Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Princeton, NC
Considering a move to Princeton, NC? With a small-town population of about 1,350, Princeton features affordable living—median home prices are around $197,000 and rents average $925. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (146 per 100K), a mild climate with 62% sunny days, and an average commute of 27 minutes. The town offers good public schools and convenient access to healthcare and nearby colleges, making it a friendly and practical choice for families and commuters alike.
Demographics - Princeton, NC
Demographics - Princeton, NC
Princeton, NC is a close-knit town of 1,350 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 36.8, reflecting a mix of families and working professionals. The community is predominantly White (76.5%), with a notable Black population and a small percentage of non-English speakers, offering a modest but diverse cultural environment.
Population:
1,350
Density:
950 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.8
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
76.5%
Black:
13.7%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
9.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Princeton, NC?
Living in Princeton is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $197,000 and median rent around $925, both well below national averages. Utilities and everyday expenses remain affordable, making the town an attractive option for those seeking a lower cost of living in North Carolina.
Median House Value:
$197,000
Gross Rent:
$925
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,170
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,135
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$435
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.6
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
68.5
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
83.2
Health Care:
96.3
Miscellaneous:
91.1
Crime
Is Princeton, NC a safe place to live?
Princeton experiences a low violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 people, and property crime is moderate, giving residents a sense of security. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 685, making it a relatively safe place to live by regional standards.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
146
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,196
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 685
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Princeton, NC year-round?
Princeton enjoys a mild climate with warm summers reaching up to 90°F and winters rarely dropping below freezing. The area sees about 62% sunny days annually and receives nearly 48 inches of rainfall, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities most of the year.

Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
52°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Princeton typically earn around $56,800, with a per capita income of $23,900 and a poverty rate of 13.9%. Most adults have completed high school, and the average commute is about 27 minutes, making it a practical choice for working families and commuters.
Median Income:
$33,000
Household Income:
$56,800
Family Income:
$61,500
Per Capita Income:
$23,900
Income Male:
$38,700
Income Female:
$32,200
Poverty Rate:
13.9%
Non English Speakers:
8.2%
Rent:
$925
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
27.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.4%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Princeton, NC?
Princeton offers quality public education through its elementary and high schools, serving around 1,400 students combined with favorable student-teacher ratios. While there are no major private K-12 options in town, local students benefit from proximity to Johnston Community College and Wayne Community College, expanding educational opportunities for all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Princeton Elementary School
Street:
650 Holts Pond Rd
Phone:
919-936-0755
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Name:
Princeton High School
Street:
101 Dr Donnie H Jones Jr Blvd
Phone:
919-936-5011
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7

Private Schools
Name:
No major private K-12 schools in city

Colleges
Name:
Johnston Community College
City:
Smithfield
State:
NC
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
5,300
Name:
Wayne Community College
City:
Goldsboro
State:
NC
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare at nearby hospitals like Johnston UNC Health Care and Wayne UNC Health Care, both offering emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and 87.6% health insurance coverage, Princeton provides solid medical resources for its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Johnston UNC Health Care
Address:
509 N Brightleaf Blvd, Smithfield, NC 27577
Phone:
(919) 934-8171
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Wayne UNC Health Care
Address:
2700 Wayne Memorial Dr, Goldsboro, NC 27534
Phone:
(919) 736-1110
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.6%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Princeton, NC?
The Princeton housing market features a median home price of $197,000, with most homes owner-occupied and rents averaging $925 for a two-bedroom. Home values have appreciated by nearly 5% over the past year, indicating a stable and appealing market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$197,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$925
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Princeton residents are managed by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Smithfield. The DMV offers standard licensing and registration services both in person and online.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
110 South 5th Street, Smithfield, NC 27577
Phone:
919-934-4121
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.