of US cities, around 9,148 people per square mile. Plainfield is a city in New Jersey with a population of 54,515. It ranks #18 among cities in New Jersey by population.
The typical household here earns about $80,334, near the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.5% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Median home value is $383,300, with typical rent around $1,673.
College attainment is 22.8%, below the national 35.0%. Just 6.5% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Plainfield: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Plainfield city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Plainfield city had a population of 49,667 in 2010 and 56,507 in 2024, a 13.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 56,507 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.95%.
56,507
Population (2024)
49,667
Population (2010)
56,507
Peak (2024)
0.95%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 49,667 |
| 2011 | 49,816 |
| 2012 | 49,972 |
| 2013 | 50,223 |
| 2014 | 50,315 |
| 2015 | 50,464 |
| 2016 | 50,276 |
| 2017 | 50,367 |
| 2018 | 50,430 |
| 2019 | 50,317 |
| 2020 | 54,344 |
| 2021 | 55,021 |
| 2022 | 54,805 |
| 2023 | 55,561 |
| 2024 | 56,507 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 10.4% |
| Black or African American | 33.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$80,334
Median Household Income
$30,414
Per Capita Income
12.5%
Poverty Rate
6.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$383,300
Median Home Value
$1,673
Median Rent
42.4%
Owner-Occupied
Education
72.2%
High School+
22.8%
Bachelor's+
Commute
4.5%
Drive Alone
60.7%
Public Transit
6.5%
Work From Home
30.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
13.1%
Foreign Born
41.5%
Non-English at Home
2.2%
Veterans
7.3%
With Disability
73.4%
Health Insurance
95.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 17.6% |
| Retail Trade | 14.5% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 14.3% |
| Construction | 11.3% |
| Manufacturing | 10.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 6.0% |
| Information | 4.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.1% |
| Public Administration | 3.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Plainfield, New Jersey has a population of 54,515 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 18th-largest city in New Jersey.
The median household income in Plainfield, New Jersey is $80,334, with 12.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Plainfield, New Jersey is $383,300, with median monthly rent at $1,673 and a homeownership rate of 42.4%.
The median age in Plainfield, New Jersey is 33.0 years. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The population has grown 13.8% since 2010 (49,667 → 56,507).
Where to stay in Plainfield
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.