countyscore
43.8
County Score
Schools 65.4Water Quality 63.4Property Tax 60.4

County Report Card

About Putnam County, Georgia

Putnam County Scores Below National Median

Putnam County's composite score of 43.8 is several points lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates that while the county has specific strengths, its overall profile lags the national average.

A Gap Compared to Georgia Average

At 43.8, Putnam County is trailing the state average of 46.7. This performance suggests the county faces more developmental challenges than many other regions in Georgia.

Strong Schools and Low Property Taxes

The county excels in education with a school score of 65.4. It also attracts residents with a high tax score of 60.4, thanks to a low effective tax rate of 0.723%.

Cost and Health Barriers to Growth

Housing affordability is a challenge, as evidenced by a low cost score of 26.9 and home values near $222,000. Additionally, a health score of 29.0 suggests that residents may have limited access to medical services.

Ideal for Families Prioritizing Education

Putnam County is well-suited for families who value a strong school system and low property taxes. Those moving here should be prepared for higher housing prices relative to the local health infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax60.4Cost26.9Safety37.5Health29Schools65.4Income51Risk46.7Water63.4Weather44.9
🏛60.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡37.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Putnam County

Whether buying or refinancing in Putnam County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Putnam County with Clark County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Clark County
Arkansas
Median income: $50,985
43.8
Alcorn County
Mississippi
Median income: $49,404
43.8
Cayuga County
New York
Median income: $66,583
43.8
Noble County
Oklahoma
Median income: $70,071
43.8
Lackawanna County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $64,691
43.8
Laurens County
South Carolina
Median income: $55,517
43.8
Zavala County
Texas
Median income: $41,887
43.8
Crawford County
Arkansas
Median income: $60,362
43.7

Nearby counties

Baldwin County
Georgia
33.5
Hancock County
Georgia
51.8
Greene County
Georgia
51.1
Jasper County
Georgia
47.2
Jones County
Georgia
48.9
Morgan County
Georgia
55.7
Taliaferro County
Georgia
51.7
Wilkinson County
Georgia
55.2

Deep Dives

Putnam County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Putnam County

via TaxByCounty

Putnam offers Georgia's lowest tax rate

Putnam County's effective tax rate of 0.723% is among the lowest in Georgia and well below the national median, making it highly tax-efficient for property owners. Even with a median home value of $222,000, the median annual tax bill is just $1,604—still less than 60% of the national median.

Lowest-taxed county in Georgia

Putnam County's 0.723% effective rate ranks significantly below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it the clear tax leader in this region. The median tax bill of $1,604 is $75 above the state median, but achieved through a much lower rate on higher property values.

Unbeatable rate versus region peers

Putnam County's 0.723% rate decisively undercuts all nearby counties: Pike (0.924%), Pierce (0.915%), Pulaski (0.912%), and Polk (0.799%), making it the county's clear tax advantage. Despite higher home values, Putnam's low rate keeps tax bills competitive across the region.

Median home costs $1,604 in taxes

On Putnam County's median home value of $222,000 and exceptionally low rate of 0.723%, homeowners pay approximately $1,604 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, that total reaches about $1,793, remarkable value for the county's higher-priced homes.

Still worth auditing your assessment

Even Putnam County's lowest-in-class rate can't prevent the occasional overassessment. Review your assessed value against recent sales of comparable homes—a successful appeal could reduce your already-low tax bill even further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Putnam County

via CostByCounty

Putnam's rising costs strain budgets

At 19.9%, Putnam County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds national affordability standards, driven by rising rents ($1,063 monthly) paired with below-national income ($64,163 versus $74,755). Renters and buyers both feel the squeeze as Putnam's housing market heats up faster than wages.

Putnam above state affordability median

Putnam County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Georgia's 18.6% state average, making it one of the state's pricier rental markets. At $1,063 monthly median rent—$136 above the state average—Putnam's costs climb while incomes lag behind state norms.

Putnam's priciest rents in region

Putnam's $1,063 monthly rent tops nearby Pierce ($794), Pike ($1,056), and Polk ($870), creating the region's highest rental burden. Even paired with home values of $222,000, Putnam's overall housing costs run steep compared to better-balanced neighboring counties.

Rising home values pinch incomes

Putnam residents earning $64,163 spend 19.9% on $1,063 rent, while homeowners pay $1,003 on $222,000 median homes. The combination of elevated costs and moderate income suggests Putnam's housing market has outpaced wage growth, forcing residents to commit significant income shares.

Putnam suits higher-income relocators

If relocating to Putnam, your income should substantially exceed the county's $64,163 median to avoid the 19.9% rent burden that strains typical residents. Compare directly with more affordable Pike County (15.1% ratio) to determine whether Putnam's appeal justifies its cost premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Putnam County

via IncomeByCounty

Putnam approaches national income parity

Putnam County's median household income of $64,163 sits 14% below the national median of $74,755, putting it modestly below the U.S. average. The gap is smaller than many rural counties, reflecting Putnam's relatively stronger economic foundation.

Above-average earner in Georgia

At $64,163, Putnam County exceeds Georgia's state median of $60,488 by 6%, ranking in the upper-middle tier among Georgia counties. Its per capita income of $42,671 substantially surpasses the state average of $31,115 by 37%, suggesting higher-earning households.

Strong performer in its region

Putnam's median income outpaces nearby Polk ($55,308), Pierce ($56,691), and substantially exceeds Pulaski ($47,688), though lags behind Pike County's $84,184. The county stands as a solid economic performer within its local geography.

Housing absorbs significant income share

Putnam's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% exceeds the 15% affordability benchmark, indicating housing costs consume close to one-fifth of household earnings. The median home value of $222,000 reflects stronger property values and an active real estate market.

Leverage higher per capita income wisely

Putnam's strong per capita income of $42,671 provides genuine capacity for wealth-building investments and diversification beyond primary residence. Establishing automated contributions to tax-advantaged savings accounts can compound meaningful assets over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Putnam County

via CrimeByCounty

Putnam County's National Safety Standing

Putnam County has a safety score of 97.7, placing it among the safer counties in the country. Its total crime rate of 1,441.1 per 100,000 is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Matching Georgia's Safety Standards

With a safety score of 97.7, Putnam County aligns almost perfectly with the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,441.1 is very close to the state average of 1,412.9.

Consistent Regional Security

Monitoring through two reporting agencies shows that Putnam County maintains safety levels consistent with its neighbors. It serves as a middle-ground county for safety within the Central Georgia region.

Violent vs. Property Crime Realities

Violent crime is relatively low at 234.2 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is the more frequent issue at 1,206.9, though this is still 40% lower than the national property crime average.

Securing Your Putnam Property

Effective property security starts with basic habits like locking windows and utilizing smart home technology. These simple steps help keep Putnam's crime rates well below the national mark.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Putnam County

via HealthByCounty

Putnam County approaches national health average

At 74.0 years, Putnam County's life expectancy falls just short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 20.4% reporting poor or fair health—above the national 16.8%—the county sits in the middle range of health outcomes for rural Georgia.

Solid performance within Georgia

Putnam County's 74.0-year life expectancy exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year state average by 0.7 years, placing it in the upper half of Georgia counties. The 20.4% poor/fair health rate slightly trails the state trend, suggesting moderate but manageable health challenges.

Mid-range among surrounding counties

Putnam County's 74.0-year life expectancy ranks between Pike (73.2) and Pulaski (75.2), with a 20.4% poor health rate that's better than Polk (21.6%) but worse than Pike (16.6%). This positioning suggests balanced health outcomes within the region.

Balanced provider access across services

Putnam County offers 40 primary care providers and 39 mental health providers per 100K, both moderate levels that support reasonable access. At 16.4% uninsured—the highest in this county group—over 1 in 6 residents lack coverage, potentially limiting care-seeking behavior.

Close the coverage gap

Putnam County's 16.4% uninsured rate is the highest among neighbors, leaving many residents vulnerable to healthcare costs. Check your eligibility for Medicaid, marketplace silver plans, or Putnam County health services by visiting healthcare.gov today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Putnam County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in Putnam County

Putnam County's public school landscape is comprised of four specialized campuses serving 2,978 students. The system includes two elementary schools divided by grade level, one middle school, and one high school.

Leading Results Through Strong Investment

Putnam County outperforms state benchmarks with a 92.0% graduation rate and a school score of 56.8. The county invests $8,023 per pupil, which is notably higher than the Georgia state average of $7,405.

A Single District for All Students

The Putnam County district oversees all four schools without any charter school presence. Putnam County High School is the largest facility, providing a comprehensive secondary experience for 919 students.

A Rural High School Experience

Most students attend school in rural settings, though the average school size remains healthy at 745 students. Campus sizes are relatively balanced, ranging from 622 students at the elementary level to 919 at the high school.

Find Academic Success in Putnam County

With higher-than-average school scores and graduation rates, Putnam County is a prime location for education-focused buyers. Explore homes in this district where local investment is translating into clear academic achievement.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Putnam County

via RiskByCounty

Putnam County's Moderate Risk

Putnam County's composite score of 53.31 earns a Relatively Low rating nationally but sits above the U.S. average, indicating above-average exposure to combined natural hazards. The county faces meaningful but manageable disaster risk compared to high-risk regions.

Above Average for Georgia

Putnam County's 53.31 score exceeds Georgia's 39.49 state average by 35%, placing it among the higher-risk counties in the state. The elevation reflects the county's geography in central Georgia and susceptibility to multiple hazard types.

Putnam's Elevated Risk Profile

Putnam County (53.31) faces notably higher risk than Pierce (22.68), Pike (8.05), and Pulaski (18.16), ranking similarly to Polk County (64.06). Its position in central Georgia contributes to broad exposure across flood, wildfire, and severe weather hazards.

Flooding and Wildfire Lead Threats

Putnam County confronts substantial flood risk (67.91) and wildfire exposure (63.10), with hurricane risk (71.67) and earthquake risk (59.26) also elevated. Tornado risk (49.40) rounds out a multi-hazard profile that requires comprehensive preparedness.

Comprehensive Coverage Strategy

Putnam County homeowners should prioritize flood insurance and hurricane coverage, as these represent the county's top two hazard threats with scores exceeding 67. Review your standard homeowners policy for exclusions and consider bundling flood, wind, and wildfire coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Putnam County

via SoilByCounty

Identity Insights for Putnam County

While specific pH and soil order data for Putnam County are currently missing, most local soils require some adjustment to reach the 6.5 national median. A professional lab test provides the most accurate starting point for your land.

Determine Your Own Texture Mix

Data for sand, silt, and clay percentages are not currently available for this county. Understanding whether you have sandy soil or heavy clay is the first step toward efficient irrigation and fertilization.

Maximizing Your Soil's Potential

Organic matter and available water capacity remain unrecorded for Putnam County. You can improve your soil's natural fertility and water retention by adding high-quality compost and mulch.

Navigating Local Hydrology

Public records do not currently specify the drainage class or hydrologic group for this area. Identifying the low spots on your property after a rainstorm will help you choose the right plants for each location.

Welcome to Zone 8b Gardening

Putnam County is in hardiness zone 8b, providing a wonderful climate for figs, camellias, and various summer vegetables. Grab a shovel and start exploring the possibilities of your local plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Putnam County

via LawnByCounty

A Favorable Forecast in Putnam

With a lawn difficulty score of 43.0, Putnam County is one of the easier places in Georgia to maintain a lawn. This score is significantly higher than the state average of 35.8, though still below the national median of 50.0. Zone 8b conditions here provide a relatively balanced environment for common southern grasses.

Consistent Warmth and Average Rainfall

Putnam County averages 78 extreme heat days per year, which is higher than the state average but tempered by 48.2 inches of rain. This rainfall is near the ideal range of 30-50 inches for healthy lawn development. The consistent warmth ensures a long growing season that keeps lawns active well into the autumn months.

Check Your Ground Conditions

There is currently no specific soil data for Putnam County, so observing your yard's drainage after a heavy rain is essential. If water pools for hours, you likely have the heavy clay typical of central Georgia and may need to incorporate sand or compost. Testing your pH will help you determine if the soil needs lime to reach the 6.0 to 7.0 sweet spot.

Resilience During Drier Periods

While 100% of the county is abnormally dry, only 25.5% is currently in severe drought, which is better than many neighboring counties. Putnam has faced 21 weeks of drought in the past year, requiring occasional water restrictions. You can maintain a healthy lawn by choosing drought-tolerant species and using smart irrigation controllers.

Thriving Lawns Start in Spring

Zoysia grass is a popular and effective choice for Putnam County because it balances drought tolerance with a soft texture. Because frost dates can vary, watch for local patterns before starting your seeding or sodding in late March or April. With its higher-than-average difficulty score, your efforts here are likely to yield great results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Putnam County's county score?
Putnam County, Georgia has a composite county score of 43.8 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 Georgia?
Putnam County ranks #105 among all counties in Georgia 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, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Putnam County is $1,604, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Putnam County a tax score of 60.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Putnam County?
The median household income in Putnam County, Georgia is $64,163 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Putnam County earns an income score of 51/100 on CountyScore.
Is Putnam County, Georgia a good place to live?
Putnam County scores 43.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #105 in Georgia. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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