Princeton, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
39,665
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$141,254/yr
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,817
2.2% year-over-year change

Princeton population

How many people live in Princeton

Princeton is home to 39,665 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Princeton locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
39,665
2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
19,808
Female
50.1%
19,857
Value Percent YoY change
Male 19,808 49.9% 1.3%
Female 19,857 50.1% 2.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Princeton is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.3% are children under 15, then 14.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.3% of the population, while another 28.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
39
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.3%
15 to 24
14.2%
25 to 44
24.3%
45 to 64
28.7%
Over 65
14.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,262 18.3% 1.8%
15 to 24 5,626 14.2% -3.2%
25 to 44 9,633 24.3% 6.1%
45 to 64 11,373 28.7% 1.8%
Over 65 5,771 14.6% 1.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Princeton, 61.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 21% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 17.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 50.9% of locals are Caucasian, 6.3% are African American and 32% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
61.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
21%
Non-citizens
17.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 24,256 61.2% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8,315 21% 5.1%
Non-citizens 7,094 17.9% 6.8%
Racial breakdown
White
50.9%
Black or African American
6.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
32%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.6%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 20,196 50.9%
Black or African American 2,488 6.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 225 0.6%
Asian 12,689 32%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 10 0%
Two or more races 3,020 7.6%
Other 1,037 2.6%

Households in Princeton

A peek inside Princeton households

Princeton has 14,977 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67% are families, while the remaining 33% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
14,977
3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,944
Family households
10,033
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,944 33% 2.3%
Family households 10,033 67% 3.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Princeton

The housing landscape of Princeton

Princeton's housing consists of 15,817 units, with 47.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 19.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
15,817
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,570 47.9%
1 unit, attached 3,026 19.1%
2 units 273 1.7%
3 or 4 units 528 3.3%
5 to 9 units 569 3.6%
10 to 19 units 1,719 10.9%
20 to 49 units 788 5%
50 or more units 1,341 8.5%
Mobile home 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
214
118.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Princeton

In Princeton, the median construction year is 1962. About 14.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,273 14.4% -0.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 722 4.6% 8.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,511 9.6% -1.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,180 7.5% 9.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,092 6.9% 0.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,613 16.5% -1.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,308 14.6% 8.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,436 15.4% -0.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,467 9.3% -2.4%
Built in 2020 or later 214 1.4% 118.4%
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

Out of the 14,977 occupied housing units in Princeton, 61% are owner-occupied, while 39% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
14,977
3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,835
Owner occupied
9,142
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,835 39% 3.4%
Owner occupied 9,142 61% 3.1%
Unoccupied housing units
5.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Princeton housing costs

Housing costs in Princeton come to a median of $2,591 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,358.

Median housing costs per month
$2,591/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Princeton
$2,358/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Princeton

Princeton education at a glance

About 8.9% of the population in Princeton went to high school, while 11.5% pursued college studies. Another 3.4% earned an associate degree and 31.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 43.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 368 1.2% 15.7%
High school diploma 2,749 8.9% -2.5%
College diploma 3,567 11.5% -1.5%
Associate degree 1,060 3.4% -1.3%
Bachelor's degree 9,812 31.7% 2.9%
Graduate degree 13,359 43.2% 4.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Princeton

How much people earn in Princeton

The average annual household income in Princeton was $240,295 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $141,254, reflecting a +2.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Princeton
$240,295/year
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Princeton
$141,254/year
2.9% year-over-year change

Princeton income by age

In Princeton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $137,178. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $164,219 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $73,095, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $99,594 in earnings. Overall, 92.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $73,095 33.7%
25 - 44 $137,178 3.9%
45 - 64 $164,219 -0.4%
Over 65 $99,594 -12.1%
Above poverty level
34,247
Below poverty level
2,850
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 34,247 92.3% 1.9%
Below poverty level 2,850 7.7% 2.4%

Average renter income in Princeton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Princeton, their median household income was $94,792 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$94,792
Rent-to-income ratio
29.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Princeton

Workforce and job types in Princeton

94.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.9% run their own businesses, 60.4% are employed by private companies, and 8.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
19,893
Blue collar
1,121
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 19,893 94.7% 3.1%
Blue collar 1,121 5.3% 12.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10.9%
Private companies
60.4%
Governmental workers
8.4%
Not for profit companies
20.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,295 10.9% 9.0%
Private companies 12,690 60.4% 0.7%
Governmental workers 1,759 8.4% -0.9%
Not for profit companies 4,270 20.3% 12.6%

Transportation in Princeton

How people get around in Princeton

In Princeton, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 72.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 13.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
-4.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,290 72.3% 1.7%
Taxicab 46 0.4% 27.8%
Bus or trolleybus 294 2.3% 24.1%
Railroad 971 7.6% -8.0%
Bicycle 531 4.1% -10.5%
Walk 1,723 13.4% 2.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Princeton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
08540 50,388 18,609 $176,983 $241,691
08542 2,533 1,264 $105,524 $146,002

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FAQs about Princeton demographics 

What is the total population of Princeton?

Princeton has a total population of 39,665 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Princeton?

The gender ratio in Princeton is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (19,808 residents)
  • 50.1% females (19,857 residents)

What is the median age in Princeton?

The median age in Princeton is 39.

What is the age distribution of the population in Princeton?

The age distribution in Princeton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.3% (7,262 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.2% (5,626 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.3% (9,633 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.7% (11,373 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.6% (5,771 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Princeton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Princeton is as follows:
  • White: 50.9% (20,196 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.3% (2,488 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (225 residents)
  • Asian: 32% (12,689 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (10 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.6% (3,020 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (1,037 residents)

What percentage of the population in Princeton are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 61.2% of the population in Princeton.

How many housing units are there in Princeton?

There are 15,817 housing units in Princeton, reflecting a +2.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Princeton and what is the average household size?

Princeton has a total of 14,977 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Princeton?

Princeton has a median household income of $141,254, representing a +2.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Princeton?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.7% (19,893 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.3% (1,121 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.9% (2,295 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.4% (12,690 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.4% (1,759 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 20.3% (4,270 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025