New Jersey · Metropolitan Area
South Plainfield is a small city in New Jersey with a population of 24,231. Residents earn $126,063 per year, which is 68% above the national average.
Based on current data, South Plainfield receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. South Plainfield offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in South Plainfield is $126,063, which is significantly higher than the national average — 68% above $75,149. This places South Plainfield among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 3.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
The median home value in South Plainfield is $443,900, making it a premium housing market at 57% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,928 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
South Plainfield is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 79 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,593 per 100,000, near the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 42.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
South Plainfield experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.7 inches, including 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
| English Only | 65.6% |
| 16% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 34.4% |
| 157% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $126,063 |
| 68% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $49,533 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,622 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $109,188 |
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 3.0% |
| 76% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 16,571 |
| County GDP | $51,947M |
| Restaurants | 1,317 |
| Healthcare | 1,591 |
| Retail | 1,861 |
| Manufacturing | 523 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $13,532 |
| 287% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.05% |
| Commute Time | 28.0 min |
| Work from Home | 12.3% |
| Census Median | $443,900 |
| 57% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $570,339 |
| Median List Price | $475,000 |
| Median List Price | $475,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $364 |
| Homes Sold | 14 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.6% |
| Price Drops | 11.5% |
| Inventory | 26 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,928 |
| 66% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,511 |
| Studio | $1,599 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,759 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,132 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,658 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,005 |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.2% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $13,532 |
| 287% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.05% |
| Obesity | 29.6% |
| 8% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 8.7% |
| COPD | 3.8% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 13.8% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.1% |
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,477/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 99.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,591 |
| Total Violent | 79.5/100K |
| 79% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 37.6/100K |
| Assault | 41.8/100K |
| Total Property | 1,593.4/100K |
| 19% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 209.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,346.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 37.6/100K |
| Arson | 4.2/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 29 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 54.9°F |
| 2% above US avg | |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 48.7 inches |
| 28% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 21.4 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 81 ft (25 m) |
| Area | 8.3 sq mi (21.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,919/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5744°N, 74.4148°W |
| County FIPS | 34039 |
Winner: Democrat by 24.2 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 42.0% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 92.5% |
| School Test Score | 6.24 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 2,919/sq mi |
| Total Area | 8.3 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 6 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 6 |
| Public Libraries | 24 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,591 |
| Restaurants | 1,317 |
| Retail Stores | 1,861 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 29 |
| Avg Commute | 28.0 min |
| Work from Home | 12.3% |