South Plainfield, NJ
Population 24,231 · New Jersey
About South Plainfield, NJ
South Plainfield is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 24,231 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $126,063 per year, which is 68% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Plainfield features a median home value of $443,900, which is 81% above the national median of $244,900. This places South Plainfield in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,928, 66% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,443 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (7,051 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (1,229 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Plainfield shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 3.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in South Plainfield have an average one-way commute time of 28 minutes.
Education & Demographics
42.0% of South Plainfield residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 4.6% Black or African American, and 12.9% Asian residents, with 23.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How South Plainfield Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in South Plainfield, NJ
Compared to national averages, South Plainfield has a median household income of $126,063 (68% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $443,900, which is 81% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,928 is 66% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, South Plainfield's income is 9% above the state average of $115,667, and home values are 5% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in South Plainfield, NJ?
South Plainfield offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $126,063, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 42.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $443,900. However, South Plainfield’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Plainfield has a population of 24,231 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare South Plainfield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near South Plainfield
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somerset | 23,851 | $113,603 | $408,600 | Compare |
| Glassboro | 23,375 | $80,388 | $276,900 | Compare |
| Carteret | 25,187 | $87,553 | $370,200 | Compare |
| Cliffside Park | 25,580 | $94,960 | $577,200 | Compare |
| North Plainfield | 22,667 | $83,529 | $350,700 | Compare |
| Lodi | 25,946 | $84,570 | $449,200 | Compare |
| Summit | 22,512 | $199,107 | $969,900 | Compare |
| Roselle | 22,455 | $82,967 | $336,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Jersey
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare South Plainfield With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Plainfield
What is the population of South Plainfield, NJ?
The population of South Plainfield, NJ is 24,231 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in South Plainfield?
The median household income in South Plainfield, NJ is $126,063 per year, which is 68% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Plainfield?
The median home value in South Plainfield, NJ is $443,900, which is 81% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Plainfield?
The median monthly rent in South Plainfield, NJ is $1,928, which is 66% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Plainfield?
The unemployment rate in South Plainfield, NJ is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Plainfield, NJ a good place to live?
South Plainfield offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 24,231 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Plainfield, NJ?
42.0% of residents in South 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 South Plainfield?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Plainfield, NJ: median home value is $443,900 (81% above national), median rent is $1,928/month, and median household income is $126,063. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in South Plainfield?
The poverty rate in South Plainfield, NJ is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is South Plainfield, NJ?
South Plainfield's population is 0.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 4.6% Black or African American, 12.9% Asian, and 10.7% two or more races. 23.4% of residents are foreign-born.