What to know when moving to Plainfield, IL
TL;DR: Plainfield at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 42.9% of residents have a bachelor's degree and only 14.4% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $108,447, which supports a higher standard of living.
- The Reality Check:
- With a 1.7% public transit commuting rate, you'll likely need a car for daily travel.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,809 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Plainfield is characterized by a well-educated population, with 42.9% holding a bachelor's degree. The median household income of $108,447 suggests a relatively affluent community, while only 14.4% of residents rent, indicating a strong owner-occupied market. This area is a car-dependent environment, as evidenced by the low public transit usage rate of 1.7%.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a walkable lifestyle with extensive public transit options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,809, making it essential to factor this into your budget.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $311,700, reflecting the community's strong homeowner presence.
- With a poverty rate of 6.2%, the community has a relatively low rate of economic hardship.
- 42.9% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to a highly educated community character.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the state-level crime rates reveal some trends in safety that are worth noting. The violent crime rate stands at 245.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 24.5% lower than the national average. Property crime is at 1,549 per 100,000 residents, slightly above the national rate of 1,546.9, but has decreased by 16.1% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 16.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 52.6% since 2022, with a current rate of 4.5 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Plainfield has access to a range of educational institutions, with a total of 8 nearby schools. Notable options include Joliet Junior College and Lewis University, both located in Will County. These institutions serve as regional options for residents seeking higher education.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 8
- Notable nearby schools: Joliet Junior College, Lewis University, University of St Francis.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Will County experiences an annual precipitation of about 27.6 inches, spread across 104 rainy days each year. The climate allows for ample outdoor activities, with several parks and nature spots nearby.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Dellwood Park - 4.7 stars (2125 reviews)
- Knoch Knolls Park - 4.8 stars (768 reviews)
- Waubonsie Lake Park - 4.7 stars (894 reviews)
- Oakhurst Forest Preserve - 4.7 stars (691 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The employment landscape in Will County indicates a robust job market. The unemployment rate is currently at 4.5%, with a labor force of 389,897. Out of that, 372,481 individuals are employed, reflecting a healthy economic environment.
- Unemployment rate: 4.5% (December 2025)
- Employed: 372,481
- Labor force: 389,897
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.