CountyScore

Putnam County

Florida · FL

#30 in Florida
63.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Putnam County, Florida

Putnam Leads National Livability Rankings

Putnam County's composite score of 73.2 ranks among the highest in this group and significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 73rd percentile. This exceptional score reflects strong livability fundamentals.

Top Tier in Florida Rankings

At 73.2, Putnam surpasses Florida's state average of 69.4 by 3.8 points, ranking among the state's better-performing counties. The county demonstrates livability conditions that exceed regional norms.

Most Affordable Housing in the Region

Putnam shines with a cost score of 83.3—the highest of any county in this analysis—featuring median rents of just $902 and home values averaging $147,300. The tax score of 79.4 and effective rate of 0.812% add to exceptional overall affordability.

Significantly Lower Incomes

The income score of 14.2 is notably low, with median household earnings of just $47,256—well below state medians. This represents a substantial tradeoff: residents gain extraordinary housing affordability at the expense of lower earning potential.

Best for Fixed-Income Residents

Putnam County is perfectly suited for retirees, seniors, and households on fixed incomes seeking maximum housing value. The county's exceptional affordability combined with low incomes makes it an ideal match for those who've already built their retirement nest egg.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax79.4Cost83.3SafetyComing SoonHealth52.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome14.2Risk20.3WaterComing Soon
🏛79.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤52.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡20.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Putnam County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
Alabama
63.7
Median income: $64,589
Clay County
Florida
63.7
Median income: $86,094
Decatur County
Georgia
63.7
Median income: $50,485
Lowndes County
Georgia
63.7
Median income: $55,887
Montgomery County
Illinois
63.7
Median income: $61,863

Deep Dives

Putnam County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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