Median Income
$143,684
91% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
1,198/100K
215% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.5%
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Princeton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population88
Median Age48.7 yrs
Density113/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans88.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$143,684
Per Capita$43,377
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,914M
Commute35 min
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$213,295
Housing Units25
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
F
Violent1,198/100K
Property6,403/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Smoking16.6%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain46.7 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation738 ft (225 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.5%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.49
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute35 min
Broadband32.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Princeton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Princeton receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, long commute times. Princeton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Princeton is $143,684, which is significantly higher than the national average / 91% above $75,149. This places Princeton among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
With 1,198 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,403 per 100,000, 227% above the national average.
Education
12.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Princeton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Princeton has a population of 88 with a density of 113 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 48.7 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 88.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.7yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Princeton vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Princeton vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Princeton is $143,684, which is 91% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,377 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $992, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,049 business establishments, including 93 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Princeton vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $143,684 |
| 91% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,377 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,027 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,049 |
| County GDP | $2,914M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Healthcare | 68 |
| Retail | 196 |
| Manufacturing | 79 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,275 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $213,295. Fair market rent ranges from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,155 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 25 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $2,275 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $928 |
| 1 Bedroom | $982 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,155 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,699 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 25 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,275 |
| 35% below US avg |
In Princeton, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 15.9% report binge drinking. 27.6% are physically inactive. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,994. The dentist ratio is 1:3,577. 52.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Princeton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.6% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,994 |
| Dentists | 1:3,577 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,148 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 56.8% |
| Premature Death | 13,904/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 52.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 68 |
Princeton has a violent crime rate of 1,198 per 100,000 residents, 215% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,403 per 100,000, 227% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 21 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 | 1,197.6/100K |
| 215% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,402.6/100K |
| 227% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 21 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Princeton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 310 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 46.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 738 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.2°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 738 ft (225 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 113/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.4913°N, 82.2959°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Laurens County County |
| Nearest Airport | Anderson Regional (AND)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.7"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.12"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 29.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
57 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Feb 15, 2014 |
12 km ENE of Parksville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
77 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Mar 18, 2003 |
11 km S of Rayle, Georgia |
M3.5 |
105 km |
| Jan 3, 1992 |
4 km ENE of Willington, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
58 km |
| Jun 16, 2006 |
9 km W of Maggie Valley, North Carolina |
M3.4 |
140 km |
| Jun 26, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| May 9, 2022 |
5 km ESE of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
4 km NNW of West Canton, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
132 km |
| Aug 8, 1993 |
12 km ENE of Aiken, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Jun 20, 2017 |
6 km SW of Augusta, Georgia |
M3.2 |
121 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
29 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
112 km |
| Feb 16, 2014 |
13 km WNW of Edgefield, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
77 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
116 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
28 km |
| Sep 18, 1996 |
6 km E of Clarks Hill, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
92 km |
| Apr 26, 2013 |
9 km E of Lincolnton, Georgia |
M2.8 |
80 km |
| May 23, 2023 |
4 km N of West Canton, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
131 km |
| May 10, 2022 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Gaston (2004, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
299 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
112 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
429 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 564 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
74 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
91 km |
5 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF4 |
43 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 1973 |
EF4 |
52 km |
7 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1974 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
35 km |
2 |
| Mar 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2021 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PINNACLE MOUNTAIN (7,869 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN |
7,869 |
74 km |
| 2010 |
BURNING UNIT |
5,567 |
82 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,897 |
82 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
3,772 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
C-94-95 133 RX |
3,192 |
55 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,165 |
65 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,909 |
58 km |
| 2021 |
C-326/327 LC |
2,852 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,690 |
82 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,654 |
72 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,532 |
82 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,514 |
48 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,458 |
79 km |
| 2020 |
CHAMBERS-GRAPE-HICKORY AP |
2,421 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,395 |
56 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,362 |
61 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,274 |
79 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,237 |
48 km |
| 2010 |
C-142 RX |
2,149 |
57 km |
| 2020 |
C-249 LC |
2,084 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (5°C) |
4.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Princeton has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 42°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.0 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.1") and April the driest (3.4").
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) |
$234 ($141–$375) |
| Specialist Visit |
$328 ($187–$515) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($94–$328) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,061 ($750–$4,685) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$234 ($141–$375) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$562 ($375–$937) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($94–$328) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$375 ($141–$750) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,559 ($3,748–$11,244) |
| Roof Repair |
$937 ($375–$1,874) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,433 ($5,154–$14,055) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,406 ($469–$3,280) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,055 ($4,685–$28,110) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,685 ($1,874–$9,370) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,406 ($750–$2,811) |
| Will Preparation |
$469 ($187–$937) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,343 ($937–$4,685) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($70–$234) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.84 ($2.81–$5.15) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.28 ($2.34–$4.69) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.56 ($2.34–$5.15) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.22 ($2.81–$6.09) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.15 ($3.75–$7.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$234) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$469) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,874 ($1,124–$3,280) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.50–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$234) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,124 ($562–$2,343) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$937 ($469–$1,874) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$375 ($187–$656) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$937 ($375–$2,343) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,713 ($4,685–$28,110) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($94–$375) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $481 |
| Toddler | $481 |
| Preschool | $524 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $575 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $589 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Princeton
What is the population of Princeton?
Princeton has a population of 88 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 113 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Princeton expensive to live in?
Princeton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $143,684, 91% above the national average of $75,149.
Is Princeton safe?
Public safety is a concern in Princeton, with a violent crime rate of 1,198 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,403 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.7 inches, with 1.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
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 $992. There are 1,049 business establishments in the area, including 93 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Princeton?
Schools in Princeton have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.5% of adults in Princeton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Princeton?
The obesity rate in Princeton is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 27.6% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 52.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,994.
What is transportation like in Princeton?
The average commute in Princeton is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Princeton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Princeton is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 88.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
