Princeton, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,894
6.4 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,500/yr
Private dwellings
1,521

Princeton population

How many people live in Princeton

Princeton is home to 2,894 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 51.2% identify as male and 48.8% as female.

Total population
2,894
6.4% year-over-year change
Population density
48.8/km2
Gender ratio
Male
51.2%
1,485
Female
48.8%
1,415
Value Percent
Male 1,485 51.2%
Female 1,415 48.8%
A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Princeton is 48.4. Children under 15 make up 12.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.2% are 25 to 34, 10.5% are 35 to 44, and 10.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 18.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 29%.

Average age
48.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.4%
15 to 24
8.1%
25 to 34
11.2%
35 to 44
10.5%
45 to 54
10.5%
55 to 64
18.1%
Over 65
29%
Value Percent
Under 15 360 12.4%
15 to 24 235 8.1%
25 to 34 325 11.2%
35 to 44 305 10.5%
45 to 54 305 10.5%
55 to 64 525 18.1%
Over 65 840 29%
Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Princeton, 89.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 8.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
89.8%
Immigrants
8.6%
Non-permanent residents
1.6%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 2,520 89.8%
Immigrants 240 8.6%
Non-permanent residents 45 1.6%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
7.7%
Non-minorities
92.3%
Value Percent
Minorities 215 7.7%
Non-minorities 2,590 92.3%
Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.
Languages used in Princeton
English
99%
French
0.9%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 2,820 99%
French 25 0.9%
Neither English nor French 5 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99% of people in Princeton speak English as their primary language, 0.9% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 0.2% use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Princeton

A peek inside Princeton households

Princeton has 1,375 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 35.6% of all homes, while 41.8% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 10.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
1,375
Average people per household
2
1 person
35.6%
2 persons
41.8%
3 persons
11.6%
4 persons
6.9%
5 or more persons
4%
Value Percent
1 person 490 35.6%
2 persons 575 41.8%
3 persons 160 11.6%
4 persons 95 6.9%
5 or more persons 55 4%
Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Princeton

The housing landscape of Princeton

Princeton has a total of 1,521 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Princeton offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 60% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 25.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,521
Housing types
Single-detached homes
65.9%
Attached homes
18.1%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
15.9%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 910 65.9%
Attached homes 250 18.1%
Movable homes 220 15.9%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
14%
2 or 3 bedrooms
60%
4 or more bedrooms
25.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 195 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms 830 60%
4 or more bedrooms 350 25.4%
Homes built since 2011
95

The age of buildings in Princeton

About 14.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 14.2% went up in the 1960s, 26.6% in the 1970s, and 8.7% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13.1% of homes were added, and 5.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 200 14.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 150 10.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 195 14.2%
Between 1971 and 1980 365 26.6%
Between 1981 and 1990 120 8.7%
Between 1991 and 2000 180 13.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 70 5.1%
After 2011 95 6.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Princeton occupancy rates

In Princeton, there are 1,377 occupied private dwellings, of which 74.3% are owner-occupied and 25.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 144 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
1,377
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
25.7%
Owned households
74.3%
Value Percent
Rented households 355 25.7%
Owned households 1,025 74.3%
Unoccupied dwellings
144
Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Princeton, homeowners pay a median of $604 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,020. About 85% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$604
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,020
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
85%
≥30% on shelter
15%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,165 85%
≥30% on shelter 205 15%
Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Princeton

Princeton education at a glance

In Princeton, educational attainment varies across the community. About 21.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 34.8% have completed high school and 12.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 16.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 11.9% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 525 21.2%
High school diploma 860 34.8%
Apprenticeship diploma 305 12.3%
College diploma 400 16.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 90 3.6%
University degree 295 11.9%
Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Princeton

How much people earn in Princeton

In Princeton, the median household income sits at $64,500, while the median after-tax household income is $60,000.

Median household income
$64,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$60,000/year
Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Princeton income by age

Young adults in Princeton between 15 and 24 have a median income of $20,000, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $42,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $62,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $46,800, followed by $38,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $28,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 20,000
25 - 34 42,000
35 - 44 62,400
45 - 54 46,800
55 - 64 38,000
Over 65 28,600

Employment in Princeton

Workforce and job sectors in Princeton

In Princeton, 1,320 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 11%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
1,320
Unemployment rate
11%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 10 0.8%
Business, finance and administration 120 9.3%
Natural and applied sciences 75 5.8%
Health 110 8.6%
Education, law, community and government services 100 7.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 15 1.2%
Sales and service 320 24.9%
Trades and transport 335 26.1%
Natural resources and agriculture 105 8.2%
Manufacturing and utilities 95 7.4%
Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Princeton

How people get around in Princeton

In Princeton, the average commute is 16 minutes. The remaining 1.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
16 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
55.6%
15 to 29 minutes
30.4%
30 to 44 minutes
7%
45 to 59 minutes
2.8%
More than 60 minutes
4.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 595 55.6%
15 to 29 minutes 325 30.4%
30 to 44 minutes 75 7%
45 to 59 minutes 30 2.8%
More than 60 minutes 45 4.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 915 86.3%
By bicycle/by walking 125 11.8%
By other methods 20 1.9%
Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Princeton demographics 

What is the current total population in Princeton?

Princeton has a population of 2,894, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +6.4% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Princeton?  

Princeton has a population density of 48.8 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Princeton?

Princeton has the following gender distribution:
  • 51.2% males (1,485 residents)  
  • 48.8% females (1,415 residents)

What is the age distribution of Princeton residents?  

The age distribution of Princeton residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 12.4% (360 residents)   
  • 15-24: 8.1% (235 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.2% (325 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.5% (305 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.5% (305 residents)   
  • 55-64: 18.1% (525 residents)   
  • Over 64: 29% (840 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Princeton? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Princeton: 
  • 89.8% non-immigrants (2,520 residents)  
  • 8.6% immigrants (240 residents)  
  • 1.6% non-permanent residents (45 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Princeton?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Princeton: 
  • English: 99% 
  • French: 0.9% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Princeton?  

The typical household size in Princeton is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Princeton?  

The median household income in Princeton is $64,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Princeton residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Princeton is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 21.2% (525 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 34.8% (860 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 12.3% (305 residents) 
  • College diploma: 16.2% (400 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.6% (90 residents) 
  • University degree: 11.9% (295 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Princeton?  

The most common occupations in Princeton fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 9.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 7.8% 
  • Health: 8.6% 
  • Management: 0.8% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 7.4% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 8.2% 
  • Sales and service: 24.9% 
  • Trades and transport: 26.1% 

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025