Median Income
$52,450
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$212,200
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
106/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.9%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$953
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.7%
86% lower than US avg
How Princeton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,988
Median Age39.5 yrs
Density1,012/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$52,450
Per Capita$31,304
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty1.7%
County GDP$4,897M
Commute24 min
Housing
A
Home Value$212,200
Rent$953
Ownership57.7%
Zillow$361,638
Housing Units2,090
Rent Burden27.2%
Crime
F
Violent106/100K
Property3,375/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault64/100K
Burglary170/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking17.9%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.7 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation974 ft (297 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.9%
High School+89.9%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score6.52
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute24 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Princeton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Princeton receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Princeton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Princeton is $52,450, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Princeton is $212,200, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $953 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Princeton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,375 per 100,000, 72% above the national average.
Education
12.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Princeton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.7 inches, including 49.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Princeton has a population of 4,988 with a density of 1,012 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 39.5 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.5yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Princeton vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Princeton vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Princeton is $52,450, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,304 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,111, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,490 business establishments, including 119 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Princeton vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,450 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,304 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,111 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,466 |
| Gini Index | 0.376 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.7% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,490 |
| County GDP | $4,897M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 119 |
| Healthcare | 198 |
| Retail | 194 |
| Manufacturing | 161 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,425 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.8% |
| Public Transit | 4.4% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Princeton is $212,200, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $361,638, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $953 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,090 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $4,425 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $212,200 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $361,638 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $953 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.3% |
| Housing Units | 2,090 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,425 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.09% |
In Princeton, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 26.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,678. The dentist ratio is 1:2,459. 84.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Princeton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,678 |
| Dentists | 1:2,459 |
| Mental Health | 1:426 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Dental Visits | 62.6% |
| Premature Death | 4,934/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 198 |
Princeton has a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 63.7 per 100,000, robbery at 21.2, rape at 21.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,375 per 100,000, 72% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,163, burglary at 170, vehicle theft at 42 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 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 | 106.1/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 21.2/100K |
| Robbery | 21.2/100K |
| Assault | 63.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,375.1/100K |
| 72% above US avg |
| Burglary | 169.8/100K |
| Theft | 3,162.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 42.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 442 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Princeton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 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 30.7 inches. The area receives 49.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 974 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.7°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 974 ft (297 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,012/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5682°N, 93.5903°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sherburne County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.7"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 9, 1994.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
365 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 35 fatalities, 924 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
65 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
3 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
77 km |
2 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
16 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
13 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
11 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
11 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
16 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
14 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
77 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
14 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
16 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
14 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
51 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
14 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
15 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
15 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
36 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Princeton has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 13°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.7").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,016 |
| Toddler | $920 |
| Preschool | $869 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Princeton
What is the population of Princeton?
Princeton has a population of 4,988 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,012 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.5 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Princeton expensive to live in?
Princeton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,450, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $212,200 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $953 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Princeton safe?
Princeton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,375 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.7 inches, with 49.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Princeton?
The job market in Princeton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,111. There are 2,490 business establishments in the area, including 119 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Princeton?
The median home value in Princeton is $212,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $361,638. For renters, the median monthly rent is $953. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,425.
How are the schools in Princeton?
Schools in Princeton score 6.5 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%. 89.9% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Princeton?
The obesity rate in Princeton is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 26.6% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 84.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,678.
What is transportation like in Princeton?
The average commute in Princeton is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.8% of workers drive alone to work, 4.4% use public transit, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Princeton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Princeton is 95.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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