Princeton
Data updated
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Each dot is one of the 84 cities we score — brighter means a higher score. Boundaries, highways and lakes: US Census TIGER.
- Prosperity69
- Schools80
- Safety78
- Lifestyle81
- Market77
- Affordability93
- Commute57
- Growth86
Princeton
Snapshot
✓ Pros
- More affordable than McKinney, Allen, or Frisco
- Development is starting to catch up with population growth
- Lake Lavon and surrounding parks are major perks
✗ Cons
- Rapid growth has outpaced road infrastructure causing traffic congestion on US-380
- Fast enrollment growth has crowded Princeton ISD
- New developments mean frequent roadwork and expansion projects
Demographics
Population
Mobility & Migration
Age Distribution
Households
Education Level
Connectivity & Remote Work
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Real Estate
💡 Market Insights
Home Prices
Market Trends
Market Health
Market Insights
Typical Home
Property Mix
Common Features
Costs & Ownership
Investment Indicators
Lifestyle
Explore Princeton on Google Maps
Lifestyle Scores
Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles)
Getting Around
Averaged across Princeton, weighted by where people live. #54 of 84 cities. Its most walkable areas reach 69, and 3% of residents live somewhere walkable (50+).
Local life in Princeton
Princeton began as a stop on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad, which reached the area in 1881. The older blocks sit north of US 380 (Princeton Drive) along N.
Day-to-day Princeton1,3,4,5,6,7,9,11,12,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,32,33,34,35,44
- 1Inspirations Coffeehouse
- 2Walmart Supercenter
- 3J.M. Caldwell Sr. Community Park
- 4Princeton Municipal Park
- 5J.J. Book Wilson Memorial Park
- 6Parkview Heights Park
- 7Veterans Memorial Park
- 8Canup Early Childhood Center
- 9Godwin Elementary
- 10Green Elementary
- 11Harper Elementary
- 12James Elementary
- 13Lacy Elementary
- 14Lowe Elementary
- 15Smith Elementary
- 16Carrell Elementary
- 17Clark Middle School
- 18Southard Middle School
- 19Mattei Middle School
- 20Banschbach Middle School
- 21Lovelady High School
- 22Princeton Senior High School
- 23Princeton ISD Administration
- 24Princeton Municipal Center (City Hall, Police, Fire Admin)
- 25Lois Nelson Public Library
- 26Princeton Annex (Parks & Rec)
- 27Chamber of Commerce
- 28Fire Station 1
- 29Fire Station 3
Only Inspirations Coffeehouse has listed coordinates.Routing origin: 33.1803, -96.4975. Off the map (farther out): Mayfield Elementary, Fire Station 4, Medical City McKinney, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney.
Princeton's year, month by month38,39,40,41,42,43,53
| Month | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| April | Fishin' Frenzy (Apr 18, 2026) | Municipal Center pond |
| April | Onion Festival, 22nd annual (Apr 25, 2026; Apr 24, 2027 listed) | Princeton Senior High School |
| May | Community Day of Purpose | Citywide |
| June | Freedom & Fireworks (June 27, 2026) | Caldwell Park |
| July | Parks & Recreation Month | City parks |
| October | National Night Out; Pumpkin BooLooza (Oct 17, 2026); Diwali Festival of Lights | Neighborhoods; Caldwell Park |
| November | Veterans Day ceremony (Nov 11) | Veterans Memorial Park |
| December | North Pole Christmas (Dec 5, 2026, 5-9 p.m.) | Caldwell Park |
2026 dates from city and Princeton Herald notices; May, July, Diwali and National Night Out entries reflect 2025.
Drive times from downtown Princeton49
- Downtown McKinney9.0 mi13 min
- Medical City McKinney9.5 mi14 min
- Baylor Scott & White - McKinney11.9 mi18 min
- Downtown Allen16.6 mi24 min
- Downtown Plano22.7 mi31 min
- Legacy West24.1 mi32 min
- Richardson (Telecom Corridor)26.5 mi38 min
- Downtown Dallas40.6 mi51 min
- Dallas Love Field42.1 mi56 min
- DFW Airport44.9 mi58 min
Realust calculation with the OSRM open routing engine from 33.1803, -96.4975. Free-flow times; weekday rush hour on US 380 and US 75 adds time.
What's in town vs. nearby1,8,9,10,11,40,44,48,49,50
| Need | In Princeton | Nearest outside town |
|---|---|---|
| Full grocery | Walmart Supercenter, 701 W. Princeton Dr.; Brookshire's (address not confirmed); Kroger Marketplace due late 2027 | More choice in McKinney (~13 min) |
| Pharmacy | Walmart Pharmacy (drive-thru); Brookshire's; Princeton Pharmacy | - |
| Emergency room | None confirmed | Medical City McKinney (~14 min); Baylor Scott & White - McKinney (~18 min) |
| Hospital | None | Medical City McKinney; Baylor Scott & White - McKinney |
| Library | Lois Nelson Public Library, 323 McKinney Ave. | - |
| Coffee | Inspirations Coffeehouse (status unconfirmed) | - |
| Big park | J.M. Caldwell Sr. Community Park, 97 acres | Sister Grove Park, Lavon Lake (~9 min) |
| Fire / police | City departments; 3 fire stations; ISO Class 2 | - |
| Public transit | None found | - |
Read the full local life guide
A small old core beside a fast-growing US 380
Princeton began as a stop on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad, which reached the area in 1881. The older blocks sit north of US 380 (Princeton Drive) along N. Main Street, College Street and 4th Street. That is where you find Veterans Memorial Park (311 Main St.), the city's Princeton Annex at 306 N. Main St., the chamber office at 112 N. 4th St., Lacy Elementary and the Lois Nelson Public Library at 323 McKinney Ave.
Downtown is small, and we could confirm few businesses there with 2026 evidence. Inspirations Coffeehouse is listed at 322 N. Main St., but that listing is no longer maintained, so check it before you go. Most daily shopping and chain dining sits along US 380 rather than downtown. In July 2026 the city held a town hall on its first comprehensive plan, the Live Princeton Comprehensive Plan, which will guide zoning, roads and development for the next 10 to 20 years.
The calendar runs through Caldwell Park
Most city events happen at J.M. Caldwell Sr. Community Park, 500 W. College Ave. In 2026, Freedom & Fireworks ran on June 27, Pumpkin BooLooza ran on Oct. 17, and North Pole Christmas is set for Saturday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 9 p.m. All three are free.
Spring is busy. Fishin' Frenzy, a catch-and-release event at the pond behind the Municipal Center, ran April 18, 2026. The Onion Festival, a Lions Club and school district event that began in 2005, held its 22nd edition on April 25, 2026, at Princeton Senior High School, with a 5K, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a cornhole tournament and food trucks. A 2027 listing shows April 24. In November there is a Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park downtown, and National Night Out block parties run in October.
Parks, trails and Lavon Lake
Caldwell Park is the big one. The 2018 parks plan puts it at 97 acres. It has ballfields, a soccer field, an 18-basket disc golf course, a dog park, a basketball court, pavilions, a playground and trails. It sits on the site of a 1940s migrant labor camp that held German prisoners of war in 1945. Princeton Municipal Park at the city hall campus has a catch-and-release pond, trails and EV chargers. J.J. Book Wilson Memorial Park (650 Beauchamp Blvd.) has a pond, pavilion and trails, and Parkview Heights (901 E. College Ave.) is a small neighborhood park with a playground and half-court.
Public trails were thin in 2018: the plan counted about 3 miles, 1.25 in city parks and 1.75 in private HOA parks, against a stated need of 8 miles by 2020. The city council adopted a new Parks and Trails Master Plan on Sept. 28, 2026. Many subdivisions also have their own HOA parks and pools, which vary by address.
Lavon Lake is the main draw. Sister Grove Park, a 75-acre Army Corps park at the lake's north tip, is about 9 minutes away and has soft-surface trails and pavilions. Twin Groves Park has a four-lane boat ramp. The Lavon dam area is about 32 minutes south.
Errands: Walmart now, Kroger coming
The Walmart Supercenter at 701 W. Princeton Dr. has a pharmacy with a drive-thru. A Brookshire's is also listed in Princeton. Kroger broke ground in July 2026 on a Kroger Marketplace at the northwest corner of US 380 and Beauchamp Boulevard, inside the 66-acre Princeton Town Center. A spokesperson said it should open in late 2027.
Princeton has no hospital. The closest are in McKinney: Medical City McKinney (4500 Medical Center Dr., about 14 minutes) and Baylor Scott & White–McKinney (5252 W. University Dr., about 18 minutes). We could not confirm a freestanding ER or urgent care in town. City Hall, police and fire administration share the Municipal Center at 2000 E. Princeton Dr.
Schools: one district, growing fast
Princeton ISD serves the city. It opened Carrell Elementary and Banschbach Middle School in August 2026, and first-day enrollment reached 11,958, up 1,413 from a year earlier. The district has two pre-K centers, nine K-5 elementaries, four middle schools (6-8), Lovelady High School (grades 9-10) and Princeton Senior High School (11-12). It plans five more campuses by 2030, including a second senior high in 2029.
TEA gave the district a B (81) for 2025-26, the same letter as the year before. For 2024-25, campus grades ranged from A (Harper Elementary, Clark Middle) to D (Godwin Elementary). We did not find 2026 campus grades. Elementary zones change often as new campuses open, so check the zone for a specific address.
Getting around and public safety
US 380 is the main road, running west to McKinney and east to Farmersville. Off-peak, downtown McKinney is about 13 minutes away, Allen 24, downtown Plano 31, Legacy West 32, downtown Dallas 51, Love Field 56 and DFW Airport 58. These are free-flow estimates. US 380 congestion at rush hour adds time. We found no fixed-route transit.
Princeton has its own police and fire departments. The fire department lists three stations (510 Woody Dr., 1100 Myrick Ln. and 7777 FM 546) and earned an ISO Class 2/2X rating in September 2026. The council has approved design work on a $36 million public safety headquarters at Corporate Drive and Myrick Lane. No construction date has been set.
Not confirmed yet
- 2026 TEA campus ratings (the TEA site blocks automated access).
- Whether a freestanding ER or urgent care operates inside Princeton.
- Street address of Brookshire's and Princeton Pharmacy.
- Which downtown restaurants and shops are open in 2026; downtown parking.
- Acreage of Princeton Municipal Park and White Wing Park; whether the Princeton Crossroads park site was built.
- Contents of the Parks and Trails Master Plan adopted Sept. 28, 2026, including current trail miles.
- Fire Station 2 address and who provides ambulance transport.
- Police and fire headcounts.
- Post office address.
- Private schools within about 15 minutes.
Questions people ask
Is there a grocery store in Princeton, TX?
Yes. The Walmart Supercenter at 701 W. Princeton Dr. sells groceries and has a pharmacy, and a Brookshire's is listed in town. Kroger broke ground in July 2026 on a Kroger Marketplace at US 380 and Beauchamp Boulevard, expected to open in late 2027.
Where is the nearest hospital to Princeton?
In McKinney. Medical City McKinney is about 14 minutes away and Baylor Scott & White - McKinney about 18 minutes, off-peak. We could not confirm an ER inside Princeton.
How long is the drive from Princeton to Dallas?
About 51 minutes to downtown Dallas off-peak, roughly 41 miles. McKinney is about 13 minutes, Plano about 31, and DFW Airport about 58. Rush hour on US 380 adds time.
What schools serve Princeton?
Princeton ISD: two pre-K centers, nine K-5 elementaries, four middle schools, Lovelady High School (9-10) and Princeton Senior High (11-12). It enrolled 11,958 students on the first day of 2026-27 and opened two campuses that August.
What is Princeton ISD's TEA rating?
B, with 81 of 100 points, for 2025-26. 2024-25 campus grades ranged from A at Harper Elementary and Clark Middle to D at Godwin Elementary.
When is the Princeton Onion Festival?
Usually the fourth Saturday of April at Princeton Senior High School. The 2026 festival was April 25, and a listing shows April 24 for 2027.
How close is Princeton to Lavon Lake?
Very close. Sister Grove Park, an Army Corps park on the lake's north end with trails, is about 9 minutes from downtown. Twin Groves Park has a four-lane boat ramp.
Is there public transit in Princeton?
We found no bus or rail service. Getting around takes a car, and US 380 is the main road.
Sources (53) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Independence Title, Princeton relocation guide (PDF; city contacts, parks, schools, fire stations, hospitals)
- City of Princeton, Parks & Recreation
- City of Princeton, Facilities directory
- City of Princeton, J.M. Caldwell Sr. Community Park facility page
- City of Princeton, Princeton Municipal Park facility page
- City of Princeton, J.J. Book Wilson Memorial Park facility page
- City of Princeton, Parkview Heights facility page
- City of Princeton, Park Master Plan (Nov 2018)
- The Shelby Report, Kroger breaks ground on new Marketplace in Princeton (July 16, 2026)
- CultureMap Dallas, Kroger breaks ground and reveals opening date in Princeton (July 14, 2026)
- Walmart, Princeton Supercenter #7178
- Princeton ISD, Growth & Development (planned campuses)
- Wikipedia, Princeton Independent School District
- Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer, Princeton ISD (2026 enrollment)
- Princeton Herald, 2025-26 TEA ratings for Princeton ISD (Aug 20, 2026)
- Princeton ISD, Two Princeton campuses, Harper and Clark, earn A ratings from TEA
- Princeton ISD, District enrollment increases by 1,400+ students (Aug 2026)
- SchoolDigger, schools in ZIP 75407
- Texas Tribune, Harper Elementary
- Texas Tribune, Lacy Elementary
- Texas Tribune, Godwin Elementary
- Texas Tribune, Smith Elementary
- Texas Tribune, Mayfield Elementary
- Texas Tribune, Lowe Elementary
- Texas Tribune, Lovelady High School
- Texas Tribune, Southard Middle School
- Texas Tribune, Clark Middle School
- Texas Tribune, Canup Early Childhood
- Texas Tribune, Princeton High School
- Texas Tribune, Mattei Middle School
- HAR.com, Mattei Middle School
- HAR.com, James Elementary School
- HAR.com, Carrell Elementary School
- HAR.com, Banschbach Middle School
- Green Elementary, Our Campus
- TDLR TABS2024004022, PISD Perkins Early Childhood / Jaguar Daycare
- Princeton Herald, Carrell Elementary principal profile (July 22, 2026)
- Eventeny, Freedom and Fireworks 2026 (City of Princeton)
- Eventeny, North Pole Christmas 2026 (City of Princeton)
- Princeton Herald, Coming together as a community: 2025 in review (Dec 31, 2025)
- Princeton Herald, 22nd annual Onion Festival (Apr 2, 2026)
- Princeton Herald, Fishin' Frenzy (Mar 19, 2026)
- City of Princeton, Pumpkin BooLooza
- Roadtrippers, Inspirations Coffeehouse listing (no longer maintained)
- Wikipedia, Princeton, Texas
- Hoodline, Princeton signs off on $36 million public safety HQ (Dec 2025)
- Princeton Herald, Live Princeton Comprehensive Plan town hall (July 9, 2026)
- City of Princeton, Community News (Sept-Oct 2026 items: ISO rating, parks plan, library fees)
- OSRM open routing engine (Realust drive-time calculation, Oct 2026)
- HAR.com, ZIP 75407 points of interest
- AARE, Princeton TX community guide
- Princeton EDC, Entertainment (lake and parks overview)
- The Craft Map, Princeton Onion Festival listing
Seasonal Temperatures
Annual Conditions
Crime & Safety
Safety Overview
Violent Crime
Property Crime
Job Market
Income
Employment
Income Distribution
Education
School District
Schools
🏆 Top-Rated Schools (1 A-rated schools in Princeton)
Academic Info
📈 Graduation Rates (Class of 2024)
🎯 College Readiness (Class of 2023)
Transportation
Mobility Scores
Commute
Distance To
⚡ EV Charging
Drive to major employers from Princeton
Rush-hour drive times from the center of Princeton, weekday at 8:00 AM.
| Workplace | 8 AM rush | No traffic | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| RaytheonMcKinney | 36 min | 21 min | 9.8 mi |
| Capital OnePlano | 54 min | 34 min | 22.5 mi |
| The StarFrisco | 55 min | 35 min | 24.8 mi |
| JPMorgan Chase Legacy WestPlano | 56 min | 34 min | 24.5 mi |
| Keurig Dr PepperFrisco | 56 min | 36 min | 25.1 mi |
| Telecom CorridorRichardson | 56 min | 34 min | 24.5 mi |
| Legacy WestPlano | 57 min | 35 min | 23.6 mi |
| Frito-Lay / PepsiCoPlano | 57 min | 35 min | 24.5 mi |
Show all 36 workplaces
| Workplace | 8 AM rush | No traffic | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm CityLineRichardson | 57 min | 35 min | 24 mi |
| Toyota North America HQPlano | 57 min | 36 min | 24.7 mi |
| Tyler TechnologiesPlano | 58 min | 37 min | 24.1 mi |
| Medical City PlanoPlano | 60 min | 40 min | 25.2 mi |
| UT DallasRichardson | 62 min | 40 min | 26.5 mi |
| Galleria / LBJDallas | 73 min | 44 min | 34.3 mi |
| McKessonLas Colinas | 73 min | 49 min | 42.5 mi |
| Texas InstrumentsDallas | 74 min | 44 min | 31.5 mi |
| DFW AirportDFW | 77 min | 52 min | 43.5 mi |
| Kimberly-ClarkIrving | 79 min | 54 min | 45.4 mi |
| Las Colinas Urban CenterIrving | 79 min | 54 min | 45.7 mi |
| Texas Woman's UniversityDenton | 81 min | 63 min | 37.9 mi |
| SMUUniversity Park | 83 min | 49 min | 36 mi |
| American AirlinesFort Worth | 84 min | 58 min | 52.2 mi |
| University of North TexasDenton | 84 min | 61 min | 52.8 mi |
| Fidelity InvestmentsWestlake | 85 min | 59 min | 52.4 mi |
| Charles SchwabWestlake | 85 min | 60 min | 53.5 mi |
| Uptown DallasDallas | 86 min | 50 min | 39.4 mi |
| Baylor University Medical CenterDallas | 88 min | 53 min | 40 mi |
| Downtown DallasDallas | 88 min | 53 min | 39.9 mi |
| Dallas Love FieldDallas | 88 min | 55 min | 43 mi |
| UT Southwestern / Medical DistrictDallas | 88 min | 55 min | 44 mi |
| AT&TDowntown Dallas | 89 min | 53 min | 39.9 mi |
| Arlington Entertainment DistrictArlington | 91 min | 67 min | 57.7 mi |
| Southwest AirlinesLove Field | 91 min | 58 min | 44.1 mi |
| AllianceTexasFort Worth | 95 min | 69 min | 61.3 mi |
| Downtown Fort WorthFort Worth | 98 min | 72 min | 65.2 mi |
| Lockheed MartinFort Worth | 108 min | 81 min | 75.2 mi |
Source: Google Routes forecast, updated October 2026. Find where to live near your work →
Cost of Living
Cost Index (100 = National Average)
Monthly Utilities
Everyday Costs
Taxes
Hidden costs in Princeton
A home inside Princeton city limits pays four taxing units: Princeton ISD at 1.2072, the city at 0.4402, Collin County at 0.1493 and Collin College at 0.0812. All rates are per $100 of value.
Where a typical Princeton homestead tax bill goes (2025)1,2,4,5,9
- Princeton ISD$2,338/yr
- City of Princeton$1,469/yr
- Collin County$473/yr
- Collin College$217/yr
Homestead at $333,631 inside city limits, no PID, owner under 65. An Arcadia Farms Phase 1–2 PID lot adds $1,079.
Base 2025 tax rate: Princeton vs. nearby cities1
- Farmersville2.17%
- Celina2.02%
- Anna2.00%
- Wylie1.95%
- Melissa1.91%
- Princeton1.88%
- Lavon1.86%
- McKinney1.75%
Excludes PIDs and MUDs. Princeton's PIDs add a flat yearly installment, about $1,000–$1,400 on a typical lot.
Monthly cost beyond the mortgage (sourced parts only)1,2,13,14,18,22
- Property tax (homestead, no PID)$375/mo
- City utility bill (water, sewer, trash, recycling, stormwater)$138/mo
- Electric (1,000 kWh, Realust estimate)$116/mo
- HOA (Acorn South)$60/mo
Insurance, gas and internet are not included. A PID lot in Arcadia Farms Phases 1–2 adds about $90.
Utility providers by area13,14,18,19,20
| Service | Inside city limits | Outside city limits / ETJ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Retail choice; Oncor or TNMP wires (sources disagree) | Retail choice likely; co-op areas not checked | Check the ESI ID on a bill |
| Water | City of Princeton | Culleoka WSC or Milligan WSC | City: $25.67 base + $6.10–$10.69 per 1,000 gal |
| Sewer | City of Princeton | City sewer in some areas; otherwise septic (not confirmed) | City: $15.00 base, billed on winter average |
| Trash & recycling | City contract on city bill | Not confirmed | $15.79 trash + $4.66 recycling |
| Stormwater | City fee | None from city | $5.60/month |
| Natural gas | Atmos Energy (not confirmed) | Often all-electric | |
| Internet | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum (secondary source) | Varies by address | Fiber varies by phase |
Read the full hidden costs guide
A lower base rate than most neighbors
A home inside Princeton city limits pays four taxing units: Princeton ISD at 1.2072, the city at 0.4402, Collin County at 0.1493 and Collin College at 0.0812. All rates are per $100 of value. Together that is 1.88% before exemptions, below Anna, Melissa, Celina and Farmersville and above McKinney.
The city held its rate flat at 0.4402 for the 2025–26 budget. It has no general homestead exemption, so city tax applies to full value. The school district exempts $140,000, the college 20% and the county 5%. Owners 65 and older get added exemptions and a tax ceiling from all four units.
At the city's 2025 average homestead value of $333,631, the bill comes to about $4,500 a year, or $375 a month. That is an effective rate of about 1.35%. The same house as a rental with no exemptions would owe about $6,270.
Most new subdivisions carry a PID
Princeton has 11 public improvement districts, including Arcadia Farms, Winchester Crossing, Whitewing Trails, Southridge, Brookside, Eastridge, Windmore and Sicily. A PID repays the developer's roads, water lines and parks through a fixed yearly installment per lot, billed with property taxes.
Sampled installments run about $1,000 to $1,400 a year on a typical lot. Arcadia Farms Phases 1–2 owe $1,079 per 50-foot lot for 2025, which adds about $90 a month. Later Whitewing Trails phases are lower, near $270 to $410. Installments are set by lot type, not home value, and rise slightly year to year. Look up the exact lot in the district's assessment plan before you buy.
Water and sewer are the line to watch
The city bills water, sewer, trash, recycling and stormwater together. The posted minimum is $68.41 a month. At 6,000 gallons of water and a 5,000-gallon sewer average, a Realust calculation from city rates comes to about $138.
Water starts at $6.10 per 1,000 gallons and climbs in tiers to $10.69. Sewer is billed on your winter average, so new customers pay on 5,000 gallons until one is set. Rates reset every October 1. Residents raised sewer billing and refunds at a September 2025 council meeting, so ask a seller for recent bills.
Homes outside city limits often get water from Culleoka or Milligan water supply corporations instead. Those homes pay no city property tax, but they may still be in Princeton ISD and may still carry HOA dues or a special district. Confirm water, sewer and trash service for any address in the ETJ.
Electric, gas and internet
Princeton is in the retail-choice market, so you pick an electric plan. Rate sites disagree on whether Oncor or TNMP owns the wires, which changes delivery charges. At 1,000 kWh, quoted plans work out to about $116 to $155 a month.
A moving guide lists Atmos Energy for gas and AT&T Fiber and Spectrum for internet, with fiber varying by phase. Check each address.
Rent, HOA and commute
Median gross rent is $2,239 a month in the Census Bureau's 2020–2024 survey, and about three in four homes are owner-occupied.
HOA dues seen in recent listings run $650 a year in Bridgewater and $724 a year in Acorn South. PID installments are a separate charge.
The average commute is about 32 minutes. US 380 west to McKinney and US 75 has no tolls.
Not confirmed yet
- What are 2026 adopted rates for the city, Princeton ISD, Collin County and Collin College?
- What do Southridge, Eastridge and Windmore PID lots owe per year?
- What are HOA dues in Arcadia Farms, Winchester Crossing, Whitewing Trails and Southridge?
- What does homeowners insurance typically cost for a $335,000 home in Princeton?
- What share of city parcels sits in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area?
- What are typical drive times and toll costs to Plano, Frisco and downtown Dallas?
- What water and wastewater impact fees apply to a new single-family home?
Questions people ask
What is the property tax rate in Princeton, TX?
Inside city limits the 2025 base rate is about 1.88%: Princeton ISD 1.2072, city 0.4402, Collin County 0.1493 and Collin College 0.0812, per $100 of value. PID lots pay a flat installment on top.
How much are property taxes on a $335,000 home in Princeton?
About $4,500 a year ($375 a month) with standard homestead exemptions and no PID, at 2025 rates. In Arcadia Farms Phases 1–2, add about $1,080 for the PID. As a non-homestead rental, about $6,270.
Does Princeton, TX have PIDs?
Yes, 11, including Arcadia Farms, Winchester Crossing, Whitewing Trails, Southridge and Brookside. Sampled installments run about $1,000–$1,400 a year on a typical lot.
How much is the water bill in Princeton, TX?
The minimum monthly city bill is $68.41, including trash, recycling and stormwater. At 6,000 gallons of water and a 5,000-gallon sewer average, it is about $138.
Does the City of Princeton have a homestead exemption?
No general one. The city gives $25,000 to owners 65 and older or disabled and freezes their city tax. Princeton ISD exempts $140,000.
Who provides electricity in Princeton, TX?
You choose a retail electric provider. Rate sites list Oncor or TNMP as the wires company, depending on the source; check your bill's ESI ID.
What is the average rent in Princeton, TX?
The Census Bureau's 2020–2024 median gross rent is $2,239 a month.
Sources (23) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Republic Title, 2025 DFW Tax Rates and Exemptions
- Collin Central Appraisal District, 2025 Certified Value Summary (July 24, 2025)
- Princeton Herald, Council approves budget, sets tax rate (Sept. 11, 2025)
- Collin County Tax Assessor, Tax Rate Summary (2023 rates and exemptions)
- Community Impact, New Collin College tax rates, exemptions (May 4, 2023)
- Collin County, FY2026 Tax Rate Public Hearing Presentation
- Independence Title, Collin County Tax Rates 2025
- City of Princeton, Public Improvement Districts (Special Financing Districts)
- City of Princeton, Arcadia Farms PID Phases 1 and 2, 2024 SAP Update
- City of Princeton, Winchester PID No. 2, 2024 SAP Update
- City of Princeton, Brookside PID Phases 1–3, 2024 SAP Update
- City of Princeton, Whitewing Trails PID 2, 2024 SAP Update
- City of Princeton, Water & Wastewater Rates
- City of Princeton, Ordinance 2024-09-16-02, Water and Sewer Rate Plan
- TX3D News, Princeton council meeting (Sept. 2025)
- U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts: Princeton city, Texas (ACS 2020–2024)
- Census Reporter, Princeton, TX profile (ACS 2024 5-year)
- Choose Energy, Princeton electricity rates
- ElectricRates.org, Princeton, TX electricity service area
- 10 Federal Storage, The complete guide to moving to Princeton, TX (secondary)
- Home listing, Bridgewater Ph 4B (JPAR)
- Home listing, Acorn South
- City of Princeton, FAQ (PIDs)
What’s coming
Public projects that will change daily life in Princeton: new jobs, roads, schools and places to go. Every project links to its source.
McKinney National Airport flights
A new 46,000 sq ft passenger terminal on FM 546 opens with Avelo Airlines nonstops to Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers starting mid-November 2026.
Why it matters: Commercial flights without the drive to DFW or Love Field.
Also in McKinney · Lowry Crossing · New Hope · Melissa · Anna · Fairview · Allen
US 380 widening, McKinney–Princeton
TxDOT is widening US 380 from four lanes to six for about 7.2 miles, from Airport Drive in McKinney through Princeton to CR 458 near Lavon Lake. Webber, LLC holds the $141.4 million contract. Work started in fall 2025, was about 25% done in May 2026 and should finish around late 2028. It is separate from TxDOT's longer-term US 380 freeway plan.
Why it matters: Six lanes on US 380 from Airport Dr. in McKinney through Princeton to CR 458.
Also in McKinney · Lowry Crossing · New Hope
Spur 399 extension, Segment 1
TxDOT is widening Spur 399 in southeast McKinney, the first piece of a planned freeway loop around the city's east side to US 380. Later segments are still in design.
Why it matters: Future bypass to ease US 380 and SH 5 congestion through McKinney.
Also in McKinney · Lowry Crossing · New Hope
Princeton Aquatic & Rec Center (PARC)
The multigenerational aquatic and recreation center from Princeton's 2023 parks bond was trimmed from $80M to about $60M. Construction documents were due by fall 2026, with completion projected for 2028.
Why it matters: Indoor pool and rec center close to home for Princeton families.
Citywide
Abbott & Talley elementaries
Princeton ISD's 10th and 11th elementary schools are planned for 2027-28: Abbott at FM 75 and CR 831 in the north, and Talley in Tillage Farms off FM 982 in the south.
Why it matters: New neighborhood schools in Princeton's fastest-growing subdivisions.
Citywide
Anthony Sr. High School (Princeton ISD)
Princeton ISD's second senior high school is planned on the Harper Elementary property off County Road 398. Its first phase is scheduled to open in the 2029-30 school year.
Why it matters: Relieves crowding at Princeton's only high school.
Citywide
FM 3286/FM 546 Lake Lavon bridge
TxDOT proposes replacing the two-lane Lake Lavon bridge and widening 4.7 miles from FM 1378 in Lucas to FM 982 near Princeton, at about $230M. No funding has been identified yet.
Why it matters: Faster, safer lake crossing between Lucas and Princeton.
Also in Lucas
Outer Loop Segment 5 study
Collin County is refining the alignment of a 21-mile Outer Loop segment from SH 121 near Anna to US 380 near Farmersville. No construction is funded or scheduled yet.
Why it matters: Long-term route that could reshape land east of Anna and Melissa.
Also in Farmersville · Melissa · Anna · Blue Ridge
Citywide
US 380 Farmersville bypass
TxDOT is designing a new US 380 roadway from CR 560 around Farmersville to the Hunt County line (about $693M combined). Bidding is estimated for 2033.
Why it matters: Would move through traffic off Farmersville's main corridor.
Also in Farmersville
Kroger Marketplace (Princeton)
Nearly 100,000-sq-ft Kroger Marketplace with pharmacy and a 14-pump fuel center at Beauchamp Blvd and US 380, in the 66-acre Princeton Town Center. About 200 jobs.
Why it matters: A large full-service grocery and fuel stop on Princeton's US 380 corridor.
J.J. Book Wilson Park
New park at 650 Beauchamp Blvd with a skatepark for all skill levels plus open green space, funded by the city's parks bond. Groundbreaking was Feb. 19, 2026.
Why it matters: Adds a skatepark and green space for Princeton families.
Citywide
Sister Grove sewer plant, Phase II
NTMWD's regional wastewater plant near FM 2933 and CR 336 began treating flows in 2025. Phase II, under construction since Sept. 2025, doubles average capacity from 16 to 32 million gallons a day.
Why it matters: Regional sewer capacity for growth around Princeton, New Hope and McKinney.
Citywide
Texoma water pipelines & NTMWD rates
NTMWD's Texoma Two-Step adds two pipelines carrying Lake Texoma water to its Leonard and Wylie plants (+90M gal/day by 2029). Member-city wholesale water rates rose 7.5% for FY2026.
Why it matters: More regional water supply, but NTMWD expects wholesale rates to keep rising.
Also in Plano · Frisco · Allen · McKinney · Wylie · Richardson · Garland · Mesquite · Rockwall · Farmersville · Royse City
Citywide
Collin County $817.5M bond
Four props: $475M for non-tolled roads and bridges, $296.5M for courts, jail and probation facilities, $40M for an elections/records building and $6M for parks.
Why it matters: Road and bridge money for growing Collin suburbs; repaid via property tax.
Also in Plano · Frisco · Allen · McKinney · Prosper · Celina · Fairview · Lucas · Parker · Wylie · Sachse · Richardson · Anna · Melissa · Farmersville · Lavon · Lowry Crossing · New Hope · Blue Ridge · St. Paul · Nevada · Westminster
Citywide
Collin College $600M bond
Funds campus expansions in McKinney, Wylie, Plano, Allen, Celina and Frisco, a McKinney Aviation Academy and new Anna and Royse City campuses. The college expects no tax-rate increase.
Why it matters: More nearby college and job-training seats; no college tax-rate hike expected.
Also in Plano · Frisco · Allen · McKinney · Prosper · Celina · Fairview · Lucas · Parker · Wylie · Sachse · Anna · Farmersville · Royse City · Richardson · Melissa · Lavon · Lowry Crossing · New Hope · Nevada · St. Paul · Blue Ridge · Westminster · Van Alstyne
Citywide
Proposed data center on CR 561
BT Aycock Data Center LLC has shown interest in nearly 50 acres at 680 County Road 561, just east of Princeton. A groundwater district approved a 150-gpm Woodbine Aquifer well for the site in June 2026.
Why it matters: Industrial use beside rural large-lot homes just east of Princeton.
Citywide
Eastridge
Green Brick Partners community at Longneck Road and New Hope Road East in Princeton with about 2,400 homesites. It sold 427 homes in 2025, No. 39 on RCLCO's national list.
Why it matters: Adds thousands of residents on Princeton's west side, adding to traffic in an already fast-growing city.
We track publicly announced projects from official and local news sources. Plans and dates change; dates are targets, not promises. Map locations are approximate. Projects don't affect the Realust Score. Know of a project we're missing? Tell us.
Growth story in Princeton
Princeton grew up around a Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad stop in 1881, first called Wilson's Switch. Residents chose the name Princeton after landowner Prince Dowlin, a post office opened in 1888 and the town incorporated in 1912.
Princeton population, 1990-20251,2
1990-2020: decennial Census counts.Unattributed projections of 100,000-110,000 by 2039-2040 are discussed in text, not charted.
New housing units permitted by the City of Princeton3,4
Census Building Permits Survey. 2020-2021 imputed by the Census Bureau. 2022 includes 744 units in 3-4 unit buildings; 2023 and 2024 include 260 and 330 apartment units. Residential moratorium Sept 2024-Nov 2025 covered new approvals only. 2026 is January-September.
Princeton ISD enrollment, actual and projected12,13,15,16,20,21
Snapshots at different points in the year; 2019 is approximate, 2023-24 is derived (first-day 2024 count minus reported gain).
New-home communities in and around Princeton22,25
| Community | Builders | Planned size | Status | Starting price (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater | n/p | 2,221 lots | Near build-out (1,699 occupied, Nov 2024) | n/p |
| Tillage Farms | Lennar | n/p | Selling | from $114,999 (1-bed) / $185,999+ |
| Whitewing Trails | Beazer, Lennar, Pulte | n/p | Selling | from $309,990 |
| Southridge | Meritage | n/p | Selling | from $265,490 |
| Monticello Park | Starlight, Ashton Woods | n/p | Selling | from $273,500 |
| Cypress Creek | Lennar | n/p | Selling | from $245,999 |
| Clearhaven | Centex, Imagination | n/p | Selling | from $244,990 |
| Acorn | Lennar | n/p | Selling | from $152,999 |
| Princeton Estates / II | KB Home | n/p | Selling / Coming soon | from $256,995 |
| Daybreak | Lennar | n/p | Selling | from $284,999 |
Show all 16 rows
| Ashford Crossing | Centex | n/p | Selling | from $234,990 |
| Serenity | Lennar | n/p | Selling | from $321,999 |
| Windmore | Meritage | n/p | Selling | from $338,490 |
| Town Park | Pacesetter | n/p | Selling | from $249,980 |
| Princeton Heights | LGI | n/p | Selling | from $290,900 |
| Arbor Lakes | Imagination | n/p | Coming soon | n/p |
n/p = not published in sources gathered. Builder listings from NewHomeSource's first results page only (the site shows more). Lot counts and developers were not found except Bridgewater (Zonda via PISD). Some communities may be outside city limits.
How long Princeton workers commute5
- Under 15 min1,757 workers
- 15-29 min3,552 workers
- 30-44 min3,048 workers
- 45-59 min1,652 workers
- 60+ min1,336 workers
ACS 2020-2024, workers 16+ who did not work from home (11,345). About 53% commute 30 minutes or more. Named major employers near Princeton not covered.
What Princeton residents work in10
- Education, health care, social assistance23.1%
- Professional, scientific, management, admin15.2%
- Retail trade11.1%
- Arts, entertainment, food service9.90%
- Finance, insurance, real estate9.60%
- Construction7.40%
- Manufacturing7%
- Public administration4.40%
- Other services4%
- Wholesale trade2.90%
City of Princeton Community Profile (ACS-based; year not stated). Shows residents' industries, not jobs located in Princeton.
Read the full growth story guide
A farm town that took a century to reach 3,000
Princeton grew up around a Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad stop in 1881, first called Wilson's Switch. Residents chose the name Princeton after landowner Prince Dowlin, a post office opened in 1888 and the town incorporated in 1912.
For most of the 1900s it stayed small, with fewer than 600 people through 1960. It reached 3,408 in 1980, dipped to 2,321 in 1990 and was 6,807 at the 2010 Census.
Population: 17,000 to 43,500 in five years
The 2020 Census counted 17,027 people. Census Bureau estimates show 20,071 in 2021, 22,962 in 2022, 28,234 in 2023, 36,856 in 2024 and 43,524 in July 2025. Princeton ranked No. 1 in the country for percentage growth in 2023-2024 and No. 3 in 2024-2025.
City figures run higher: about 43,000 by water-meter count in early 2025 and 48,325 on the city's current profile. The city's 2019 plan expected 40,000 people by 2050, a level passed in 2025. Figures of 100,000 by 2040 or 110,000 by 2039 appear in news stories, but no agency has been confirmed as their source. A new comprehensive plan is underway.
Housing: permits, a pause and what came after
Census permit data show the city issued fewer than 300 housing permits a year through 2016. It issued 891 in 2018, 1,784 in 2022 and a peak of 2,882 in 2023. From 2020 to 2025 it permitted 10,293 units, almost all single-family, with some apartment and three- and four-unit buildings in 2022-2024.
In September 2024 the council paused new residential approvals, citing water, wastewater, road and police capacity. The pause was extended twice and ended in November 2025. Projects approved earlier kept building, so permits fell only about 18% in 2025. A 2025 state law now limits such pauses to 60 days, once every two years. Through September 2026 the city had permitted 1,388 more units.
New homes are spread across many builder communities, including Tillage Farms, Whitewing Trails, Southridge, Monticello Park and Cypress Creek. Bridgewater, with 2,221 lots, was near build-out by 2025. Advertised starting prices in October 2026 mostly ran from about $235,000 to $340,000. A Princeton mailing address does not guarantee a home is inside city limits, so check city limits, ETJ status and any MUD or PID before buying.
What is driving it
Princeton sits on US 380 east of McKinney, and more than half of its workers commute 30 minutes or more. Retail is starting to follow rooftops: the 66-acre Princeton Town Center broke ground in July 2026 at Beauchamp Boulevard and US 380.
The city is also annexing about 9,300 acres along the Lake Lavon shoreline, taking over three Corps of Engineers parks and planning a $65 million recreation and aquatics center. Water, wastewater and road plans are being updated after the city said in 2024 that its plants were at or near capacity. Costs and schedules for those upgrades were not found.
Schools adding a campus a year
Princeton ISD had about 5,400 students in 2019 and 12,338 in August 2026, adding roughly one elementary school's worth of students each year. It has opened eleven campuses since 2019, including Lovelady High School in 2021 and two schools in 2026.
Voters passed a $237.4 million bond in 2019 and a $797 million bond in 2023, the second for eight campuses through 2032, including a second senior high in 2029. The district projects about 25,000 students by around 2035 and says enrollment has run ahead of its forecasts. No new bond was found on the 2026 ballots. The district's boundaries extend beyond the city.
Values and incomes
Census survey data show the median owner-estimated home value rising from $127,700 (2011-2015) to $185,200 (2015-2019) and $331,000 (2020-2024). Median household income rose from $41,667 to $105,200 over the same periods.
About 65% of homes were built in 2010 or later, so these gains mostly reflect new construction, not only older homes gaining value. These are five-year averages with margins of error.
Not confirmed yet
- What water and wastewater plant expansions are planned, at what cost, and when? Princeton buys water through the North Texas Municipal Water District region; the city's plan updates were not reviewed.
- Which major employers are closest to Princeton, and how many jobs do they have?
- What will the comprehensive plan update show for future land use and population?
- What is TxDOT planning for US 380 through Princeton (widening or freeway), and when?
- How many lots in each community are built, under construction and still to come?
- Other communities often linked to Princeton (for example Winchester Crossing, Arcadia Farms, Eastridge) not covered.
- Does NCTCOG publish a 2026 estimate or a 2040/2050 forecast for Princeton?
Questions people ask
What is the population of Princeton, Texas?
The Census Bureau estimated 43,524 residents on July 1, 2025, up from 17,027 at the 2020 Census. City estimates are higher, about 45,000 to 48,000.
Is Princeton the fastest-growing city in the U.S.?
It was No. 1 for percentage growth from July 2023 to July 2024 (30.6%). From 2024 to 2025 it ranked No. 3 at 18.1%, behind Celina and Fulshear.
Is the Princeton building moratorium still in effect?
No. The residential moratorium adopted in September 2024 expired in November 2025. State law now limits new moratoriums to 60 days, once every two years.
How many new homes are being built in Princeton?
The city permitted 10,293 housing units from 2020 to 2025 and 1,388 more from January to September 2026, per the Census Building Permits Survey.
What are the new home communities in Princeton, TX?
Active communities include Tillage Farms, Whitewing Trails, Southridge, Monticello Park, Cypress Creek, Clearhaven and Princeton Estates. Bridgewater (2,221 lots) is near build-out.
How big is Princeton ISD?
12,338 students in August 2026, up from about 5,400 in 2019. The district projects about 25,000 students by around 2035.
Did the Princeton ISD bond pass?
Yes. Voters passed a $797 million bond on May 6, 2023, 597 to 302, for eight new campuses. No newer bond was found.
What county is Princeton, Texas in?
Collin County, about 10 miles east of McKinney on US 380.
Sources (32) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Princeton, Texas (Wikipedia; historical census table, history, home-rule votes)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 city and town population estimates, Texas (sub-est2025_48.csv)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, annual place files, South Region (soYYYYa.txt, 2010-2025)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, South Region place file, year-to-date through Sept 2026 (so2609y.txt)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year table-based summary files 2017-2021 to 2020-2024 (B25077, B19013, B25001, B25003, B08303, B25034), place 4859576
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2015-2019 5-year summary file, Texas
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2011-2015 5-year summary file, Texas
- Dallas Observer, Princeton allows home building again as growth continues (undated, early 2026)
- Princeton ISD, 2023 Bond (district bond page)
- City of Princeton, Community Profile (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- Princeton Herald, School construction bond officially passes (May 18, 2023)
- Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer, Princeton ISD (state enrollment data, 2026)
- KETR, Piece of mind: Princeton ISD growth causes many headaches (Oct 16, 2019)
- Princeton Herald, Breaking news: Princeton ISD bond passes (May 4, 2019)
- Princeton Herald, PISD trustees approve 2026-27 budget, tax rate (Aug 20, 2026)
- Princeton Herald, PISD enrollment outpaces projections (Mar 27, 2025)
- Princeton Herald, PISD trustees keep bond election schedule (Mar 26, 2026)
- Princeton Herald, Seven candidates seeking four PISD and council positions (Aug 20, 2026)
- Princeton Independent School District (Wikipedia; campus list and opening years)
- Princeton Herald, Demographic data dominates PISD meeting (Dec 15, 2022)
- Princeton Herald, PISD continued building for future growth (Dec 26, 2024)
- Princeton Herald, PISD growth by the numbers (Dec 5, 2024; Zonda Education report)
- Princeton Herald, Princeton ISD ramps up hiring as it prepares for growth (Apr 8, 2022)
- Princeton ISD, Princeton ISD celebrates 12,000th student (Aug 2026)
- NewHomeSource, new home communities in Princeton, TX (first results page, accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- WFAA, Princeton pauses residential development (Sept 2024)
- NBC DFW, Princeton population growth (May 29, 2024)
- KERA News, Princeton City Council extends housing moratorium (Jan 14, 2025)
- Princeton Herald, Princeton falls to No. 3 in growth (May 14, 2026)
- Princeton Herald, Luncheon highlights city's growth, development (Feb 20, 2025)
- Princeton Herald, Texas population boom continues (May 23, 2024)
- Princeton Herald, Public hearing on residential housing moratorium, June 23 (June 12, 2025)