Energy requirements in the city are handled by West Plains Energy and People's Natural Gas. Southwestern Bell provides the telephone services. Students attend elementary school in Plains. Junior High School students attend school at the new Southwestern Heights Junior High attached to the SWH High School. High School students attend the Southwestern Heights High School just west of Plains.
Plains is a sports minded community.
There are several leagues for baseball, softball, and basketball. The municipal park has a swimming pool, golf course, basketball and tennis courts. Meade State Lake offers fishing, boating, hiking and camping just 15 minutes from Plains.