Plainfield, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
46,708
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$144,000/yr
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,889
2.7% year-over-year change

Plainfield population

How many people live in Plainfield

Plainfield is home to 46,708 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Plainfield locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
46,708
2.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
23,431
Female
49.8%
23,277
Value Percent YoY change
Male 23,431 50.2% 1.9%
Female 23,277 49.8% 2.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Plainfield is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.7% are children under 15, then 13.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 28.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.7%
15 to 24
13.7%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
28.3%
Over 65
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,602 22.7% -2.0%
15 to 24 6,419 13.7% 1.5%
25 to 44 11,851 25.4% 5.6%
45 to 64 13,215 28.3% 2.9%
Over 65 4,621 9.9% 3.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Plainfield, 84.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 68.6% of locals are Caucasian, 9.9% are African American and 10.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.7%
Non-citizens
6.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 39,323 84.2% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,531 9.7% 12.3%
Non-citizens 2,854 6.1% 13.1%
Racial breakdown
White
68.6%
Black or African American
9.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
10.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.9%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 32,046 68.6%
Black or African American 4,636 9.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 187 0.4%
Asian 4,936 10.6%
Two or more races 3,703 7.9%
Other 1,200 2.6%

Households in Plainfield

A peek inside Plainfield households

Plainfield has 14,634 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 82.8% are families, while the remaining 17.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
14,634
3.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,523
Family households
12,111
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,523 17.2% 6.1%
Family households 12,111 82.8% 2.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Plainfield

The housing landscape of Plainfield

Plainfield's housing consists of 14,889 units, with 79.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 12% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,889
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,852 79.6%
1 unit, attached 1,779 12%
2 units 44 0.3%
3 or 4 units 261 1.8%
5 to 9 units 132 0.9%
10 to 19 units 271 1.8%
20 to 49 units 212 1.4%
50 or more units 305 2%
Mobile home 33 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
704
95.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Plainfield

In Plainfield, the median construction year is 2003. About 3.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 51.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 461 3.1% 2.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 106 0.7% 16.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 132 0.9% 22.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 346 2.3% 9.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 406 2.7% -12.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 613 4.1% -9.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,921 19.6% -7.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 7,653 51.4% 0.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,547 10.4% 25.0%
Built in 2020 or later 704 4.7% 95.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Plainfield occupancy rates

Out of the 14,634 occupied housing units in Plainfield, 88% are owner-occupied, while 12% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
14,634
3.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,754
Owner occupied
12,880
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,754 12% 9.0%
Owner occupied 12,880 88% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
1.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Plainfield housing costs

Housing costs in Plainfield come to a median of $2,370 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,119.

Median housing costs per month
$2,370/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Plainfield
$2,119/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Plainfield

Plainfield education at a glance

About 19.8% of the population in Plainfield went to high school, while 19.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 33.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 574 1.7% 1.9%
High school diploma 6,606 19.8% -0.4%
College diploma 6,511 19.5% 5.9%
Associate degree 2,428 7.3% -0.4%
Bachelor's degree 11,193 33.5% 3.6%
Graduate degree 6,078 18.2% 10.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Plainfield

How much people earn in Plainfield

The average annual household income in Plainfield was $169,555 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $144,000, reflecting a +1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Plainfield
$169,555/year
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Plainfield
$144,000/year
1.2% year-over-year change

Plainfield income by age

In Plainfield, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $145,424. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $171,027 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $81,280, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $81,471 in earnings. Overall, 95.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $81,280 N/A
25 - 44 $145,424 2.3%
45 - 64 $171,027 2.5%
Over 65 $81,471 -2.8%
Above poverty level
43,987
Below poverty level
1,932
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 43,987 95.8% 1.9%
Below poverty level 1,932 4.2% 2.9%

Average renter income in Plainfield

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Plainfield, their median household income was $82,679 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$82,679
Rent-to-income ratio
30.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Plainfield

Workforce and job types in Plainfield

The job market in Plainfield is powered by 24,431 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.7% run their own businesses, 73.1% are employed by private companies, and 11.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
24,431
3.3% year-over-year change
White collar
20,695
Blue collar
3,736
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 20,695 84.7% 2.0%
Blue collar 3,736 15.3% 11.5%
Employer type
Self employees
7.7%
Private companies
73.1%
Governmental workers
11.4%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,875 7.7% 7.1%
Private companies 17,852 73.1% 1.0%
Governmental workers 2,793 11.4% 12.3%
Not for profit companies 1,911 7.8% 10.1%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
6.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Plainfield stands at 3.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Plainfield

How people get around in Plainfield

Commuting methods vary: 73.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 17,598 73.2% 0.1%
Taxicab 36 0.2% 56.5%
Bus or trolleybus 80 0.3% 14.3%
Subway or elevated 10 0% N/A
Railroad 293 1.2% 22.6%
Bicycle 20 0.1% 11.1%
Walk 99 0.4% 12.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Plainfield by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60585 25,960 8,037 $155,511 $183,937
60586 47,834 14,452 $131,637 $141,838
60544 27,306 9,957 $108,304 $130,638

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FAQs about Plainfield demographics 

What is the total population of Plainfield?

Plainfield has a total population of 46,708 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Plainfield?

The gender ratio in Plainfield is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (23,431 residents)
  • 49.8% females (23,277 residents)

What is the median age in Plainfield?

The median age in Plainfield is 37.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Plainfield?

The age distribution in Plainfield is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.7% (10,602 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.7% (6,419 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (11,851 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.3% (13,215 residents)
  • Over 65: 9.9% (4,621 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Plainfield?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Plainfield is as follows:
  • White: 68.6% (32,046 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.9% (4,636 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (187 residents)
  • Asian: 10.6% (4,936 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.9% (3,703 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (1,200 residents)

What percentage of the population in Plainfield are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.2% of the population in Plainfield.

How many housing units are there in Plainfield?

There are 14,889 housing units in Plainfield, reflecting a +2.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Plainfield and what is the average household size?

Plainfield has a total of 14,634 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Plainfield?

Plainfield has a median household income of $144,000, representing a +1.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Plainfield?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Plainfield, with a workforce of 24,431 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.7% (20,695 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.3% (3,736 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.7% (1,875 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.1% (17,852 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.4% (2,793 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (1,911 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025