Median Income
$66,250
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,800
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
265/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.9%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Princeton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population208
Median Age34.0 yrs
Density533/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans10.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,250
Per Capita$25,944
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$1,168M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,800
Rent$850
Ownership77.3%
Zillow$340,043
Housing Units76
Rent Burden25.4%
Crime
F
Violent265/100K
Property3,063/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking17.0%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain40.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation963 ft (294 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.9%
High School+75.0%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score5.56
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute28 min
Broadband66.0%
EV Stations12
Libraries5
Is Princeton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Princeton receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Princeton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Princeton is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Princeton is $118,800, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Princeton is below the national average at 265 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,063 per 100,000, 56% above the national average.
Education
12.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Princeton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches, including 12.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Princeton has a population of 208 with a density of 533 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 34.0 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (85.6%), with 3.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 10.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.0yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Princeton vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Princeton vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Princeton is $66,250, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,944 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $968, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 711 business establishments, including 56 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 8.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Princeton vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,250 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,944 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $968 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,787 |
| Gini Index | 0.390 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 711 |
| County GDP | $1,168M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Healthcare | 63 |
| Retail | 74 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,378 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.7% |
The median home value in Princeton is $118,800, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $340,043, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 76 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $4,378 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,800 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $340,043 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.7% |
| Housing Units | 76 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,378 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.69% |
In Princeton, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,362. The dentist ratio is 1:3,249. 53.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Princeton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,362 |
| Dentists | 1:3,249 |
| Mental Health | 1:402 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,277/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 63 |
Princeton has a violent crime rate of 265 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,063 per 100,000, 56% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Princeton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Princeton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 265.3/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,063.0/100K |
| 56% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Princeton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 293 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 40.6 inches. The area receives 12.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 963 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.2°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 963 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 533/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.4862°N, 95.2701°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrence Regional (LWC) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.6"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.59"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
23 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.5 on May 15, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
129 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
13 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M3.2 |
137 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
11 km E of Marion, Kansas |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
9 km ENE of Marion, Kansas |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
84 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
11 km SSE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Apr 10, 2020 |
4 km SE of Marion, Kansas |
M2.8 |
150 km |
| Sep 25, 2024 |
6 km NE of Cedar Point, Kansas |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| May 10, 2023 |
13 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
9 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Mar 7, 2023 |
14 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.6 |
136 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
134 km |
| Apr 21, 2025 |
7 km ESE of Marion, Kansas |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Jan 4, 2024 |
13 km ENE of Marion, Kansas |
M2.5 |
140 km |
| May 18, 2023 |
12 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.5 |
139 km |
| Jun 8, 2023 |
14 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.5 |
137 km |
| Mar 5, 2023 |
15 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.5 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
566 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 99 fatalities, 1,288 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
74 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
20 km |
44 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
75 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1974 |
EF4 |
83 km |
6 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
41 km |
3 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WAGSTAFF (16,111 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
98 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
87 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
WARREN ROAD |
5,037 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
ILLINOIS CREEK |
5,008 |
100 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,836 |
95 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
2,437 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
345 |
2,430 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
400 AND ROAD L |
2,393 |
86 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,010 |
67 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,823 |
77 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,719 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
63 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,575 |
91 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,408 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
KENNEDY CREEK EAST |
1,207 |
53 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,182 |
88 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,100 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Princeton has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 30°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.6") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Princeton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Princeton
What is the population of Princeton?
Princeton has a population of 208 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 533 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is Princeton expensive to live in?
Princeton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,800 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Princeton safe?
Princeton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 265 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,063 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Princeton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Princeton?
Princeton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.6 inches, with 12.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Princeton?
The job market in Princeton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $968. There are 711 business establishments in the area, including 56 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 8.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Princeton?
The median home value in Princeton is $118,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $340,043. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,378.
How are the schools in Princeton?
Schools in Princeton score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.9% of adults in Princeton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.0% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Princeton?
The obesity rate in Princeton is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 53.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,362.
What is transportation like in Princeton?
The average commute in Princeton is 28 minutes. 79.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Princeton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Princeton is 85.6% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 10.8% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.