Is North Plainfield Safe, Pros and cons of living in North Plainfield

North Plainfield, New Jersey, offers a blend of suburban charm and convenient access to major metropolitan areas. This “Proud City” boasts tree-lined streets, historic districts, and a variety of parks and recreational opportunities, making it an appealing place for families and professionals alike. Its strategic location provides residents with a manageable commute to New York City and Newark, enhancing its desirability for those seeking a balance between a quieter hometown feel and urban accessibility.

The community’s character is shaped by its diverse population and a rich history dating back to its settlement by Dutch families before the American Revolution. This blend of historical roots and modern living creates a unique atmosphere. North Plainfield’s self-description as “A Proud Community” is reflected in its local businesses, cultural centers, and community events that celebrate its diverse heritage.

Is it Safe to Live in North Plainfield?

North Plainfield’s overall crime rate is reported to be lower than the national average, with violent crimes being significantly lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a generally safe environment for residents. Property crime rates, however, are noted to be slightly higher than the New Jersey average, though still lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

When examining specific crime statistics, the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in North Plainfield is approximately 1 in 660 (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime presents a slightly higher risk, with a chance of becoming a victim of 1 in 69 (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents often consider the southern parts of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org, AreaVibes). The crime rate in North Plainfield is 18.10 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in North Plainfield is competitive, with a median home value of approximately $374,700 (as reported by Niche, Data USA). This value is higher than the national average (as reported by Niche). The homeownership rate stands at about 53.3% (as reported by Data USA).

Rental costs in North Plainfield are also on the higher side, with the average rent for an apartment being around $1,979 per month (as reported by RentCafe). This is higher than the national average rent price (as reported by Apartments.com). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is approximately $1,800 to $1,966 per month (as reported by Apartments.com, RentCafe). The overall cost of living in North Plainfield is about 18% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Housing expenses are particularly notable, being around 48% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Utility prices are slightly higher than the national average, by about 3% (as reported by PayScale). Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are also about 5% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Job Market and Economy

Employment in North Plainfield has seen growth, with an increase of 1.65% from the previous year, employing approximately 12,400 individuals (as reported by Data USA). The most common sectors for employment include retail trade, manufacturing, and construction (as reported by Data USA). Common job roles for residents are in office and administrative support, construction and extraction, and sales-related occupations (as reported by Data USA).

The median household income in North Plainfield is approximately $87,349 (as reported by Data USA, North Plainfield NJ Demographics). This figure is slightly higher than the national median household income (as reported by Data USA). The per capita income is around $35,706 (as reported by Census Reporter).

The unemployment rate in North Plainfield is reported at 6.7% (as reported by Niche). While this is a notable figure, it’s important to compare it within the context of regional and national rates. Major employers in the broader Plainfield area include companies like Walmart, Costco Wholesale, and various healthcare and retail establishments (as reported by Indeed, Zippia).

Climate and Environment

North Plainfield experiences a climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from 22°F to 87°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The average annual precipitation is around 49 inches, with about 23 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summers are characterized by warmth and humidity, with July being the hottest month, featuring average highs of 87°F and lows of 66°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, with January seeing average highs of 40°F and lows of 23°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The town experiences a significant variation in humidity, with muggier conditions prevalent from May through September (as reported by North Plainfield Climate).

The area receives ample rainfall, with the wettest season occurring from late March to late August (as reported by North Plainfield Climate). June typically has the most wet days, averaging over 10 days with precipitation (as reported by North Plainfield Climate). Despite the seasonal variations, the comfortable weather period, defined by mild temperatures and low humidity, is generally from May to June and again from mid-August to October (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Demographics

North Plainfield School District serves the community, with public schools receiving an overall “C+” grade from Niche. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, which is close to the state average (as reported by Niche). However, state test scores indicate that only about 17% of students are proficient in math and 29% in reading (as reported by Niche).

The district has a diverse student body, with a significant minority enrollment, primarily Hispanic (as reported by North Plainfield School District). North Plainfield High School ranks in the bottom third of New Jersey high schools, though its graduation rate is slightly above the state average (as reported by North Plainfield High School).

The population of North Plainfield is approximately 22,809 (as reported by Niche, Data USA). The demographic makeup is diverse, with a substantial Hispanic or Latino population, making up about 54.7% of residents (as reported by North Plainfield NJ Demographics, North Plainfield New Jersey Population). Other significant ethnic groups include Black or African American residents (around 22.1%) and White residents (about 15.8%) (as reported by North Plainfield NJ Demographics, North Plainfield New Jersey Population).