If you’ve ever found yourself cruising down U.S. 40 or flying into the Indianapolis International Airport, you’ve likely passed through or over Plainfield. It’s one of those places that feels like it’s part of the big city, yet clearly has its own thing going on.
But if you're trying to figure out exactly what county is Plainfield Indiana in, the answer is Hendricks County.
Honestly, it’s a pretty common point of confusion. Because Plainfield sits right on the edge of the Indianapolis metropolitan area, people often assume it’s in Marion County. It isn't. It’s the crown jewel of the western suburbs, and it’s actually the largest town in Hendricks County.
Why Does the County Line Matter?
You might think, "Who cares? It's all Indy." Well, the locals care. A lot.
Hendricks County has a vibe that’s distinct from its neighbors. When you cross that line from Marion into Hendricks, things change. The taxes change. The schools change. Even the way the snow gets plowed changes. Plainfield is situated in the southeastern corner of Hendricks County, mainly within Guilford Township, though bits of it stretch into Liberty and Washington Townships too.
Historically, this wasn't just a random spot on a map. Back in the 1800s, Quakers settled here. They called themselves "plain people," which—you guessed it—is where the name Plainfield comes from. They weren't looking for the hustle of Indianapolis; they were looking for good soil and a quiet place to live out their values.
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Today, that "quiet" has been replaced by a massive economic engine.
The Logistics Capital of the Midwest
If you’ve ever ordered something online and had it show up at your door twelve hours later, there’s a decent chance it passed through Plainfield first. Because of its location in Hendricks County, right next to the airport and I-70, it has become a global hub for logistics.
We are talking about 45 million square feet of warehouse space. That’s not a typo.
Companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Kohl’s have massive footprints here. This industrial boom is why Plainfield has one of the lowest tax burdens in the entire state. The businesses pay the bills, which means the residents get fancy stuff like:
- Splash Island: A massive tropical-themed waterpark that feels like it belongs in Orlando, not central Indiana.
- The Trail System: Over 20 miles of paved paths that connect basically every neighborhood to the parks.
- The Schools: Plainfield Community School Corporation is consistently ranked among the best in Indiana.
What People Get Wrong About Plainfield
The most common misconception is that Plainfield is just a "pass-through" town. People see the warehouses from the highway and think that’s all there is.
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But if you head to the historic downtown on Main Street, you’ll find places like the Oasis Diner. It’s a classic 1954 railcar diner that was actually moved from its original spot to save it from demolition. It’s the kind of place where you get a breaded pork tenderloin—an Indiana staple—that’s three times the size of the bun.
There’s also the Van Buren Elm story. Legend has it that back in 1842, President Martin Van Buren was riding in a stagecoach through Plainfield. He had recently vetoed a bill to fund the National Road (U.S. 40), which really ticked off the locals. A local driver supposedly hit a root of an elm tree and "accidentally" dumped the President into the thick, black Indiana mud.
The people of Hendricks County have always had a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to outsiders messing with their roads.
Life in Hendricks County vs. Marion County
Choosing to live in Plainfield versus Indianapolis usually comes down to a few specific trade-offs.
In Marion County, you have the urban density and the Colts and the Pacers right in your backyard. In Hendricks County, you get more space. You get the Shops at Perry Crossing, which is a massive outdoor mall that feels like a small village. You get Hummel Park, which is 205 acres of woods and creeks where people actually go to fish and hike.
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It’s a suburban lifestyle, but it’s not "cookie-cutter" in the way people often fear. There's a deep-rooted sense of history here that you don't always find in newer suburbs.
Quick Facts for the Curious
- Population: Around 37,000 and growing fast.
- County Seat: It’s not Plainfield; it’s Danville, which is just a few miles west.
- Mascot: The Plainfield High School mascot is the "Quakers," a nod to those original settlers.
Moving Forward: What You Should Do
If you’re looking at Plainfield for a move or a business venture, knowing it’s in Hendricks County is just step one. Your next move should be to check the specific township lines.
Because Plainfield has expanded so much, your property taxes and which school building your kids go to can vary significantly depending on whether you’re in Guilford, Liberty, or Washington Township.
- Visit the Town Hall: Located at 206 W. Main Street. They have the most up-to-date zoning maps.
- Check the Trail Map: If you’re buying a house, make sure you’re near a trail spur. It’s the biggest value-add in town.
- Eat at the Prewitt: It’s a restored theater turned restaurant and rooftop bar. It’s the best way to see the "new" Plainfield.
Plainfield is no longer the quiet Quaker settlement it started as, but it has managed to keep that "community of values" vibe even while becoming a global logistics powerhouse. Just remember: when you're filling out your paperwork, it’s Hendricks County all the way.