Sign In Register

Princeton, BC

British Columbia

Princeton is a small town in British Columbia with a population of 2,894. Residents earn $64,500 per year, which is 14% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
2,894 Population 126/sq mi density
$64,500 Median Income $45,560 per capita
$348,000 Home Value
$1,020 Median Rent 15.3% income on rent
41°F Avg Temperature 300 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.6 / 5.0
$64,500 median income, 11.0% unemployment
B+
Affordability
3.6 / 5.0
$348,000 home value, $1,020/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.7 / 5.0
8.7% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Princeton, BC

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $64,500
14% lower than US avg
Home Value $348,000
23% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 8.7%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,020
12% lower than US avg
Unemployment 11.0%
206% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 14.8%
19% higher than US avg

How Princeton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population2,894
Median Age52.8 yrs
Density126/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%

Economy

C+
Median Income$64,500
Per Capita$45,560
Unemployment11.0%
Poverty14.8%
Commute20 min

Housing

B+
Home Value$348,000
Rent$1,020
Ownership74.6%
Housing Units1,375
Rent Burden15.3%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain19.7 in/yr
Sunny Days300/yr
Elevation2,165 ft (660 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+8.7%
High School+34.8%
Graduate+2.2%

Community

Commute20 min

Is Princeton a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Princeton receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Princeton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Princeton is $64,500, 14% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.0%, unemployment is notably high. 14.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Princeton is $348,000, 23% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,020 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.4x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

8.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 34.8% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Princeton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. With 300 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.7 inches, including 10.4 inches of snow.

Princeton has a population of 2,894 with a density of 126 people per square mile, spread across 22.9 square miles. The median age is 52.8 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.9% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (92.3%), with 6.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.9% of residents.

Population

2,894
Total Population
2021 Census
126
People / sq mi
52.8yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
22.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 51.3%
Female 48.9%

Race & Ethnicity

Princeton vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 91.9%
17% above US avg
Spanish 1.0%
92% below US avg
Other Languages 7.1%

Social Characteristics

Princeton vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Princeton is $64,500, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,560 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $876, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 90 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Princeton vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$64,500
14% below US avg
Per Capita Income$45,560
Avg Weekly Wage$876

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment11.0%
206% above US avg
Poverty Rate14.8%
19% above US avg
Establishments (County)90

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time19.6 min
Drive Alone79.3%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home10.4%

Walkability

The median home value in Princeton is $348,000, 23% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,020 (12% below the national average of $1,163). 74.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,375 total housing units in the city. 15.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$348,000
23% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,020
12% below US avg
Rent Burden15.3%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership74.6%
Owner-Occupied74.6%
Renter-Occupied25.5%
Housing Units1,375

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Princeton receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Princeton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Princeton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. The area gets 300 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 19.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.4 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 2,165 feet.

Temperature

21°F Jan (-6°C) 61°F Jul (16°C)
Annual Average41.3°F
24% below US avg
January Average21°F (-6°C)
July Average61°F (16°C)
Sunny Days300 days/yr

Geography

Elevation2,165 ft (660 m)
Area22.9 sq mi (59.3 km²)
Population Density126/sq mi
Coordinates49.4580°N, 120.5108°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 19.7"
48% below US avg
Snowfall 10.4"
Wettest Month (Jan) 2.64"
Driest Month (Apr) 0.94"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

169 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 10, 2025.

Apr 14, 1990 4 km ENE of Deming, Washington M5.0 138 km
Jun 24, 1997 16 km WNW of Malott, Washington M4.6 130 km
Aug 17, 2002 39 km ESE of Merritt, Canada M4.5 58 km
Apr 2, 1990 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.3 141 km
Apr 3, 1990 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.0 139 km
Apr 14, 1990 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington M4.0 141 km
Sep 10, 2016 23 km E of Oliver, Canada M3.9 97 km
Sep 19, 1993 32 km ENE of Merritt, Canada M3.8 81 km
Jan 26, 1992 9 km SSE of Okanagan Falls, Canada M3.7 74 km
Apr 14, 1990 2 km E of Deming, Washington M3.6 140 km
Jun 24, 1997 16 km NW of Malott, Washington M3.6 129 km
May 23, 1990 1 km E of Deming, Washington M3.6 141 km
Jun 21, 1990 4 km ENE of Deming, Washington M3.6 138 km
Jan 12, 1997 15 km N of Princeton, Canada M3.5 16 km
Jul 31, 1990 3 km E of Deming, Washington M3.5 139 km
Apr 28, 2023 38 km SW of Princeton, Canada M3.4 38 km
Jul 19, 2025 34 km W of Okanagan Falls, Canada M3.4 36 km
Mar 8, 1992 27 km SW of Princeton, Canada M3.4 27 km
Jul 5, 2015 7 km ENE of Sumas, Washington M3.3 130 km
Apr 21, 1990 4 km E of Deming, Washington M3.3 139 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 38.0 m (125 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
2007 CHEHALIS LAKE, CHILLIWACK Meteorological 38.0 m 108 km
1905 THOMPSON RIVER Meteorological 6.0 m 15 123 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

4 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Baker (121 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 121 km
Glacier Peak Stratovolcano 3,213 m (10,541 ft) 1700 156 km
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 184 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 187 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: DIAMOND CREEK (117,527 ac, 2017).

Year Name Acres Distance
2017 DIAMOND CREEK 117,527 59 km
2006 TRIPOD COMPLEX (SPUR PEAK) 115,123 79 km
2003 FAWN PEAK COMPLEX (FAREWELL) 77,444 73 km
2021 CUB CREEK 2 74,601 91 km
2006 TATOOSH COMPLEX 48,862 54 km
2022 PARKS 34,621 53 km
2018 MCLEOD 24,738 85 km
2003 NEEDLES 21,458 89 km
2020 PALMER 18,015 94 km
2023 EAGLE BLUFF 16,499 91 km
1994 THUNDER 10,720 83 km
2001 THIRTY MILE 9,120 79 km
2014 UPPER FALLS 8,846 81 km
1994 UNNAMED 8,385 82 km
2002 QUARTZ MT. COMPLEX (MIDDLE MOUNTAIN) 8,173 62 km
2023 SOURDOUGH 7,517 93 km
2021 CHICKADEE CREEK 7,003 95 km
2015 NEWBY LAKE 5,794 70 km
2003 ISABEL 5,617 99 km
2022 KID 5,188 63 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 21°F (-6°C) 2.6 in Coldest, Wettest
February 27°F (-3°C) 1.6 in
March 34°F (1°C) 1.2 in
April 41°F (5°C) 0.9 in Driest
May 49°F (9°C) 1.4 in
June 56°F (13°C) 1.7 in
July 61°F (16°C) 1.4 in
August 61°F (16°C) 1.3 in Warmest
September 53°F (12°C) 1.2 in
October 43°F (6°C) 1.4 in
November 30°F (-1°C) 2.5 in
December 21°F (-6°C) 2.4 in

Princeton has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 21°F in January to 61°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 19.7 inches, with January being the wettest month (2.6") and April the driest (0.9").

View full weather details →
8.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 74% below the national average of 33.7%. 34.8% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 79.3% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+8.7%
74% below US avg
High School+34.8%
Graduate Degree+2.2%
D Education Grade (1.7/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density126/sq mi
Total Area22.9 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute19.6 min
Drive Alone79.3%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home10.4%

Schools in Princeton

4 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Riverside Learning Centre
Vermilion Forks Elementary School
Princeton Secondary School
John Allison Elementary School
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Princeton

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Museums in Princeton

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Princeton & District Museum

Libraries in Princeton

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
ORL: Princeton Branch0.0

Hotels in Princeton

2 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Rainbow Lake Castle Resort
Sandman Inn Princeton

Cafes in Princeton

4 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cool Beanz Coffee House
Cowboy Coffee
Frannie's coffee
Thomasina

Monuments in Princeton

3 monuments within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Jet Wind Vane
Mile "0"
Susan Louisa Moir Allison

Veterinaries in Princeton

1 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cascade Veterinary Clinic

Gas Stations in Princeton

6 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CA #11458364602
Chevron
Esso
Esso Cardlock
Husky
Petro-Canada

Banks in Princeton

2 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CIBC
Valley First

Ski Resorts Near Princeton

6 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Powder Mountain 135.0 9 2,712 $67 November - April Yes Yes
Manning Park Resort 0.0 $0
Nickel Plate Cross-Country Ski Trails Recreation Site 0.0 $0
Apex Mountain Resort 0.0 $0
China Ridge Trails 0.0 $0
Kane Valley Cross Country Ski Trails 0.0 $0

Airports Near Princeton

3 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Douglas Lake AirportDGFSmall Airport
Merritt AirportYMBSmall Airport
Princeton AirportSmall Airport

Post Offices in Princeton

2 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Copper Mountain
Princeton

Churches & Religious Organizations in Princeton

5 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
Living Water Community Church
New Hope Christian Fellowship
St. Paul's United Church
St. Peter's Catholic Church

Explore Near Princeton

Bigfoot Sightings
1
Eyewitness reports filed with the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization
View all →
Waterfalls
1
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Princeton.

Get Report

Frequently Asked Questions About Princeton

What is the population of Princeton?

Princeton has a population of 2,894 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 126 people per square mile, spread across 22.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.9% female and 51.3% male.

Is Princeton expensive to live in?

The median household income is $64,500, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $348,000 (23% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,020 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Princeton safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Princeton receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Princeton?

Princeton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 61°F in July. The area receives 300 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.7 inches, with 10.4 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Princeton?

The job market in Princeton faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $876. There are 90 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 10.4% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Princeton?

The median home value in Princeton is $348,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,020. The homeownership rate is 74.6%.

How are the schools in Princeton?

8.7% of adults in Princeton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 34.8% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Princeton?

The average commute in Princeton is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.4% work from home.

What are the demographics of Princeton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Princeton is 92.3% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 6.1% Asian. 91.9% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Compare Princeton with another city: