Moving to Princeton, Illinois

by btobers · Published January 13, 2021 · Updated November 18, 2024

Princeton, Illinois has a population of 8,619 people according to the most recent census. It is located in Bureau County and is situated on the banks of the historic Illinois River. The climate in Princeton is marked by warm summers and cold winters with occasional snowfall. The city was founded in 1835 and quickly grew to become a major stop on the stagecoach line between Chicago and Galena. The city has a strong industrial base with many prominent factories that employ hundreds of local citizens.

Politically, Princeton is largely conservative leaning with majority Republican representation in both state and federal government offices. Education is provided by Princeton Elementary School District #115 which includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. In addition, there are several private schools located within the city limits as well as two community colleges that offer higher education opportunities for local students. Princeton also boasts some notable landmarks such as the historic courthouse which houses the Bureau County Museum and Archives, as well as several churches that date back to the 19th century. Finally, there are several parks located throughout town providing ample recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Population: 7,501. Estimated population in July 2024: 7,554 (+0.7% change)
Males: 3,451 (46.0%), Females: 4,050 (54.0%)

Bureau County

Zip code: 61356

Demographics

Median resident age: 41.8 years
Median household income: $39,622
Median house value: $91,800

Population by Race

Races in Princeton:

White Non-Hispanic (97.1%)
Hispanic (1.2%)
Two or more races (0.6%)

Ancestries: German (32.4%), English (15.1%), Irish (14.6%), Swedish (9.7%), United States (6.6%), Italian (3.9%).

Elevation: 720 feet

Land area: 6.7 square miles

Map of Princeton, IL

Population by Education

According to the most recent census, Princeton, Illinois has a population of 8,424 people. The town is located in Bureau County and is the county seat. It is a rural community with access to both small town amenities and larger cities like Peoria just a short drive away. The median household income for Princeton is $45,964, which is slightly higher than the state average.

The cost of living in Princeton is also lower than the national average. Home prices are quite affordable at an average of $119,000 for a three-bedroom home. Renters can expect to pay an average of $725 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. Utilities are also relatively inexpensive compared to other states with an electric bill averaging around $90 per month and water bills averaging around $45 per month. Other necessities like groceries, health care and transportation are also quite affordable in Princeton with prices that are much lower than the national averages.

Residents of Princeton enjoy access to many amenities including numerous parks, library services, educational opportunities and local shopping options. There are several local restaurants offering everything from fast food to fine dining experiences as well as several entertainment venues ranging from movie theaters to bowling alleys and museums. The town also celebrates its history with events like the Annual Heritage Days Festival which includes a parade down Main Street as well as live music and carnival rides for all ages to enjoy.

For population 25 years and over in Princeton

High school or higher: 88.9%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 21.4%
Graduate or professional degree: 7.1%
Unemployed: 4.4%
Mean travel time to work: 15.2 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Princeton city

Never married: 20.8%
Now married: 57.7%
Separated: 0.6%
Widowed: 10.0%
Divorced: 10.9%

1.8% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +11 (+0.1%).

Hospital/medical center in Princeton:

PERRY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (530 PARK AVENUE E)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Princeton:

ST MARGARETS HOSPITAL (about 19 miles; SPRING VALLEY, IL)
ILLINOIS VALLEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 24 miles; PERU, IL)
MENDOTA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 28 miles; MENDOTA, IL)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Princeton:

WHITESIDE CO ARPT-JOS H BITTORF FLD (about 29 miles; STERLING/ROCKFALLS, IL; Abbreviation: SQI)
GREATER PEORIA REGIONAL (about 53 miles; PEORIA, IL; Abbreviation: PIA)
GREATER ROCKFORD (about 62 miles; ROCKFORD, IL; Abbreviation: RFD)

Other public-use airports nearest to Princeton:

ILLINOIS VALLEY RGNL-WALTER A DUNCAN FIELD (about 23 miles; PERU, IL; Abbreviation: VYS)
MARSHALL COUNTY (about 26 miles; LACON, IL; Abbreviation: C75)
GRANDPAS’ FARM MENDOTA (about 27 miles; MENDOTA, IL; Abbreviation: 0C7)

Amtrak station:
PRINCETON (107 BICENTENNIAL DR.). Services: partially wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for car rental service.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Princeton:

ILLINOIS VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 29 miles; OGLESBY, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,272)
ILLINOIS CENTRAL COLLEGE (about 47 miles; EAST PEORIA, IL; Full-time enrollment: 6,404)
BRADLEY UNIVERSITY (about 49 miles; PEORIA, IL; Full-time enrollment: 5,262)
KISHWAUKEE COLLEGE (about 56 miles; MALTA, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,289)
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (about 63 miles; DeKalb, IL; Full-time enrollment: 19,477)
ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY (about 68 miles; NORMAL, IL; Full-time enrollment: 18,785)
HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 68 miles; Normal, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,390)

Public high school in Princeton:

PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 608; Location: 103 S EUCLID AVE; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Princeton:

LOGAN JR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 425; Location: 302 W CENTRAL AVE; Grades: 06 – 08)
JEFFERSON ELEM SCHOOL (Students: 220; Location: 725 W PUTNAM; Grades: PK – 03)
LINCOLN ELEM SCHOOL (Students: 169; Location: 501 S EUCLID AVE; Grades: KG – 03)
DOUGLAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 157; Location: 220 E LASALLE ST; Grades: KG – 03)

Private primary/middle schools in Princeton:

ST LOUIS SCHOOL (Students: 130; Location: 631 PARK AVE W; Grades: KG – 7)
PRINCETON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (Students: 69; Location: 21890 US HWY 34; Grades: PK – 6)

Libraries

Library in Princeton:

MATSON P.L. (Operating income: $284,362; Location: 15 PARK AVENUE WEST; 44,145 books; 375 audio materials; 223 video materials; 93 serial subscriptions)