Plainfield City Demographics

Plainfield City, in Union County, NJ, has a 2020 population of around 54,586. The city’s demographics are approximately 48% Hispanic or Latino, 35% Black or African American, 13% White, and 2% Asian. The median age is about 36 years. Women make up 51% of the population, while men are 49%. This diverse community highlights a strong Hispanic influence alongside significant Black and other minority representation.

Plainfield City Housing

Plainfield, Union County, NJ offers a diverse housing market with about 54% homeownership and 46% rentals. Median home values are around $367,000, with median rents near $1,500/month. Property values have risen approximately 5% year-over-year (2023-2024). Housing includes historic Victorian homes, multi-family units, and newer condos across neighborhoods like Sleepy Hollow and Cedar Brook. Property tax rates average 3.2%, equating to roughly $11,700 annually for a median-priced home, among the highest in NJ.

Education in Plainfield City

Plainfield, located in Union County, NJ, has 13 public schools, including Plainfield High School, serving around 2,000 students with a graduation rate of approximately 85%. About 25% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety initiatives include security staff and surveillance, contributing to improved safety scores. The district offers specialized programs in STEM, arts, and adult education, including GED courses. GreatSchools rates most schools between 3–5 out of 10, indicating areas for academic improvement.

Transportation in Plainfield City

Transportation in Plainfield, Union County, NJ, centers on a mix of public and private options. About 22% of residents use public transit—primarily NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Line—while most (over 70%) commute by car; roughly 11% of households lack vehicle access. The average one-way commute is around 34 minutes, slightly above the national average. The city’s transportation infrastructure includes bus lines, commuter rail, and proximity to major highways like Route 22. Many residents work locally or commute to employment hubs in Newark and New York City, contributing to Plainfield’s role as a regional bedroom community.

Plainfield City Healthcare

Plainfield, Union County, NJ, is served by facilities like the Muhlenberg Emergency Department, Neighborhood Health Center, and nearby hospitals such as JFK Medical Center (under 5 miles away). As of 2022, about 88% of Plainfield residents are insured. The population (54,500) is 43% Hispanic, 35% Black, and 18% White, with about 12% aged 65+. Common health concerns include diabetes (12%), hypertension (27%), and asthma (9%). Healthcare access is challenged by physician shortages (1:2,100 ratio) and uninsured rates (12%), but multiple clinics and primary care providers offer bilingual and sliding-scale services.

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