Plains, PA
Population 4,369 · Pennsylvania
About Plains, PA
Plains is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 4,369 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,417 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.4 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 Plains features a median home value of $141,800, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Plains one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $950, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,034 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (1,288 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (505 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Plains shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Plains have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.7% of Plains 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, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Plains, PA
Compared to national averages, Plains has a median household income of $65,417 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $141,800, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $950 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Plains's income is 11% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 26% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Plains, PA?
Plains offers affordable housing with a median home value of $141,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $950/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,417) that falls below the national average. However, Plains’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Plains has a population of 4,369 with a median age of 43.4 years. Compare Plains with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Plains
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburg | 4,377 | $57,212 | $182,900 | Compare |
| McMurray | 4,348 | $151,478 | $373,500 | Compare |
| Minersville | 4,391 | $55,938 | $80,400 | Compare |
| Scottdale | 4,392 | $56,667 | $137,700 | Compare |
| Indian Mountain Lake | 4,399 | $76,426 | $205,200 | Compare |
| Glassport | 4,400 | $45,354 | $82,400 | Compare |
| Beaver | 4,403 | $76,397 | $238,400 | Compare |
| Maytown | 4,321 | $118,361 | $272,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Plains With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Plains
What is the population of Plains, PA?
The population of Plains, PA is 4,369 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Plains?
The median household income in Plains, PA is $65,417 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Plains?
The median home value in Plains, PA is $141,800, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Plains?
The median monthly rent in Plains, PA is $950, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Plains?
The unemployment rate in Plains, PA is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Plains, PA a good place to live?
Plains offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,369 and a median age of 43.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Plains, PA?
26.7% of residents in Plains aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Plains?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Plains, PA: median home value is $141,800 (42% below national), median rent is $950/month, and median household income is $65,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Plains?
The poverty rate in Plains, PA is 19.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Plains, PA?
Plains's population is 0.6% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 3.3% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.