In May 2025, Princeton, Texas was officially recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau as the fastest-growing city in the United States—with a stunning 30.6% population surge in just one year (from approximately 28,000 to over 37,000 residents). This “unicorn city” of Collin County has transformed from a quiet farming community of 800 in 1961 to what city leaders envision as the “eastern anchor of Collin County.” Located on US Highway 380 between McKinney and Greenville, and just five miles from Lake Lavon, Princeton offers affordable housing, A-rated schools, and a unique history that includes being Texas’s largest producer of bois d’arc lumber and housing German POWs during World War II.
For Princeton residents seeking root-cause healthcare, InfusaLounge Integrative & Functional Medicine is located approximately 12-20 minutes away in Allen—an easy drive via US-380 West to US-75 South.
From Wilson's Switch to Princeton
In the late 1870s, T.B. Wilson and his brother George began farming on the fertile Blackland Prairie near the site of future Princeton. In 1881, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad Company (the “Katy”) extended its line from Greenville to McKinney, passing through land owned by the brothers. The area became known as “Wilson’s Switch.”
When residents applied for a post office, they learned the name Wilson was already taken. The community submitted “Princeton” in honor of Prince Dowlin, a landowner and town promoter. A post office was established in 1888, and Princeton was incorporated in May 1912 with John K. Wilson as the first mayor.
Bois d'Arc Lumber Capital and Onion Growing Center
Located in the rich agricultural region of the Blackland Prairie, Princeton quickly became a retail and commercial center for area farmers. The town provided mills and grain elevators for wheat, corn, onions, and sorghum. Most remarkably, Princeton housed a lumber factory that became the state’s largest producer of bois d’arc lumber—the extremely hard, rot-resistant “Osage orange” wood prized for fence posts and railroad ties.
By the mid-1920s, Princeton provided electricity, water, natural gas, and paved roads for 500 residents, along with more than 25 businesses including a bank and weekly newspaper. Princeton remains known as an onion-growing center, continuing the agricultural tradition that defined its early years.
Migrant Workers Camp and WWII German POW Camp
In 1940, a migratory camp of 76 cabins was built west of Princeton (where J.M. Caldwell Sr. Community Park now stands) to house 300-400 seasonal workers during onion and cotton seasons. The cabins were built of California redwood with shingle roofs and concrete floors, each equipped with two beds, an oil cook stove with oven, oil heater, and four chairs. A 30,000-gallon overhead water storage tank served the camp.
In February 1945, the camp was converted to a prisoner of war camp for German soldiers captured during World War II—one of 120 Texas towns to house POW camps. Local farmers paid the prisoners two dollars a day (per Geneva Convention requirements) to work their fields. Beyond farm work, the POWs performed stonemasonry work in downtown Princeton and helped construct a memorial park honoring servicemen. The prisoners remained until January 1946, five months after the war ended.
From 564 to 37,000 — America's Fastest-Growing City
Following the war, Princeton’s population remained at just 564 until the completion of Lake Lavon in 1953 (five miles away), which helped raise the population to 1,100 by 1972. The growth of the Dallas metropolitan area pushed Princeton to 3,408 by 1982 and 3,477 by 2000.
Then came the explosion. Princeton’s population reached 6,924 in 2010, 17,027 in 2020, 28,027 in 2023, and an estimated 37,019 in 2024—a 691% increase since 2000. City leaders believe the actual population may be closer to 45,000. With a projected build-out to 110,000+ residents by 2039, Princeton’s comprehensive plan (adopted in 2019 for build-out to 2050) was essentially achieved in just a few years.
To manage this growth, the city implemented a temporary residential moratorium to allow infrastructure to catch up. Princeton is opening its fourth fire station and hiring additional firefighters and police officers to keep pace with demand.
Master-Planned Neighborhoods
- Princeton Meadows — Established community near downtown Princeton
- Bridgewater — Phase 1 community with pool, playground, and fitness center steps from homes
- Forest Park — Wooded setting along Tickey Creek with paved walking trails and playground (M/I Homes)
- Windmore — Trophy Signature Homes community with resort-style pool, splash pad, clubhouse, firepit, event lawn, covered BBQ areas (ideal for first-time buyers)
- Simpson Crossing — Brightland Homes community with modern residences
- Town Park North — Twin homes with HOA-maintained yards for low-maintenance living
- Whitewing Trails — Beazer Homes community featuring DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes (40-50% more efficient than typical new homes)
- Arcadia Farms, Abbey Crossing, DeBerry Estates, Villas of Monte Carlo
Princeton Independent School District — Panthers Pride
Princeton ISD covers 60 square miles serving Princeton, Lowry Crossing, Branch, Culleoka, Climax, and the west side of Lake Lavon. Since 2018, the district has received an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency.
The district serves over 8,600 students with a 16:1 student-teacher ratio. Princeton High School (classified as 5A by UIL) has been restructured as a senior high school, with Lovelady High School serving as an underclassman campus. Jackie Hendricks Stadium seats 6,500 fans on artificial turf.
The Princeton Panthers have made 13 football playoff appearances and won district championships in 1948, 1972, 1974, 1975, and 1976. The Panther Pride Marching Band has earned bronze medals at the UIL State Marching Band Contest in 2010, 2014, and 2016. The district offers extensive programs including JROTC, FFA, robotics, and career and technical education (CTE).
Parks and Recreation
Princeton has four parks, with a $109 million parks bond approved to transform the city’s recreation infrastructure:
- J.M. Caldwell Sr. Community Park / WWII POW Camp — Site of the historic migrant workers camp and POW facility; features disc golf course, basketball court, dog park, playground, creek-side walking trails; hosts the annual 4th of July celebration
- Veterans Memorial Park — Beautifully reconditioned park with memorial monuments and pathways; excellent venue for weddings and community events
- Princeton Municipal Park — Catch-and-release fishing pond and walking trails
- Parkview Heights Park — Playground and basketball court
The parks bond will add artificial turf sports fields for year-round play and tournaments, expand the Lois Nelson Public Library, and create a multi-generational fitness and recreation facility.
Lake Lavon Access
Princeton sits on the north shore of Lake Lavon, an approximately 22,000-acre reservoir formed by a dam on the East Fork of the Trinity River. Four major park areas along the lakeshore in the Princeton area provide camping, picnic facilities, swimming, beaches, boat docks, hiking trails, and fishing. Lake Lavon is just minutes away for water skiing, fishing tournaments, or family picnics.
Location and Accessibility
Princeton is located in east-central Collin County at the intersection of US Highway 380 and Farm Roads 75, 1377, and 982. US-380 leads 8 miles west to McKinney and 8 miles east to Farmersville. The city spans approximately 14 square miles and is bordered to the west by Lowry Crossing. Princeton is approximately 45 miles northeast of Dallas.
Functional Medicine Services for Princeton Residents
InfusaLounge Integrative & Functional Medicine serves Princeton residents seeking comprehensive, root-cause healthcare. Located approximately 12-20 minutes away in Allen via US-380 West to US-75 South, our clinic provides the deeper answers and personalized support that Princeton’s rapidly growing community is looking for.
Our advanced diagnostic testing—including GI-MAP microbiome analysis, comprehensive hormone panels, DUTCH adrenal assessment, TM Flow circulation testing, and functional blood chemistry—goes beyond standard bloodwork to uncover underlying imbalances. Our integrative therapy suite includes IV nutrient protocols, NAD+ therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), ozone therapy, red light photobiomodulation, and peptide therapy.
How to Get to InfusaLounge from Princeton, Texas
190 E Stacy Road, Suite 1720 Allen, TX 75002
InfusaLounge is located at 190 E Stacy Road, Suite 1720, Allen, TX 75002. From Princeton, take US-380 West to US-75 South, exit at Stacy Road and head east (approximately 12-20 minutes depending on location). Free parking is available directly in front of our clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Princeton the fastest-growing city in America?
What schools serve Princeton?
Princeton ISD covers 60 square miles with an A rating from TEA. The district serves 8,600+ students across multiple campuses, including Princeton High School (5A, Panthers) and Lovelady High School.
What was the Princeton POW camp?
During WWII, German POWs were housed at a converted migrant workers camp (now J.M. Caldwell Sr. Community Park). The prisoners worked local farms and performed stonemasonry downtown. The camp operated from February 1945 to January 1946.
Sachse is located southwest of Princeton via US-380 to SH-78, approximately 20-25 minutes by car.