countyscore
37.5
County Score
Cost of Living 63.8Property Tax 52.2Safety 40

County Report Card

About Putnam County, Florida

Lowest income, lowest costs in sample

Putnam County scores 37.5 on the CountyScore composite index, 12.5 points below the national median of 50.0. The county's profile is unique: it offers the most affordable housing in this group but faces severe health and income challenges.

Lower-middle performance in Florida

Putnam County scores 37.5 against Florida's state average of 45.1, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The 7.6-point deficit reflects concentrated disadvantages in income and health that exceed its housing affordability advantages.

Exceptionally affordable housing and rents

Putnam stands out with the highest cost score (63.8) among these counties—median home values of just $147,300 and rents at $902 monthly are far below state levels. This affordability provides a significant advantage for resource-constrained households.

Health crisis and lowest incomes

Putnam faces a severe health crisis with the lowest health score (11.7) in this sample, suggesting significant barriers to healthcare or population health issues. Median household income of $47,256 is also the lowest by far, with an income score of just 9.8, severely limiting economic mobility.

For retirees with healthcare savings only

Putnam County suits only retirees or households with substantial external income, given extreme health and income gaps. The ultra-affordable housing offers escape-valve costs, but residents must independently address healthcare access and plan for limited local economic opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax52.2Cost63.8Safety40Health11.7Schools32.5Income9.8Risk20.3Water8.7Weather24
🏛52.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡40
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤11.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓32.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤24
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱17.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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Flagler County
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St. Johns County
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Deep Dives

Putnam County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Putnam County

via TaxByCounty

Putnam's effective rate is high nationally

Putnam County's 0.812% effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.71%, ranking it among the nation's higher-tax counties. The median property tax of $1,196 remains well below the national median of $2,690, due to modest median home values of $147,300.

Above-average rate statewide

Putnam's 0.812% effective rate is notably above Florida's state average of 0.731%, making it one of the pricier counties to own property in Florida. The median annual tax of $1,196 is actually 37% below the state median of $1,885, reflecting the county's lower-value housing stock.

Highest rate in rural Northeast Florida

Putnam's 0.812% rate is the steepest in its region, driven by unique local revenue needs. The county's rural character and lower property values create a different tax dynamic than more affluent neighbors.

Median tax of $1,196 despite high rate

On Putnam's median home value of $147,300, homeowners pay approximately $1,196 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $1,410.

Assessment review is especially valuable

In a county with relatively modest home values, even small tax reductions matter significantly to household budgets. File an appeal with the property appraiser at no cost—it's your right and could save you money annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Putnam County

via CostByCounty

Putnam offers rare housing relief

Putnam County renters spend just 22.9% of their income on rent, slightly below Florida's state average and well within national affordability comfort zones. At $902 monthly, Putnam's median rent ranks among Florida's lowest, offering genuine relief for households with modest incomes.

Among Florida's most affordable markets

Putnam's rent-to-income ratio of 22.9% nearly matches Florida's state average of 22.5%, while median rent of $902 sits $331 below the state baseline. For budget-conscious Floridians, Putnam delivers exceptional value without sacrificing basic urban amenities.

Dramatically cheaper than all surveyed peers

Putnam renters pay $902 monthly—$370 less than Polk County's $1,272 and fully $916 less than Palm Beach's $1,818. Putnam's rural character and distance from major metros create a housing affordability gap that benefits resident wallets significantly.

Housing claims under 23% of income

Renters pay just $902 monthly while homeowners carry $580, combining for roughly 23% of the $47,256 median household income. This leaves Putnam households approximately $3,100 monthly for all other expenses—tight but sustainable for working families.

Deepest discounts for remote workers

Moving to Putnam means allocating just 23% of income to rent—the lowest burden among surveyed counties and half the cost of coastal alternatives. If you work remotely or can tolerate distance from job centers, Putnam offers unmatched affordability and room to build savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Putnam County

via IncomeByCounty

Putnam faces significant income challenge

Putnam County's median household income of $47,256 is 37% below the national median of $74,755, making it one of Florida's most economically challenged counties. This substantial gap reflects limited employment diversity and lower wages in North-Central Florida's rural communities.

Lowest income county in survey

At $47,256, Putnam County ranks among Florida's lowest-income counties, trailing the state average of $65,468 by $18,200—nearly 28% lower. Its per capita income of $26,908 is also the lowest in the surveyed set, indicating structural economic challenges.

Significantly behind all regional peers

Putnam's $47,256 income lags all surveyed neighbors dramatically, falling nearly $16,400 below Polk County ($63,644), the next-lowest earner. This gap suggests limited job growth, smaller employer base, and fewer opportunities for higher-wage careers in the county.

Housing most affordable, but income tight

Putnam's rent-to-income ratio of 22.9% and median home value of $147,300 represent strong housing affordability, yet tight household budgets leave little room for unexpected expenses. While homeownership is theoretically affordable, lower income means less financial cushion for maintenance and property taxes.

Focus on income growth and skills training

At $47,000 median income, Putnam County households should prioritize workforce development and credential training to access higher-wage jobs. Even modest income growth of 5-10% annually can free up resources for emergency savings and long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Putnam County

via CrimeByCounty

Putnam County Remains Safer Than Nation

Putnam County reports a total crime rate of 1,365.4 per 100,000 residents, which is better than the national rate of 2,385.5. The county's safety score of 97.8 reflects a secure environment. Twelve local agencies work together to monitor and manage these safety statistics.

Putnam Compared to Florida Standards

Putnam County's crime rate of 1,365.4 is higher than the Florida average of 1,027.9. Its safety score of 97.8 is just slightly below the state average of 98.4. Local law enforcement efforts continue to target reductions in these figures.

Putnam County in a Regional Context

Putnam's crime rate of 1,365.4 is safer than Osceola County's 1,946.4 but higher than Polk County's 1,113.1. It also stays well below the crime levels seen in Pinellas County. These numbers show Putnam is more secure than many of its Florida neighbors.

Crime Breakdown in Putnam County

Property crime is the most frequent issue at 1,168.4 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime is low at 197.0. The violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8. Most residents will only rarely encounter serious criminal activity.

Protecting Your Home in Putnam

Focusing on property security, such as installing a home alarm, can help deter theft. Keeping your yard tidy and well-lit removes potential hiding spots for intruders. Simple community vigilance is often the best defense in Putnam County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Putnam County

via HealthByCounty

Putnam faces critical health crisis

Putnam County's 70.8-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in America, falling 5.6 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 24.6% reporting poor or fair health—35% higher than the national average—Putnam faces a severe public health emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Florida's healthiest county by comparison

Putnam's 70.8-year life expectancy plunges nearly 5 years below Florida's 75.8-year average, making it the state's worst-performing county in life expectancy. This catastrophic gap reflects decades of underinvestment, economic decline, and limited healthcare infrastructure in rural northeast Florida.

Severe disparity with surrounding counties

Putnam's 70.8-year life expectancy represents a chasm compared to all neighboring counties—Osceola (77.7), Pasco (76.2), and Pinellas (77.6) all exceed it by 5-7 years. This disparity indicates systemic healthcare and socioeconomic barriers unique to Putnam's rural communities.

Sparse providers, high uninsured crisis

Putnam's 16.8% uninsured rate—the state's second-highest—combines with just 38 primary care and 79 mental health providers per 100,000 residents to create a healthcare access desert. This scarcity directly fuels preventable disease, delayed diagnoses, and the county's alarming mortality rates.

Urgent: Get covered now

One in six Putnam residents lacks insurance in a county facing severe health crises. Call 211 Florida or visit Healthcare.gov immediately to access Medicaid, marketplace subsidies, and federally qualified health centers—coverage is urgent and help is available.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Putnam County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Rural Education System

Putnam County operates 19 public schools for a student population of 10,293. The system is streamlined, consisting primarily of 11 elementary schools and 4 high schools.

Strong Graduation Rates in Small Towns

The county achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national benchmarks. This success is maintained with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,991, close to the Florida state average.

The Unified Putnam School District

The Putnam District manages all public education for the county's 10,000+ students. Charter schools have a small footprint here, with only 2 campuses available.

Town-Centered Schooling and Small Sizes

With 13 schools in town settings and 6 in rural areas, Putnam offers a classic small-town feel. Palatka Jr - Sr High is the largest school by far, enrolling 1,639 students.

Small Town Charm with Academic Success

Putnam County offers an impressive 90% graduation rate for those seeking a slower pace of life. Look for properties in Palatka to be near the county's central educational and community hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Putnam County

via RiskByCounty

Putnam County faces moderate national risk

Putnam County's composite risk score of 79.74 ranks it above many U.S. counties but well below Florida's coastal averages, rated Relatively Low. Hurricane exposure at 93.45 and wildfire risk at 90.52 represent the county's primary hazards, reflecting its distance from the coast.

Below-average risk in Florida

Putnam's 79.74 score sits just 4 points above Florida's state average of 75.74, making it one of the state's less exposed counties. The inland location and distance from major coastal population centers measurably reduce exposure to hurricane surge and tropical storm impacts.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Putnam's 79.74 score substantially lags coastal neighbors like Pasco (95.96) and inland Polk (96.53), reflecting its northeastern location away from primary hurricane corridors. Even Santa Rosa County (88.96) faces meaningfully higher hazard exposure, highlighting Putnam's relative safety within Florida.

Hurricanes and wildfires remain threats

Despite lower overall risk, Putnam's hurricane exposure at 93.45 and wildfire risk at 90.52 require serious preparation, particularly during Atlantic storm season. Tornado risk of 78.47 and flood risk of 77.29 are lower than statewide averages but still represent meaningful threats.

Standard coverage plus flood insurance

Putnam homeowners should maintain robust homeowners insurance with wind coverage for hurricane and tornado threats, though rates reflect lower exposure than coastal areas. Flood insurance remains important given the county's low elevation and drainage patterns, especially in older properties or areas prone to standing water.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Putnam County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Warmth in North Florida

Putnam County averages 70.7°F, maintaining a climate much warmer than the typical American county. This area experiences distinct seasonal changes while remaining firmly subtropical.

Cooler Than the State Average

The county's annual average of 70.7°F is slightly lower than the Florida state average of 71.1°F. This reflects its more northerly position compared to the tropical south.

Similar to St. Johns

Putnam's temperature profile closely matches St. Johns County, which averages 70.5°F. However, Putnam faces 77 extreme heat days annually, which is slightly more than its coastal neighbor.

Noticeable Winter Cool Downs

Winter temperatures average 58.6°F, providing a true break from the 81.3°F summer average. While extreme heat reaches 90°F on 77 days, snowfall remains at zero.

Plan for Variable Temperatures

Layered clothing is useful for January mornings that average 56.6°F. Residents should also prepare for 50.6 inches of rain and ensure homes can handle both humidity and occasional winter chills.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Putnam County

via SoilByCounty

Deeply Acidic Putnam Soils

Putnam County features an average pH of 4.72, which is more acidic than both the Florida state average of 4.88 and the national median of 6.5. This high acidity is a defining characteristic that dictates what can grow successfully without significant soil amendments. It reflects the county's history of pine forests and wetlands.

Classic Florida Sandy Profile

The soil composition is 85.2% sand, 2.5% silt, and 2.7% clay. This mix provides very little natural structure, resulting in soil that is easy to till but prone to erosion if left uncovered. The low clay content means the soil does not compact easily, which is good for root expansion.

High Organic Content Supports Growth

At 8.54%, the organic matter content in Putnam is higher than the state average of 8.03% and far exceeds the national average. This richness helps the soil reach an available water capacity of 0.118 in/in, outperforming the state typical of 0.108. These fertile pockets are vital for maintaining moisture in sandy terrain.

Missing Hydrology Data for Putnam

Specific drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not available for this record. However, the high organic matter and sand content usually suggest a soil that can hold moisture while still allowing excess to drain. Observe the areas around the St. Johns River to see how the water table interacts with your local soil.

Blueberry Heaven in Zone 9b

The acidic, organic-rich soil of Putnam County is ideal for blueberries and azaleas, which thrive in Zone 9b. You can also successfully grow various types of oak and pine that handle the low pH naturally. Get started by planting native species that love the local conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Putnam County

via LawnByCounty

Putnam Lawns Face High Acidity

Putnam County's lawn difficulty score is 17.8, which is slightly more difficult than the Florida state average. Located in Zone 9b, it faces standard Florida challenges but with a unique soil profile. Maintaining a lawn here requires constant monitoring of soil chemistry and moisture levels.

Moderate Heat but High Growth

Putnam enjoys 77 extreme heat days annually, which is notably lower than the state average of 92. It receives 50.6 inches of rain and sees 7,619 growing degree days, supporting a robust growing season. While the heat is less intense than neighbors to the south, the growth rate remains high.

The Challenge of Very Acidic Sand

Putnam has some of the most acidic soil in the region, with a pH of 4.72. The soil is 85.2% sand and just 2.7% clay, leading to very rapid drainage and nutrient loss. To grow a successful lawn, you must aggressively manage the pH and add organic matter to improve water retention.

Managing 100% Severe Drought

Putnam is currently facing a total county-wide severe drought, having spent 42 weeks in drought conditions over the last year. Despite a lower number of extreme heat days, the 50.6 inches of rain has not been enough to keep up with drainage. Water conservation through xeriscaping or drought-tolerant turf is highly recommended.

Spring Planting in Zone 9b

Centipede grass is a good option for Putnam because it tolerates more acidic soils than other varieties. The last frost is usually around February 1, so the primary growing season begins shortly after. Aim to establish your lawn before the mid-summer heat to take advantage of the 7,619 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Putnam County's county score?
Putnam County, Florida has a composite county score of 37.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Putnam County rank among counties in Florida?
Putnam County ranks #50 among all counties in Florida on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Putnam County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Putnam County is $1,196, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Putnam County a tax score of 52.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Putnam County?
The median household income in Putnam County, Florida is $47,256 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Putnam County earns an income score of 9.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Putnam County, Florida a good place to live?
Putnam County scores 37.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Putnam County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Putnam County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.