countyscore
59.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 90.9Health 84.1Safety 81.3

County Report Card

About Putnam County, Illinois

Ahead of the Median

Putnam County posts a composite score of 59.3, placing it significantly above the national median of 50.0. It ranks well for overall stability and well-being.

Beating the Illinois Average

The county outperforms the state average score of 52.8. It provides a balanced profile that combines economic health with physical safety.

Stability and Wellness

The county excels with a risk score of 90.9 and a health score of 84.1. Residents also enjoy high earnings, with an income score of 80.9 and a median income of $77,526.

Taxes and Infrastructure

The tax score of 9.6 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.590%. Water quality is also a weak point, evidenced by a score of 22.6.

The Verdict: Secure Professionals

Putnam County is best suited for established professionals who value environmental stability and high health standards. It offers a secure, high-income environment for long-term residency.

204060801009.649.381.384.162.780.990.922.647Tax9.6Cost49.3Safety81.3Health84.1Schools62.7Income80.9Risk90.9Water22.6Weather4759.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Putnam County DNA

Foverall

How Putnam County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Putnam County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (90.9/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (9.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
9.6-42.4
Cost
49.3
Safety
81.3+26.299999999999997
Health
84.1+34.099999999999994
Schools
62.7+8.700000000000003
Income
80.9+29.900000000000006
Risk
90.9+43.900000000000006
Water
22.6-35.4
Weather
47-9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Putnam County?

Many homeowners in Putnam County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$167,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$804/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$167,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,526/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

35.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Nearby counties

Marshall County
Illinois
54.9
Bureau County
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45.7
LaSalle County
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40.6
Stark County
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Woodford County
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Lee County
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Peoria County
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Livingston County
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Deep Dives

Putnam County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Putnam County

via TaxByCounty

Putnam County taxes: Near national average

At 1.59%, Putnam County's effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 2.10%, placing it squarely in the middle of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $2,668 is virtually identical to the national median of $2,690, reflecting balanced home values and a moderate rate.

Putnam slightly below Illinois average

Putnam County's 1.59% effective rate is slightly lower than the Illinois state average of 1.83%, positioning it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Its median property tax of $2,668 is 4% below the state average of $2,782, offering modest savings compared to typical Illinois counties.

Putnam in the middle of regional peers

Putnam County's 1.59% rate ranks between Pike County (1.56%, lowest) and Perry County (1.66%), placing it in the moderate zone for the region. It significantly outperforms Piatt County (1.76%) but cannot match Pope County's exceptional 1.02% rate.

What a Putnam County homeowner pays

On the median home value of $167,800, Putnam County's 1.59% effective rate translates to approximately $2,668 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $2,876; without one, closer to $2,509—right in line with national norms.

Challenge inflated assessments

Many Illinois homeowners in Putnam County may be paying taxes on assessed values that exceed their homes' current market worth. Filing a property tax appeal could unlock significant savings if your assessment is out of step with reality.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Putnam County

via CostByCounty

Putnam County balances income and costs

Putnam County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio sits well below the state average of 14.7%, supported by a median household income of $77,526, just above the national average. This balance delivers strong affordability for renters paying $804 monthly.

Putnam ranks in Illinois's top tier

Putnam County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio places it among Illinois's most affordable counties, outperforming the state average by over 2 percentage points. The county combines reasonable incomes with moderate housing costs for genuine affordability.

Putnam splits the difference regionally

Putnam County's $804 median rent sits between Pike ($659) and Piatt ($950), while its median income of $77,526 outpaces Perry, Pike, and Pulaski significantly. This positions Putnam as a middle ground for those seeking balanced affordability with solid earning potential.

Renters and owners both find value

Putnam County renters pay $804 monthly while homeowners pay $936 for the $167,800 median home, with income sufficient to carry both comfortably. Housing consumes just 12.4% of the $77,526 median household income, leaving healthy savings capacity.

Putnam for balanced living

Putnam County rewards households earning $75,000+ with strong affordability and reasonable housing costs. If you seek a middle path between Pope's bargain rents and Piatt's higher costs, Putnam offers genuine value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Putnam County

via IncomeByCounty

Putnam County outearns the nation

Putnam County's median household income of $77,526 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 4%, positioning it among stronger-earning counties nationally. This reflects stable rural employment and reasonable cost of living.

Above Illinois state average

Putnam County earns $8,946 more than the Illinois state median of $68,580, ranking above most peer counties. Per capita income of $40,036 also outpaces the state average of $36,009 by 11%.

Second-strongest regional earner

Putnam County's $77,526 ranks second highest among the eight surveyed counties, trailing only Piatt ($87,516) by $10,000. This places Putnam firmly in the upper-income tier of the regional cohort.

Balanced housing affordability

Putnam County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio indicates strong housing affordability, well below the 15% threshold. The median home value of $167,800 remains accessible to households earning the county median.

Position yourself for long-term gains

Putnam County households earning above-average incomes can accelerate wealth building through regular investment contributions and strategic asset allocation. Combining strong earnings with disciplined financial planning creates powerful compounding opportunities over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Putnam County

via CrimeByCounty

Putnam County ranks among the safest in the nation

With a total crime rate of 444.2, Putnam County is far safer than the national average of 2,385.5 per 100,000. Its safety score of 99.3 indicates a very low risk for most residents.

Surpassing Illinois safety benchmarks

Putnam County’s safety score is higher than the state average of 98.7. Its total crime rate is roughly half of the state’s average of 835.0, marking it as a quiet pocket of North-Central Illinois.

Low crime compared to neighboring regions

The county benefits from low population density and active monitoring by three reporting agencies. This combination keeps crime rates significantly lower than those found in nearby urban centers.

Zero violent crimes reported in 2022

Remarkably, Putnam County reported zero violent crimes, compared to a national average of 369.8. All 444.2 incidents per 100,000 people were property-related, such as theft or burglary.

Protecting your property is the priority

Since property crime is the only recorded concern in the county, securing outbuildings and vehicles is vital. Simple locks and lighting are often enough to deter opportunistic property crimes in this safe area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Putnam County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified and Efficient School System

Putnam County operates as a single unified district, Putnam County CUSD 535, which manages four schools. The system serves 807 students through a clear progression: two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This structure provides a seamless transition for students throughout their entire academic career.

Solid Results Driven by High Investment

The county matches the national graduation rate of 87.0% and maintains a strong school score of 60.6, well above the state average of 58.1. Putnam County invests heavily in its students, spending $11,001 per pupil compared to the state average of $9,250. This proactive spending supports a high-quality learning environment despite falling just short of the state graduation average.

One District, Total Commitment

Putnam County CUSD 535 is the sole provider of public education in the county, ensuring 100% of students follow the same curriculum. There are no charter schools, which allows the community to focus all its resources on the unified district. This model creates a consistent and predictable path for every child in the county.

Rural Focus with Individualized Attention

All four schools are located in rural locales, providing a quiet and safe environment for learning. The average school size is 202 students, with Putnam County High School being the largest at 254 students. Smaller primary and junior high schools ensure that students receive plenty of one-on-one time with their teachers.

Predictable Excellence for Your Family

Buying a home in Putnam County means joining a community with a single, high-performing school district. The high per-pupil investment ensures your child will have access to quality resources in a safe, rural setting. Explore properties across the county to secure a place in this highly-rated unified school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Putnam County

via RiskByCounty

Putnam County is exceptionally low-risk

Putnam County's composite risk score of 9.16 is among the lowest in the United States and 83% below Illinois's statewide average of 54.46, earning a "Very Low" designation. This places Putnam among America's safest counties from natural disaster exposure.

Putnam ranks second-safest in Illinois

At 9.16, Putnam County scores second-lowest among Illinois's 102 counties for composite disaster risk, surpassed only by Pope County at 14.89. This exceptional safety ranking reflects Putnam's minimal exposure to earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires alike.

Putnam is a risk refuge in central Illinois

Putnam County's 9.16 score is far safer than surrounding counties including Piatt County (34.96) and Pike County (30.34), making it a distinctive safe zone in central Illinois. Only Pope County (14.89) to the south matches Putnam's exceptional low-risk status.

All risks rank as minimal to negligible

Putnam County's highest individual risk scores are earthquake (39.89) and flood (19.59), both substantially below statewide averages; tornado risk is 32.73 and wildfire risk is just 4.36. The county's hazard environment is remarkably safe across all natural disaster categories.

Basic homeowners insurance suffices

Putnam County's minimal disaster risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents without needing specialized riders. Verify that wind/hail coverage is included, and only consider additional flood insurance if your property is in a mapped flood zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Putnam County

via WaterByCounty

Putnam County Water Quality Grade F

Putnam County recorded four health violations over five years, resulting in a rate of 105.2 per 100,000 residents. This rate is more than double the Illinois state average of 48.7. These frequent violations contribute to a failing drinking water compliance grade.

Healthy Watershed Performance in Putnam

Only 22.3% of assessed water bodies are impaired, which is significantly better than the state average of 38.0%. Mercury, phosphorus, and fecal coliform are the specific pollutants noted in the 2022 assessment. These findings suggest that while drinking water systems struggle, the broader environment remains relatively healthy.

Minimal Monitoring Records Available

Only two monitoring sites exist within the county, producing just 403 measurements over the last five years. Most data collection is limited to physical characteristics and inorganic metals. This low monitoring footprint makes it difficult to track long-term water quality trends.

No Live Streamgage Data Available

Putnam County currently lacks an active USGS streamgage to provide real-time discharge data. Without live monitoring of primary waterways, residents must depend on historical watershed reports and drinking water compliance data. The lack of flow data hinders real-time response to potential runoff events.

Guidance for Elevated Violation Risks

The high violation rate suggests that residents should consider additional household water testing or filtration. Be mindful of mercury and phosphorus in the watershed, which can impact local ecosystem health. If you rely on municipal water, ask your utility for a detailed list of recent health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Putnam County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Northern Temperate Climate

Putnam County averages 51.0°F annually, which is cooler than the national median. This reflects a typical upper-Midwest profile where winter temperatures significantly influence the yearly average.

Below the Illinois Average

The county's 51.0°F annual average sits below the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. While precipitation and snowfall data are limited, its temperature profile suggests a classic northern Illinois environment.

Cooler than Southern Peers

Putnam is nearly 7 degrees cooler on average than southern counties like Pulaski. It records 29 days of extreme heat, which is fewer than Pike County but still indicates warm summer peaks.

Chilly Winters and Mild Summers

January is particularly cold with an average of 23.8°F, dragging the winter average down to 26.9°F. Summer provides relief with a July average of 74.8°F and 29 days reaching at least 90°F.

Focus on Winter Readiness

High-efficiency heating and proper insulation are the top priorities given the cold 23.8°F January average. Residents should also plan for nearly a month of extreme heat during the summer season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Putnam County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in Putnam County

Putnam County maintains a stable average pH of 6.48, which is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This near-neutrality makes the soil highly versatile for a diverse range of crops and ornamental plants.

A Coarser, Sandier Mix

With 27.6% sand and 52.1% silt, this soil is coarser than many other Illinois counties. The higher sand content aids in natural drainage and makes the soil easier to work in the early spring thaw.

Healthy Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter sits at 2.46%, which is higher than the national 2.0% average but slightly below the Illinois state average of 2.94%. The available water capacity of 0.190 in/in suggests a need for consistent irrigation during dry periods.

Faster Drainage for Healthier Roots

While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high sand percentage generally points to faster water movement through the soil. Gardeners should expect the ground to dry out more quickly than in silt-heavy neighboring counties.

Hardy Crops for Zone 5b

In hardiness zone 5b, Putnam County is best suited for cold-hardy crops and traditional Midwestern staples. The sandy-silt mix is ideal for root vegetables like carrots and parsnips that thrive in looser soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Putnam County

via LawnByCounty

Putnam County Offers Easy Lawn Care

Putnam County earns an impressive 74.2 difficulty score, making it one of the easiest places in the state to grow a lawn. As a Zone 5b county, it benefits from cooler temperatures that favor traditional Midwestern grass varieties.

Cooler Seasons for Northern Turf

With only 29 extreme heat days and 3,355 growing degree days, Putnam County avoids the intense thermal stress seen in southern Illinois. While specific rainfall data is unavailable, the moderate climate suggests a more forgiving schedule for lawn maintenance.

Sandy Loam Advantages in Putnam

The soil features a relatively high sand content of 27.6%, which generally aids in drainage and root development. Combined with a pH of 6.48, your lawn is well-positioned to thrive as long as you provide consistent nutrients to the 20.2% clay base.

Addressing Severe Drought Hazards

Despite its high overall score, Putnam County is currently 100% in severe drought. Having endured 22 weeks of drought over the past year, your lawn needs consistent, deep watering to survive the current moisture deficit.

Maximize Your Short Growing Season

The window between the April 24 last frost and October 17 first frost is shorter than southern counties, so timing is critical. Focus on cold-hardy Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescues, and ensure you seed early enough in the fall to survive the Zone 5b winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Putnam County's county score?
Putnam County, Illinois has a composite county score of 59.3 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 Illinois?
Putnam County ranks #25 among all counties in Illinois 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, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Putnam County is $2,668, with an effective tax rate of 1.59%. This earns Putnam County a tax score of 9.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Putnam County?
The median household income in Putnam County, Illinois is $77,526 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Putnam County earns an income score of 80.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Putnam County, Illinois a good place to live?
Putnam County scores 59.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Illinois. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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