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).
Plainfield city, NJ Climate
Plainfield city, NJ has an average annual temperature of 11.5°C (53°F) and receives about 1258 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.5°C
Avg Temp
1258
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 29° | 99 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 77 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 104 mm |
| April | 10° / 51° | 104 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 118 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 101 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 131 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 112 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 113 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 97 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 106 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 96 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Plainfield city, NJ
The most comfortable months to visit Plainfield city, NJ are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Plainfield
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across New Jersey
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.