Living in South Plainfield, New Jersey
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of South Plainfield · Census data 2020–2024
South Plainfield has 24,473 residents with a median age of 41.7. The median household income is $130,239 (26% higher than the New Jersey median), the median home value is $470,900, the median rent is $2,107/month.
South Plainfield at a glance
- Population
- 24,473
- Median age
- 41.7State: 40.1
- Median household income
- $130,239State: $103,556
- Median home value
- $470,900State: $454,400
- Median rent
- $2,107/moState: $1,720
- Homeowners
- 85.9%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 44%
- Average commute
- 30 min
Is South Plainfield a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 26% higher than the New Jersey median; an average commute of 30 minutes; unemployment of 5.6%; a poverty rate of 3%.
Cons: Home values 4% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in South Plainfield
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In South Plainfield the median home value is $470,900, 42% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,107 per month, which is 30% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,794 a month in housing costs.
South Plainfield median household income
The median household income in South Plainfield is $130,239 and the income per person is $51,315. 3% of residents live below the poverty line (New Jersey: 9.7%).
Housing in South Plainfield: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 8,530
- Owner-occupied
- 85.9%
- Renter-occupied
- 14.1%
- Vacant
- 2.1%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1964
- Average household size
- 2.90
South Plainfield demographics
- Population
- 24,473
- Median age
- 41.7
- Under 18
- 20.9%
- 65 and older
- 19.4%
- Households
- 8,351
- Foreign-born
- 23.9%
- Veterans
- 2.9%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of South Plainfield ›
Education in South Plainfield
44% of adults 25 and older in South Plainfield have a bachelor's degree or higher (New Jersey: 43.6%), and 17.8% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in South Plainfield
- Unemployment rate
- 5.6%State: 6.3%
- Average commute
- 30 minState: 31 min
- Work from home
- 16.4%
- Drive alone
- 72%
- Public transit
- 2.1%
- Walk to work
- 1%
- Homes with broadband
- 95.5%
South Plainfield vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Plainfield | 24,473 | $130,239 | $470,900 | $2,107 |
| Plainfield | 55,236 | $85,908 | $410,800 | $1,767 |
| Dunellen | 7,911 | $86,967 | $393,500 | $1,835 |
| Piscataway | 61,297 | $127,832 | $449,900 | $2,024 |
| North Plainfield | 22,809 | $87,349 | $374,700 | $1,752 |
| Metuchen | 15,144 | $158,052 | $604,300 | $2,078 |
| Green Brook | 7,028 | $208,375 | $538,500 | $2,115 |
| Middlesex | 14,645 | $105,000 | $446,400 | $1,416 |
| Scotch Plains | 24,843 | $183,655 | $718,200 | $2,060 |
More for people moving to South Plainfield
South Plainfield ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in South Plainfield: FAQ
What is the median household income in South Plainfield, NJ?
The median household income in South Plainfield is $130,239, 26% higher than the New Jersey median of $103,556 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in South Plainfield?
The median home value in South Plainfield is $470,900, compared with $454,400 in New Jersey.
How much is rent in South Plainfield?
The median gross rent in South Plainfield is $2,107 per month, about 30% of household income.
Is South Plainfield, NJ a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 26% higher than the New Jersey median; an average commute of 30 minutes; unemployment of 5.6%; a poverty rate of 3%. Minuses: home values 4% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in South Plainfield?
The median age in South Plainfield is 41.7 years (New Jersey: 40.1).
How long is the commute in South Plainfield?
The average commute to work in South Plainfield is 30 minutes; 16.4% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in South Plainfield?
The unemployment rate in South Plainfield is 5.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is South Plainfield?
44% of adults in South Plainfield have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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