Plainsboro, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,656
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$128,097/yr
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,803
-4.7% year-over-year change

Plainsboro population

How many people live in Plainsboro

Plainsboro is home to 21,656 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Plainsboro locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
21,656
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
10,796
Female
50.2%
10,860
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,796 49.8% 2.5%
Female 10,860 50.2% 0.2%
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 Plainsboro is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.6% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 35.5% of the population, while another 25.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.6%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
35.5%
45 to 64
25.6%
Over 65
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,254 19.6% 8.0%
15 to 24 2,116 9.8% -3.4%
25 to 44 7,694 35.5% 2.5%
45 to 64 5,551 25.6% -1.6%
Over 65 2,041 9.4% -2.3%
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 Plainsboro, 49.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 23.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 27.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 27.3% of locals are Caucasian, 7.6% are African American and 58.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
49.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
23.5%
Non-citizens
27.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,666 49.2% 3.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,084 23.5% -7.1%
Non-citizens 5,906 27.3% 6.5%
Racial breakdown
White
27.3%
Black or African American
7.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
58.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
1.3%
Value Percent
White 5,903 27.3%
Black or African American 1,651 7.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 39 0.2%
Asian 12,659 58.5%
Two or more races 1,117 5.2%
Other 286 1.3%

Households in Plainsboro

A peek inside Plainsboro households

Plainsboro has 8,684 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.5% are families, while the remaining 32.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,684
-2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,820
Family households
5,864
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,820 32.5% -10.8%
Family households 5,864 67.5% 2.3%
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 Plainsboro

The housing landscape of Plainsboro

Plainsboro's housing consists of 8,803 units, with 31.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
8,803
-4.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,796 31.8%
1 unit, attached 669 7.6%
2 units 53 0.6%
3 or 4 units 1,002 11.4%
5 to 9 units 1,642 18.6%
10 to 19 units 1,680 19.1%
20 to 49 units 534 6.1%
50 or more units 425 4.8%
Mobile home 4 0%
Homes built since 2020
4
33.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Plainsboro

In Plainsboro, the median construction year is 1984. About 2.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 190 2.2% 13.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 51 0.6% -49.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 261 3% -5.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 575 6.5% -13.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,408 16% -11.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,360 38.2% -0.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,413 16% -8.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,237 14% -4.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 304 3.4% 35.7%
Built in 2020 or later 4 0% 33.3%
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.

Plainsboro occupancy rates

Out of the 8,684 occupied housing units in Plainsboro, 44% are owner-occupied, while 56% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,684
-2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,865
Owner occupied
3,819
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,865 56% -0.9%
Owner occupied 3,819 44% -4.1%
Unoccupied housing units
1.4%
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.

Plainsboro housing costs

Housing costs in Plainsboro come to a median of $1,980 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,814.

Median housing costs per month
$1,980/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 Plainsboro
$1,814/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 Plainsboro

Plainsboro education at a glance

About 8.9% of the population in Plainsboro went to high school, while 7.1% pursued college studies. Another 4.8% earned an associate degree and 37.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 40.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 152 0.9% -18.3%
High school diploma 1,471 8.9% 8.4%
College diploma 1,177 7.1% -11.9%
Associate degree 790 4.8% -14.3%
Bachelor's degree 6,152 37.3% -1.6%
Graduate degree 6,737 40.9% 5.2%
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 Plainsboro

How much people earn in Plainsboro

The average annual household income in Plainsboro was $186,306 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $128,097, reflecting a +5.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Plainsboro
$186,306/year
7.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Plainsboro
$128,097/year
5.1% year-over-year change

Plainsboro income by age

In Plainsboro, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $130,480. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $174,604 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $70,859, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $84,680 in earnings. Overall, 95.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $70,859 3.0%
25 - 44 $130,480 10.4%
45 - 64 $174,604 2.8%
Over 65 $84,680 2.9%
Above poverty level
20,440
Below poverty level
947
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 20,440 95.6% -1.1%
Below poverty level 947 4.4% 83.5%

Employment in Plainsboro

Workforce and job types in Plainsboro

94.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.9% run their own businesses, 73.9% are employed by private companies, and 8.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
11,293
Blue collar
635
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,293 94.7% 0.4%
Blue collar 635 5.3% 6.5%
Employer type
Self employees
8.9%
Private companies
73.9%
Governmental workers
8.7%
Not for profit companies
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,058 8.9% 9.6%
Private companies 8,819 73.9% -0.7%
Governmental workers 1,042 8.7% 12.0%
Not for profit companies 1,010 8.5% -6.1%

Transportation in Plainsboro

How people get around in Plainsboro

Commuting methods vary: 91.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% 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 6,633 91.8% -5.0%
Taxicab 45 0.6% 200.0%
Bus or trolleybus 24 0.3% -7.7%
Railroad 433 6% -27.2%
Bicycle 6 0.1% 0.0%
Walk 87 1.2% -13.9%
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 Plainsboro by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
08512 12,928 5,102 $118,587 $174,645
08536 20,817 8,353 $137,607 $189,111

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FAQs about Plainsboro demographics 

What is the total population of Plainsboro?

Plainsboro has a total population of 21,656 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 +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Plainsboro?

The gender ratio in Plainsboro is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (10,796 residents)
  • 50.2% females (10,860 residents)

What is the median age in Plainsboro?

The median age in Plainsboro is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Plainsboro?

The age distribution in Plainsboro is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.6% (4,254 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (2,116 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 35.5% (7,694 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.6% (5,551 residents)
  • Over 65: 9.4% (2,041 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Plainsboro?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Plainsboro is as follows:
  • White: 27.3% (5,903 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.6% (1,651 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (39 residents)
  • Asian: 58.5% (12,659 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.2% (1,117 residents)
  • Other: 1.3% (286 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 49.2% of the population in Plainsboro.

How many housing units are there in Plainsboro?

There are 8,803 housing units in Plainsboro, reflecting a -4.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Plainsboro has a total of 8,684 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Plainsboro?

Plainsboro has a median household income of $128,097, representing a +5.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Plainsboro?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.7% (11,293 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.3% (635 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.9% (1,058 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.9% (8,819 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.7% (1,042 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.5% (1,010 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