Plainview, NY
Population 26,251 · New York
About Plainview, NY
Plainview is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 26,251 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $185,531 per year, which is 147% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Plainview features a median home value of $729,100, which is 198% above the national median of $244,900. This places Plainview in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,026, 160% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,136 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (8,076 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (691 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Plainview shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Plainview have an average one-way commute time of 35.2 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
68.7% of Plainview 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 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 17.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Plainview, NY
Compared to national averages, Plainview has a median household income of $185,531 (147% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $729,100, which is 198% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,026 is 160% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Plainview's income is 91% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 88% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Plainview, NY?
Plainview offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $185,531, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a well-educated community where 68.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $729,100. However, Plainview’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Plainview has a population of 26,251 with a median age of 44.3 years. Compare Plainview with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Plainview
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holbrook | 26,256 | $139,116 | $504,100 | Compare |
| Elmira | 26,349 | $43,089 | $88,200 | Compare |
| Auburn | 26,475 | $49,377 | $143,600 | Compare |
| West Islip | 26,559 | $171,045 | $592,700 | Compare |
| Rockville Centre | 25,770 | $144,516 | $796,100 | Compare |
| Medford | 25,681 | $128,631 | $444,500 | Compare |
| Ossining | 26,979 | $100,997 | $444,200 | Compare |
| Peekskill | 25,484 | $91,042 | $376,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Plainview
What is the population of Plainview, NY?
The population of Plainview, NY is 26,251 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New York.
What is the median household income in Plainview?
The median household income in Plainview, NY is $185,531 per year, which is 147% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Plainview?
The median home value in Plainview, NY is $729,100, which is 198% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Plainview?
The median monthly rent in Plainview, NY is $3,026, which is 160% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Plainview?
The unemployment rate in Plainview, NY is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Plainview, NY a good place to live?
Plainview offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 26,251 and a median age of 44.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Plainview, NY?
68.7% of residents in Plainview 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 Plainview?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Plainview, NY: median home value is $729,100 (198% above national), median rent is $3,026/month, and median household income is $185,531. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Plainview?
The poverty rate in Plainview, NY is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Plainview, NY?
Plainview's population is 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 17.4% of residents are foreign-born.