South Plainfield borough, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, South Plainfield borough, New Jersey has a total population of 24,231, the 43rd largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $126,063, which is 25% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 3.5%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 3.5% — among the lowest in New Jersey.
South Plainfield borough Quick Facts
How South Plainfield borough Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 65 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
South Plainfield borough Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Middlesex County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick city | 55,744 | $60,248 | 31.6% | $316,800 |
| Perth Amboy city | 55,278 | $58,490 | 20.0% | $339,200 |
| Sayreville borough | 45,237 | $98,629 | 6.0% | $407,600 |
| Carteret borough | 25,187 | $87,553 | 10.0% | $370,200 |
| South River borough | 16,007 | $101,853 | 11.3% | $382,500 |
| Metuchen borough | 14,982 | $157,779 | 4.4% | $565,400 |
| Highland Park borough | 14,981 | $101,991 | 9.3% | $463,600 |
| Middlesex borough | 14,518 | $107,063 | 8.0% | $414,600 |
| South Amboy city | 9,714 | $110,125 | 7.5% | $365,000 |
| Spotswood borough | 8,112 | $101,388 | 3.4% | $359,000 |
Cities Similar to South Plainfield borough
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somerset CDP | 23,851 | $113,603 | $408,600 | 58.6% | 6.1% |
| Paramus borough | 26,500 | $139,707 | $736,000 | 50.2% | 5.5% |
| Hillsborough CDP | 22,302 | $142,275 | $411,400 | 58.3% | 3.0% |
| Secaucus town | 21,437 | $134,746 | $557,800 | 62.7% | 6.0% |
| Bergenfield borough | 28,269 | $124,083 | $469,200 | 47.7% | 6.1% |
Population Overview
South Plainfield borough is a small city located in New Jersey, within Middlesex County. The total population is 24,231. It ranks as the 43rd most populous out of 700 cities and towns in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in South Plainfield borough is 41.7 years. This is 4% higher than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in South Plainfield borough is $126,063. This is 25% higher than the state median of $101,050. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 61% higher. The poverty rate stands at 3.5%. This is 64% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.8%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 7.2%. This is 17% higher than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $443,900. Housing costs are 4% higher than the state median of $427,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 85.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 34% higher than the state average of 63.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in South Plainfield borough is White (non-Hispanic), making up 50.6% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 18.6%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (16.0% vs 9.8%).
Education
42.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 2% lower than the state rate of 42.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.5%. Notably, 17.3% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for South Plainfield borough, New Jersey is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New Jersey state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of South Plainfield borough, New Jersey?
South Plainfield borough, New Jersey has a population of 24,231 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in South Plainfield borough, NJ?
The median household income in South Plainfield borough is $126,063, which is 61% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in South Plainfield borough, NJ?
The poverty rate in South Plainfield borough is 3.5%. This means approximately 852 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of South Plainfield borough, New Jersey?
South Plainfield borough's population is 50.6% White, 10.7% Black, 18.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 16.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in South Plainfield borough, NJ?
The median home value in South Plainfield borough is $443,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
How educated is South Plainfield borough, New Jersey?
42.0% of adults (25+) in South Plainfield borough hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 17.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.