Plainfield, IL
Population 45,705 · Illinois
About Plainfield, IL
Plainfield is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 45,705 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $142,265 per year, which is 89% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Plainfield features a median home value of $398,000, which is 63% above the national median of $244,900. This places Plainfield in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,889, 62% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,499 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (12,596 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (1,609 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Plainfield shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 4.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Plainfield have an average one-way commute time of 34.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
54.9% of Plainfield residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 6.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 13.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Plainfield Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Plainfield, IL
Compared to national averages, Plainfield has a median household income of $142,265 (89% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $398,000, which is 63% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,889 is 62% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Plainfield's income is 90% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 140% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Plainfield, IL?
Plainfield offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $142,265, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 54.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $398,000. However, Plainfield’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Plainfield has a population of 45,705 with a median age of 37.3 years. Compare Plainfield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Plainfield
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmhurst | 45,538 | $145,374 | $532,800 | Compare |
| Glenview | 47,682 | $138,758 | $598,800 | Compare |
| Lombard | 43,722 | $97,253 | $321,200 | Compare |
| Buffalo Grove | 42,824 | $129,820 | $392,900 | Compare |
| Moline | 42,235 | $63,959 | $141,900 | Compare |
| Belleville | 41,722 | $60,529 | $131,000 | Compare |
| Downers Grove | 49,867 | $119,649 | $439,000 | Compare |
| Romeoville | 40,996 | $100,022 | $245,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Plainfield With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Plainfield
What is the population of Plainfield, IL?
The population of Plainfield, IL is 45,705 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Plainfield?
The median household income in Plainfield, IL is $142,265 per year, which is 89% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Plainfield?
The median home value in Plainfield, IL is $398,000, which is 63% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Plainfield?
The median monthly rent in Plainfield, IL is $1,889, which is 62% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Plainfield?
The unemployment rate in Plainfield, IL is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Plainfield, IL a good place to live?
Plainfield offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 45,705 and a median age of 37.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Plainfield, IL?
54.9% of residents in Plainfield aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Plainfield?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Plainfield, IL: median home value is $398,000 (63% above national), median rent is $1,889/month, and median household income is $142,265. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Plainfield?
The poverty rate in Plainfield, IL is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Plainfield, IL?
Plainfield's population is 6.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 8.4% two or more races. 13.4% of residents are foreign-born.