Cost of Living in Princeton, WV

Population 5,780 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023

48
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $44,428, median household incomes in Princeton land roughly 40% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 21% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Geographically, Princeton lies roughly 100 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Winston-Salem. Median home values run roughly 44% lower than Winston-Salem's $208,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 38
Rent 63

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

About the Cost of Living in Princeton

The median home value in Princeton is $115,800 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $830/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,428/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. West Virginia's top state income tax rate is 6.5% and the combined sales tax is 6.4%. The climate averages highs of 60.9°F and lows of 43.3°F, with about 34.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Princeton has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$115,800
62% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$162,690
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$830/mo
37% below avg
Zillow Rent
$853/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.6x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$658
1 BR
$729
2 BR
$883
3 BR
$1,182
4 BR
$1,304
Owner-occupied 54.0%
Renter-occupied 46.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$830
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,444/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
19.2 min
29% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.9%
Carpooled
9.1%
Public transit
0.5%
Walked
3.8%
Work from home
8.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 6.5%
Total Sales Tax 6.4%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.4%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$44,428
40% below avg
Per Capita Income
$25,185
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
5% above avg
Poverty Rate
21.4%
Labor Force Participation
54.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.0%
Graduate degree 7.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.4
Male median age 42.3
Female median age 44

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
60.9°F
Avg Low
43.3°F
Annual Precip
41.2"
Annual Snowfall
34.6"
20° 35° 50° 65° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404351637076797873635243
Low °F 242733435158626155453528
Precip" 3.032.903.843.644.614.144.363.143.242.782.553.01
Snow" 9.98.86.50.90.00.00.00.00.00.51.46.6

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
26
Public schools
8,785
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Princeton, WV?

Princeton has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.

What is average rent in Princeton, WV?

The median gross rent in Princeton is $830 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Princeton?

The median home value in Princeton is $115,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Princeton?

The median household income in Princeton is $44,428 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Princeton, WV?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Princeton is 6.4%. The West Virginia state income tax top rate is 6.5%.

Is Princeton, WV affordable?

Yes, Princeton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Princeton?

Princeton has average high temperatures of 60.9°F and average lows of 43.3°F. Annual precipitation is 41.2". Average annual snowfall is 34.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Princeton at a Glance

Population
5,780
Median Income
$44,428
Home Value
$115,800
Median Rent
$830/mo
Unemployment
5.1%
Avg High Temp
60.9°F
Sales Tax
6.4%
View all cities in West Virginia →
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