Median Income
$54,167
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$102,100
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
257/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.0%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$728
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
1% higher than US avg
How Princeton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,167
Median Age45.2 yrs
Density753/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$54,167
Per Capita$31,282
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty12.5%
County GDP$588M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$102,100
Rent$728
Ownership68.3%
Zillow$241,084
Housing Units546
Rent Burden25.7%
Crime
F
Violent257/100K
Property1,542/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault257/100K
Burglary86/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking17.0%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation765 ft (233 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.0%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute22 min
Broadband86.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
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 crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Princeton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Princeton is $54,167, 28% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Princeton is $102,100, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $728 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Princeton is below the national average at 257 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,542 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
15.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Princeton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches, including 42.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Princeton has a population of 1,167 with a density of 753 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 45.2 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.8% female and 44.2% male. The city is predominantly White (95.8%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.2yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Princeton vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Princeton vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Princeton is $54,167, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,282 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $893, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 396 business establishments, including 43 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Princeton vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,167 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,282 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $893 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,461 |
| Gini Index | 0.406 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 396 |
| County GDP | $588M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,156 |
| 47% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.2% |
The median home value in Princeton is $102,100, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,084, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $728 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 546 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $5,156 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $102,100 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,084 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $728 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.7% |
| Housing Units | 546 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,156 |
| 47% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.05% |
In Princeton, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.9% report binge drinking. 29.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,264. The dentist ratio is 1:3,945. 29.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Princeton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.6% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,264 |
| Dentists | 1:3,945 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,218 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 61.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,606/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 29.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Princeton has a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 257.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,542 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,285, burglary at 86, vehicle theft at 171 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Princeton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Princeton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 257.1/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 257.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,542.4/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
| Burglary | 85.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,285.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 171.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Princeton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches. The area receives 42.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 765 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.6°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 765 ft (233 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 753/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8559°N, 89.1249°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marquette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wittman Regional (OSH) 28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.3"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
516 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 34 fatalities, 477 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF4 |
88 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
15 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
55 km |
6 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
25 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
69 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
40 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
57 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
91 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
87 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
90 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
88 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
92 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
55 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
55 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
89 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
48 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
93 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
51 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Princeton has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.1").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Princeton
What is the population of Princeton?
Princeton has a population of 1,167 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 753 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.8% female and 44.2% male.
Is Princeton expensive to live in?
Princeton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,167, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $102,100 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $728 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, 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 257 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,542 per 100,000 (below 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 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.3 inches, with 42.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Princeton?
Princeton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $893. There are 396 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 10.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Princeton?
The median home value in Princeton is $102,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,084. For renters, the median monthly rent is $728. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,156.
How are the schools in Princeton?
Schools in Princeton score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.0% of adults in Princeton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Princeton?
The obesity rate in Princeton is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 29.6% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 29.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,264.
What is transportation like in Princeton?
The average commute in Princeton is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Princeton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Princeton is 95.8% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.