Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Princeton, MI
Considering a move to Princeton, MI? This friendly Upper Peninsula community of about 1,100 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $170,000 and average rents near $800. Crime rates are low, commutes are short (23.5 minutes), and you’ll enjoy a relaxed rural lifestyle with beautiful northern seasons. Princeton features strong local schools, easy access to Marquette’s larger amenities and hospitals, and a cost of living well below the national average.
Demographics - Princeton, MI
Demographics - Princeton, MI
Princeton, MI is a small community of around 1,100 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 44, reflecting a mature and close-knit atmosphere. The area has a low population density and a slightly higher ratio of males to females. Non-English speakers make up a small portion of the community, contributing to its local character.
Population:
Approximately 1,100
Density:
15 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.1
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.2%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Princeton, MI?
Living in Princeton is highly affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values at $170,000. Monthly expenses like rent and utilities are moderate, making this a budget-friendly choice for both homeowners and renters. State taxes remain consistent and reasonable for Michigan residents.
Median House Value:
$170,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.1
Grocery:
90.0
Housing:
78.0
Utilities:
94.5
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
89.2
Miscellaneous:
86.0
Crime
Is Princeton, MI a safe place to live?
Princeton experiences low crime overall, with a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,120 per 100,000, offering residents a safe and peaceful environment. The odds of encountering violent crime are very low, contributing to its appeal for families and retirees. The community's size and rural setting help maintain this secure atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
140
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,260
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 715
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Princeton, MI year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons in Princeton, from snowy winters with lows around 10°F to mild summers reaching up to 78°F. The area sees about 32 inches of annual rainfall and nearly half of the days are sunny, supporting outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes offer classic Upper Peninsula beauty and variety.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
25°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Princeton’s neighbors typically have a median household income of $62,500 and a poverty rate of 11.2%, reflecting a modest but stable local economy. Most residents commute about 23.5 minutes to work, and educational attainment is high, with 92% holding at least a high school diploma. The community maintains a friendly, small-town atmosphere with low unemployment and minimal reliance on public transit.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$62,500
Family Income:
$72,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,000
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
23.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in Princeton, MI?
Princeton provides access to quality public schools, including Gwinn High School and Gilbert Elementary, each with a favorable student-to-teacher ratio. For higher education, Northern Michigan University is located just 18 miles away in Marquette, offering a broad range of academic options. The town’s schools and proximity to a major university support lifelong learning and family needs.

Public Schools
Name:
Gwinn High School
Street:
50 W M-35
Phone:
906-346-9247
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Gilbert Elementary School
Street:
250 W Iron St
Phone:
906-346-9280
Students:
295
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8

Colleges
Name:
Northern Michigan University
City:
Marquette
State:
MI
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
7,100
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is solid, with major hospitals like UP Health System – Marquette just a short drive away, and 92.5% of residents have health insurance. The area offers about 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring basic medical needs are met. Emergency services and general healthcare are readily available for the local population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UP Health System – Marquette
Address:
850 W Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Phone:
(906) 449-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Princeton, MI?
The Princeton housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $170,000 and high owner occupancy at 86.1%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents around $800, and vacancy rates remain moderate. Home values have seen steady appreciation in recent years, making it an attractive spot for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$170,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
86.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services in Princeton are managed by the Michigan Secretary of State, with resources available online and through the main Lansing office. Residents can easily access information, renewals, and licensing through the state’s official website or by contacting the department directly. This ensures efficient and convenient DMV services for local drivers.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
202 W. Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48913
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.