Median Income
$55,066
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$69,200
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
115/100K
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.4%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$514
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.6%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.7%
6% lower than US avg
How Princeton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,434
Median Age39.2 yrs
Density902/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans4.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,066
Per Capita$24,567
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty11.7%
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$69,200
Rent$514
Ownership74.0%
Zillow$117,464
Housing Units575
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
F
Violent115/100K
Property2,109/100K
Health
Obesity42.6%
Uninsured12.7%
Smoking21.9%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain38.0 in/yr
Sunny Days267/yr
Elevation958 ft (292 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.4%
High School+87.5%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute24 min
Broadband74.8%
EV Stations1
Is Princeton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Princeton receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, 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 $55,066, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Princeton is $69,200, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $514 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Princeton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 115 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,109 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Princeton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 267 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Princeton has a population of 1,434 with a density of 902 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 39.2 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (87.4%), with 2.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93% of residents, while 7% speak Spanish. 4.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.2yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Princeton vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.0%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.0%
48% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Princeton vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Princeton is $55,066, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,567 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 13.9% of workers work from home.
Income: Princeton vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,066 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,567 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.7% |
| 6% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.9% |
The median home value in Princeton is $69,200, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,464, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $514 (56% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 575 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. 21.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $69,200 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $117,464 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $514 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.0% |
| Housing Units | 575 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
In Princeton, 42.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 36.1% have high blood pressure. 21.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 35.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 12.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Princeton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.1% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 9.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.9% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.1% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 12.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 50.8% |
Food & Exercise
Princeton has a violent crime rate of 115 per 100,000 residents, 70% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,109 per 100,000, 8% above the U.S. average. Overall, Princeton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Princeton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 115.4/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,109.4/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| 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 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 267 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 38.0 inches. The area receives 4.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 958 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 267 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 958 ft (292 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 902/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4008°N, 93.5805°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kirksville Regional (IRK)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.0"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
91 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
381 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 187 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
38 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
8 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HIGHWAY E (897 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Princeton has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January 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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Princeton
What is the population of Princeton?
Princeton has a population of 1,434 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 902 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.2 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Princeton expensive to live in?
Princeton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $55,066, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $69,200 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $514 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, 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 115 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,109 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 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 267 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.0 inches, with 4.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Princeton?
The job market in Princeton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 13.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Princeton?
The median home value in Princeton is $69,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,464. For renters, the median monthly rent is $514. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.0%.
How are the schools in Princeton?
Schools in Princeton score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.4% of adults in Princeton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Princeton?
The obesity rate in Princeton is 42.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.9% of adults are smokers. 35.1% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 12.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Princeton?
The average commute in Princeton is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Princeton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Princeton is 87.4% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 93% of residents speak only English at home, while 7% speak Spanish. 4.2% of the population are military veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
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