Princeton, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,736
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$43,900/yr
-1.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,400
3.4% year-over-year change

Princeton population

How many people live in Princeton

Princeton is home to 5,736 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Princeton locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
5,736
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
2,771
Female
51.7%
2,965
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,771 48.3% -0.8%
Female 2,965 51.7% -0.7%
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 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.1% are children under 15, then 7.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.4% of the population, while another 25% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.1%
15 to 24
7.8%
25 to 44
28.4%
45 to 64
25%
Over 65
23.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 864 15.1% -9.4%
15 to 24 449 7.8% -11.8%
25 to 44 1,627 28.4% 6.1%
45 to 64 1,432 25% -7.2%
Over 65 1,364 23.8% 9.9%
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, 99.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 88.7% of locals are Caucasian, 2.6% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,712 99.6% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 23 0.4% -72.9%
Non-citizens 1 0% -92.3%
Racial breakdown
White
88.7%
Black or African American
2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.6%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 5,087 88.7%
Black or African American 147 2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0%
Asian 4 0.1%
Two or more races 496 8.6%

Households in Princeton

A peek inside Princeton households

Princeton has 2,826 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.3% are families, while the remaining 43.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,826
9.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,234
Family households
1,592
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,234 43.7% 24.6%
Family households 1,592 56.3% 0.1%
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 3,400 units, with 64.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,400
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,202 64.8%
1 unit, attached 54 1.6%
2 units 292 8.6%
3 or 4 units 234 6.9%
5 to 9 units 301 8.8%
10 to 19 units 101 3%
20 to 49 units 16 0.5%
50 or more units 118 3.5%
Mobile home 82 2.4%
Homes built since 2020
29
31.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Princeton

In Princeton, the median construction year is 1953. About 35.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,202 35.4% 10.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 340 10% 24.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 481 14.2% 6.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 510 15% -8.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 246 7.2% 17.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 161 4.7% -15.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 132 3.9% -45.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 210 6.2% -17.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 89 2.6% N/A
Built in 2020 or later 29 0.8% 31.8%
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 2,826 occupied housing units in Princeton, 56.8% are owner-occupied, while 43.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,826
9.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,220
Owner occupied
1,606
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,220 43.2% 2.8%
Owner occupied 1,606 56.8% 15.3%
Unoccupied housing units
16.9%
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 $677 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $747.

Median housing costs per month
$677/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
$747/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 42.2% of the population in Princeton went to high school, while 23.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.9% earned an associate degree and 12.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 235 5% 19.3%
High school diploma 1,994 42.2% -9.4%
College diploma 1,119 23.6% 2.9%
Associate degree 422 8.9% 23.8%
Bachelor's degree 572 12.1% 4.4%
Graduate degree 389 8.2% 23.9%
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 $57,712 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $43,900, reflecting a -1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Princeton
$57,712/year
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Princeton
$43,900/year
-1.2% 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 $45,528. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $62,368 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $2,499, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $32,535 in earnings. Overall, 83% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $2,499 N/A
25 - 44 $45,528 5.4%
45 - 64 $62,368 4.1%
Over 65 $32,535 11.4%
Above poverty level
4,745
Below poverty level
969
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,745 83% 5.1%
Below poverty level 969 17% -21.4%

Average renter income in Princeton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Princeton, their median household income was $36,978 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$36,978
Rent-to-income ratio
24.2%
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

The job market in Princeton is powered by 2,573 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.8% run their own businesses, 67.4% are employed by private companies, and 22.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,573
3.9% year-over-year change
White collar
2,050
Blue collar
523
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,050 79.7% 7.6%
Blue collar 523 20.3% -8.6%
Employer type
Self employees
5.8%
Private companies
67.4%
Governmental workers
22.8%
Not for profit companies
4.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 148 5.8% -30.2%
Private companies 1,733 67.4% 3.1%
Governmental workers 586 22.8% 13.6%
Not for profit companies 106 4.1% 53.6%
Unemployment rate
1.6%
-67.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Princeton stands at 1.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Princeton

How people get around in Princeton

Commuting methods vary: 85% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,142 85% 0.6%
Bus or trolleybus 17 0.7% 41.7%
Walk 107 4.2% 16.3%
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
24740 16,498 7,023 $44,793 $72,083

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FAQs about Princeton demographics 

What is the total population of Princeton?

Princeton has a total population of 5,736 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 -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Princeton?

The gender ratio in Princeton is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (2,771 residents)
  • 51.7% females (2,965 residents)

What is the median age in Princeton?

The median age in Princeton is 44.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Princeton?

The age distribution in Princeton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.1% (864 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.8% (449 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.4% (1,627 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25% (1,432 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.8% (1,364 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Princeton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Princeton is as follows:
  • White: 88.7% (5,087 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.6% (147 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.6% (496 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.6% of the population in Princeton.

How many housing units are there in Princeton?

There are 3,400 housing units in Princeton, reflecting a +3.4% 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 2,826 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Princeton?

Princeton has a median household income of $43,900, representing a -1.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Princeton?

The employment rate is 98.4% in Princeton, with a workforce of 2,573 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.7% (2,050 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.3% (523 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.8% (148 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.4% (1,733 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.8% (586 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.1% (106 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