Cost of Living in Princeton, KY

Population 6,242 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023

40
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Princeton sits on the smaller end of the Kentucky city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 2.3% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Princeton is about 50 miles northwest of Clarksville, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 62% lower than Clarksville's $236,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 29
Rent 55

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Princeton

The median home value in Princeton is $89,700 — 71% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $719/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,875/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. Kentucky's top state income tax rate is 4.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Princeton has a cost of living index of 40 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$89,700
71% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$145,424
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$719/mo
45% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10.4x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$636
1 BR
$721
2 BR
$872
3 BR
$1,187
4 BR
$1,336
Owner-occupied 56.9%
Renter-occupied 43.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$719
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,333/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
24.5 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.3%
Carpooled
19.4%
Walked
1.9%
Work from home
10.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.0%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$51,875
30% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,497
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
52% below avg
Poverty Rate
13.7%
Labor Force Participation
51.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.0%
Graduate degree 7.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.2
Male median age 42.1
Female median age 38.9

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

97%
4-Year Graduation Rate
17.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
1,990
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Princeton, KY?

Princeton has a cost index of 40 (100 = national average). It is 60% below the national average.

What is average rent in Princeton, KY?

The median gross rent in Princeton is $719 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Princeton?

The median home value in Princeton is $89,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Princeton?

The median household income in Princeton is $51,875 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Princeton, KY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Princeton is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.

Is Princeton, KY affordable?

Yes, Princeton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 40 — about 60% below the US national average of 100.

Princeton at a Glance

Population
6,242
Median Income
$51,875
Home Value
$89,700
Median Rent
$719/mo
Unemployment
2.3%
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Kentucky →
🗺️ County data for Kentucky

Explore county-level cost of living data

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