Where is Princeton, Texas

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Princeton is a growing city in North Texas and part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Located in eastern Collin County, it sits about 40 miles northeast of downtown Dallas and near Lake Lavon. The city is known for its rapid growth, small-town roots, nearby lake recreation, and convenient access to the larger communities of McKinney, Wylie, and Plano.

Location Map of Princeton, Collin County, Texas

Where is Princeton Located in Collin County, Texas

About Map: The map shows the location of Princeton in Collin County, in the U.S. state of Texas.

Princeton Map, Texas

About Princeton Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Princeton in Collin County, Texas. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Princeton Located?

Princeton is a city located in Collin County, Texas, the United States. It lies in North Texas within the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, about 40 miles northeast of downtown Dallas and roughly 15 miles east of McKinney. Wylie is about 15 miles southwest, while Greenville is around 35 miles east. Princeton is positioned near 33.180° North latitude and 96.498° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 17,027 residents. The city covers about 13.52 square miles, or 35.01 square kilometers. Princeton was settled in the late 19th century and incorporated in 1888. The community grew around agriculture and the railroad before becoming part of the rapidly expanding suburban area north and east of Dallas. Lake Lavon is one of the region's most important recreational features, providing boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. A unique fact about Princeton is its rapid population growth in recent decades as residential development has expanded across eastern Collin County. The city also has a connection to the historic Texas agricultural landscape, with open fields and ranch land still visible around newer neighborhoods. US-380 and nearby US-75 provide major transportation connections to McKinney, Dallas, Greenville, and other North Texas communities.

Most Viewed US Maps

USA Sttae MapUSA Region MapUSA Road Map
USA County MapWhere is USA in World Map?US ZIP Code Map
USA Time Zones MapUS State and Capitals MapUSA Physical Map
Looking for a U.S. City?
Find 4,400+ U.S. Cities by State - Explore Their Locations and Get Detailed Information

Princeton City Facts

CityPrinceton
StateTexas
CountyCollin County
CountryUnited States
RegionNorth Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area
Incorporated1888
Founded1877
Total Area13.52 sq mi (35.01 sq km)
Land Area13.42 sq mi (34.76 sq km)
Water Area0.10 sq mi (0.26 sq km)
Elevation610 ft (186 m)
Population (2023 estimate)About 21,000
Population (2020 Census)17,027
Population Density1,269 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Time (CST/CDT)
ZIP Codes75407
Area Code972, 469, and 945
Major HighwaysUS-380, FM-75, FM-982, and nearby US-75
Public TransitCollin County public transportation services
Major AttractionsLake Lavon, Princeton Historic Downtown, Princeton City Park, and nearby Lavon Lake recreation areas
Official Websitehttps://www.cityofprincetontx.com/

Distance from Princeton, TX to Nearby Cities

  • Farmersville, TX – 10 miles (16 km)
  • McKinney, TX – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Melissa, TX – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Wylie, TX – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Royse City, TX – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Plano, TX – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Allen, TX – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Greenville, TX – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Frisco, TX – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Richardson, TX – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Garland, TX – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Dallas, TX – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Rockwall, TX – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Mesquite, TX – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Denton, TX – 50 miles (80 km)
  • Sherman, TX – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Fort Worth, TX – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Tyler, TX – 80 miles (129 km)

Top Attractions in Princeton

  • Lake Lavon – A large reservoir near Princeton offering boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
  • Lavon Lake Recreation Areas – Several parks and public recreation areas around the lake provide access to beaches, boat ramps, picnic areas, and trails.
  • Princeton Historic Downtown – The city's traditional center includes local businesses, historic buildings, restaurants, and community landmarks.
  • Princeton City Park – A local recreational area with open spaces, playgrounds, sports facilities, walking areas, and community amenities.
  • Lavon Lake Dam – The dam creates the reservoir and offers access to scenic areas around the eastern side of the lake.
  • Collin County Farm Museum – A nearby museum preserving agricultural equipment, historic buildings, and stories from the farming heritage of the region.
  • Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary – A nearby natural history and wildlife attraction in McKinney featuring trails, gardens, native habitats, and educational exhibits.
  • Erwin Park – A large McKinney park north of Princeton with hiking and biking trails, camping areas, picnic facilities, and natural scenery.

Airports Near Princeton, TX

  • Dallas Love Field (DAL) – 40 miles
  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – 55 miles
  • Addison Airport (ADS) – 35 miles
  • McKinney National Airport (TKI) – 15 miles
  • Majors Airport (GVT) – 35 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Princeton city website and local government records.

Texas Maps and Info

Texas County MapMap of Texas CitiesTexas Blank MapTexas River MapTexas Map
Where TexasWhere is LubbockWhere is WacoAirports in TexasTexas Zipcodes
Where is DallasWhere is Fort WorthWhere is ArlingtonWhere is AustinWhere is Corpus Christi
Where is El PasoWhere is GarlandWhere is HoustonWhere is iIrvingWhere is Laredo