North Plainfield, NJ Utility & Living Guide

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North Plainfield, NJ Utility & Living Guide

North Plainfield is a borough in Somerset County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is located within the Raritan Valley region. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 22,808, an increase of 872 (+4.0%) from the 2010 census count of 21,936, which in turn reflected an inc

Last updated: June 30, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1336/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$334,100
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — North Plainfield
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

PSE&G
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

PSE&G
💧 Water

$45/mo

North Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

North Plainfield Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1336/mo
2 Bedrooms$1485/mo
3 Bedrooms$1856/mo
Median Home Price$334,100
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in North Plainfield is competitive, with steady demand for single-family homes. Prices have risen moderately over the past few years due to its proximity to NYC.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6.625% + County 0% + City 0.875%</p>

New Jersey has a progressive income tax ranging from 1.4% to 10.75% depending on income level.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, retail, and education
Top Local Concerns
Property taxes, traffic congestion, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited but accessible, with NJ Transit buses serving the area. Sidewalks are generally well-maintained.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    North Plainfield Community Pool
  • 🎯
    Cedar Brook Park
  • 🎯
    North Plainfield Public Library

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The West End and Greenbrook areas are popular for families due to their quiet streets and proximity to schools. Downtown offers more walkability but higher density.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in North Plainfield based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Residents must obtain permits for home renovations and adhere to strict zoning laws. Noise ordinances are enforced after 10 PM.

Financial Tools

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Planning Tools

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📊 North Plainfield — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$81,219
👤 Median Age
36.6
🏠 Homeownership Rate
55.5%
🔑 Renter Rate
44.5%
📉 Poverty Rate
12.2%
💼 Unemployment Rate
9.6%
📡 Internet Access
89.1%
🎓 College Educated
27.9%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in winter due to heating needs, while summer sees moderate increases from air conditioning usage.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: Property tax millage rate of 1.2%, no local surtaxes specific to North Plainfield county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10 with explanation: Sidewalks are generally good, parks are accessible, but transit options are limited for families with strollers.

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