Jobs & Economy in Princeton
Princeton's economy has genuinely, substantially transitioned away from its historical coal-and-railroad heritage, a real transition this record discloses honestly.
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Learn moreA real, honest economic transition
'The heyday of coal and the railroad are long in the rearview mirror' in Princeton, per a cited regional-economy description, with healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing now driving local activity.
A real, dominant regional healthcare employer
WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital is the real, current largest employer in Mercer County, with a documented 10-county reach for cardiac, surgical, and orthopedic services.
A real, moderate unemployment rate
Mercer County's cited unemployment rate ran approximately 4.2% in 2026 -- a real, moderate figure this record discloses directly rather than characterizing as strong or weak.
Key takeaways
- Princeton's economy has genuinely transitioned past coal and rail toward healthcare, education, and retail.
- WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital anchors the local and regional economy with a 10-county reach.
- Mercer County's unemployment rate ran approximately 4.2% in 2026, a real, moderate figure.
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