CountyScore

Putnam County

Georgia · GA

#104 in Georgia
66
County Score

County Report Card

About Putnam County, Georgia

Putnam County well above US median

Putnam County's composite score of 70.8 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 42%, demonstrating solid livability compared to typical American counties. The score reflects balanced strength across tax and moderate income dimensions.

Right at Georgia's average threshold

Putnam County scores 70.8 against Georgia's state average of 70.9, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's county rankings. The county's performance matches the typical Georgia county profile.

Exceptional tax efficiency leads the way

Putnam County achieves the highest tax score of 81.9 among these eight counties, with an effective tax rate of just 0.723%. The county's income score of 25.3 and median household income of $64,163 add moderate earning power to tax savings.

Higher housing costs offset tax advantages

A cost score of 73.8 reflects higher housing expenses, with median home values of $222,000 and gross rent of $1,063/month that eat into tax savings. Data remains unavailable for safety, health, schools, and environmental factors.

Best for tax-focused, middle-income earners

Putnam County appeals to households prioritizing tax reduction and moderate incomes over ultra-low housing costs. Those seeking the lowest possible tax bill will find Putnam County's 0.723% rate unmatched in this group.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.9Cost73.8SafetyComing SoonHealth59.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.3Risk46.7WaterComing Soon
🏛81.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡46.7
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

Craighead County
Arkansas
66
Median income: $57,615
Hendricks County
Indiana
66
Median income: $99,988
Boyd County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $60,659
Daviess County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $65,323
Warren County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $64,801

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 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

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

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

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.