Median Income
$51,397
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$244,300
13% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
108/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.0%
8% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$895
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.6%
2% higher than US avg
How The Plains Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,584
Median Age61.2 yrs
Density1,133/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,397
Per Capita$37,351
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty12.6%
County GDP$2,745M
Commute17 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$244,300
Rent$895
Ownership51.4%
Zillow$179,478
Housing Units1,713
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent108/100K
Property1,495/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking17.0%
Depression30.4%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain41.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation716 ft (218 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+31.0%
High School+89.7%
Graduate+17.4%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 55%
Commute17 min
Broadband84.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is The Plains a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, The Plains receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. The Plains offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in The Plains is $51,397, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. 12.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in The Plains is $244,300, 13% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $895 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The Plains is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,495 per 100,000, 24% below the national average.
Education
31.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
The Plains experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.6 inches, including 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
The Plains has a population of 2,584 with a density of 1,133 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 61.2 years, 57% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.8% female and 39.2% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 41.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.2yrs
Median Age
57% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
The Plains vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
Social Characteristics
The Plains vs U.S. Average
The median household income in The Plains is $51,397, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,351. The average weekly wage is $964, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,359 business establishments, including 154 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: The Plains vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,397 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,351 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $964 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,394 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.6% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,359 |
| County GDP | $2,745M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 154 |
| Healthcare | 148 |
| Retail | 169 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,988 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.04% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in The Plains is $244,300, 13% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,478, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $895 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 51.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,713 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $4,988 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $244,300 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $179,478 |
| Median List Price | $89,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $89,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $148 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.0% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $895 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,713 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,988 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.04% |
In The Plains, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 36.7% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.4% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 30.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,591. The dentist ratio is 1:4,213. 72.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: The Plains vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.7% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 30.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,591 |
| Dentists | 1:4,213 |
| Mental Health | 1:150 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,988/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 148 |
The Plains has a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,495 per 100,000, 24% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, The Plains receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: The Plains vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 108.0/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,494.8/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
The Plains experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 41.6 inches. The area receives 17.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 716 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.2°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 716 ft (218 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,133/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3652°N, 82.1336°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Athens County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mid-Ohio Valley Regional (PKB)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.6"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
38 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
118 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
11 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
33 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
95 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
54 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
63 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
59 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
81 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
76 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
83 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
101 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
75 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
64 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
78 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
51 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
74 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
222 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 10 fatalities, 248 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
94 km |
7 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1970 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2022 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2011 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2006 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2006 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2003 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2000 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 127 (1,349 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
127 |
1,349 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
CY19 BLUEGRASS PRESCRIBED BURN |
1,190 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 37-38 |
1,050 |
12 km |
| 2021 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 1-12 |
1,037 |
14 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 11-19 |
936 |
14 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 24 |
709 |
8 km |
| 1988 |
RUSH HOLLOW ROAD |
605 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
The Plains has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 30°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in The Plains. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,277 |
| Toddler | $1,147 |
| Preschool | $1,005 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Plains
What is the population of The Plains?
The Plains has a population of 2,584 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,133 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.8% female and 39.2% male.
Is The Plains expensive to live in?
The Plains is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $51,397, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $244,300 (13% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $895 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is The Plains safe?
The Plains is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,495 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, The Plains receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in The Plains?
The Plains has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.6 inches, with 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in The Plains?
The job market in The Plains is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $964. There are 1,359 business establishments in the area, including 154 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in The Plains?
The median home value in The Plains is $244,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,478. For renters, the median monthly rent is $895. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,988.
How are the schools in The Plains?
Schools in The Plains score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.0% of adults in The Plains hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. 17.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is The Plains?
The obesity rate in The Plains is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 30.4% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 72.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,591.
What is transportation like in The Plains?
The average commute in The Plains is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of The Plains?
The racial and ethnic makeup of The Plains is 94.7% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 41.0% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
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