The Village of Plainfield, the oldest community in Will County, was established in the early 1800s in the verdant prairie and lush forest surrounding the DuPage River. During its first 150 years, the community remained a small but thriving Village on the very edge of the greater Chicago metropolitan area. However, over the last decade, Plainfield has seen a surge in population. The Village is one of the fastest growing communities in the state. Since 1990 the number of residents has increased 186% from 4,557 to 13,038. With an abundance of land available for development and the burgeoning interest of developers in Plainfield, these growth trends are expected to continue. Estimates indicate that Plainfield may grow as much as 8% per year for the next 20 years.

Currently, the population is 20,673 (2003 Special Census). The Village Government is well positioned to accommodate growth and welcomes new commercial and industrial development to help parallel the success of its residential expansion. The number of new housing permits issued has reflected this growth surge, which increased 46% in 2002 and another 52% in 2003. The median property value is $204,000 with the average annual property tax on a median-priced home estimated at $4,729.

Plainfield is only 35 miles southwest of Chicago. It also benefits from access to three interstate expressways. It is only two miles from I-55, seven miles from I-80 and 12 miles from I-88. Equally important, it lies just south of the City of Naperville (approximate population 131,000). It is connected to Naperville by The Route 59 Corridor. Route 59 is designated as a Strategic Regional Arterial (SRA) by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Average Daily Traffic (ADT) counts for this roadway are between 17,700 and 20,600. This roadway has been widened from two to four lanes through this area to accommodate the high traffic load that it carries. Stoplights have recently been installed at all major intersections.

With the continued influx of residents and businesses to the area, Plainfield is committed to managed growth which includes investing in the historic downtown district. Small retail shopping, dining and commercial business abound and the recent additions of the new Village Hall and neighboring Settlers Park have expanded the downtown area. The Village Hall, a three story brick building, stands in front of the multi-acre park like a proud parent. Settlers Park provides beautifully landscaped walkways with a pond area and intimate band shell. Across the street is the Plainfield Village Square. Currently under construction, this multi-retail and commercial building offers units from 1,000 to 8,200 square feet.

Plainfield has historically been dominated by agriculture but is rapidly being supplanted by retail and housing. It is still home to long established companies such as Chicago Bridge & Iron, Coil Plus and Flexi-Mat. Two newly established light industrial subdivisions, Wolf Creek I and Wolf Creek II, are attracting new businesses and are anchored by companies such as Diageo Global Supply and Sovereign's mid-west warehouse.