Median Income
$75,500
0% lower than US avg
Home Value
$132,700
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
544/100K
43% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.1%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$682
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.0%
94% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
45% lower than US avg
How Plainfield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population379
Median Age43.4 yrs
Density1,115/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$75,500
Per Capita$35,758
Unemployment7.0%
Poverty6.8%
County GDP$1,581M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$132,700
Rent$682
Ownership84.1%
Zillow$215,615
Housing Units199
Rent Burden16.9%
Crime
F
Violent544/100K
Property1,492/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking17.3%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation941 ft (287 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.1%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+0.8%
School Score6.42
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute22 min
Broadband87.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Plainfield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Plainfield receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Plainfield has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Plainfield is $75,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Plainfield is $132,700, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $682 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 544 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,492 per 100,000, 24% below the national average.
Education
11.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Plainfield experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Plainfield has a population of 379 with a density of 1,115 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 43.4 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (90.8%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.4yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Plainfield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Plainfield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Plainfield is $75,500, which is 0% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,758. The average weekly wage is $1,011, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 749 business establishments, including 48 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Plainfield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,500 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,758 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,011 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,332 |
| Gini Index | 0.412 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.0% |
| 94% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.8% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 749 |
| County GDP | $1,581M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 73 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,930 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Plainfield is $132,700, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,615, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $682 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 199 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $4,930 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 16.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $132,700 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $215,615 |
| Median List Price | $144,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $144,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $130 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $682 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.9% |
| Housing Units | 199 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,930 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.72% |
In Plainfield, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.2% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090. The dentist ratio is 1:1,684. 73.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Plainfield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,090 |
| Dentists | 1:1,684 |
| Mental Health | 1:527 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 67.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,009/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 73 |
Plainfield has a violent crime rate of 544 per 100,000 residents, 43% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,492 per 100,000, 24% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Plainfield receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Plainfield vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 543.6/100K |
| 43% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,492.4/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Plainfield experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 941 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 941 ft (287 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,115/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8445°N, 92.5357°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bremer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.4"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
599 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 42 fatalities, 1,127 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
43 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
48 km |
13 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
53 km |
5 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
91 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
68 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
37 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Plainfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Plainfield. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $690 |
| Toddler | $594 |
| Preschool | $594 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $458 |
| Preschool | $458 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Plainfield
What is the population of Plainfield?
Plainfield has a population of 379 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,115 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Plainfield expensive to live in?
Plainfield is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $75,500, 0% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $132,700 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $682 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Plainfield safe?
The violent crime rate in Plainfield is 544 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,492 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Plainfield receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Plainfield?
Plainfield has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Plainfield?
The unemployment rate in Plainfield is 7.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,011. There are 749 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Plainfield?
The median home value in Plainfield is $132,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,615. For renters, the median monthly rent is $682. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,930.
How are the schools in Plainfield?
Schools in Plainfield score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.1% of adults in Plainfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 0.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Plainfield?
The obesity rate in Plainfield is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 73.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090.
What is transportation like in Plainfield?
The average commute in Plainfield is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Plainfield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Plainfield is 90.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
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