Putnam County's composite score of 73.2 is 46% higher than the national median of 50.0, positioning it among America's more livable communities. Strong tax efficiency and housing affordability form the foundation of this solid performance.
2 / 5
Mid-tier rank among Indiana counties
Putnam County ranks 10th among Indiana's 92 counties with a score of 73.2, slightly above the state average of 71.2. This respectable standing reflects consistent quality across multiple livability dimensions.
3 / 5
Excellent tax structure and health
Putnam County features the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.475% (tax score: 88.9) paired with solid health services (score: 72.2) and reasonable housing costs at $883/month with median homes valued at $205,800. This balance attracts families seeking both low taxes and community wellness.
4 / 5
Income potential remains modest
The income score of 33.1 reflects median household earnings of $76,182, indicating limited high-wage employment opportunities within the county. Safety, schools, and water quality assessments are not yet available for a comprehensive evaluation.
5 / 5
Suits tax-conscious middle-class families
Putnam County appeals to middle-income families and couples prioritizing low tax rates and stable health infrastructure over wage growth potential. The solid health score and affordable housing make it a comfortable choice for those with moderate incomes seeking predictability.
Putnam County's composite score of 73.2 is 46% higher than the national median of 50.0, positioning it among America's more livable communities. Strong tax efficiency and housing affordability form the foundation of this solid performance.
Mid-tier rank among Indiana counties
Putnam County ranks 10th among Indiana's 92 counties with a score of 73.2, slightly above the state average of 71.2. This respectable standing reflects consistent quality across multiple livability dimensions.
Excellent tax structure and health
Putnam County features the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.475% (tax score: 88.9) paired with solid health services (score: 72.2) and reasonable housing costs at $883/month with median homes valued at $205,800. This balance attracts families seeking both low taxes and community wellness.
Income potential remains modest
The income score of 33.1 reflects median household earnings of $76,182, indicating limited high-wage employment opportunities within the county. Safety, schools, and water quality assessments are not yet available for a comprehensive evaluation.
Suits tax-conscious middle-class families
Putnam County appeals to middle-income families and couples prioritizing low tax rates and stable health infrastructure over wage growth potential. The solid health score and affordable housing make it a comfortable choice for those with moderate incomes seeking predictability.
Score breakdown
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🏛88.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Putnam County's effective tax rate of 0.475% places it in the bottom 5% nationwide, even lower than Pulaski's 0.480%. The median property tax of $978 is less than one-third the national median of $2,690.
Second-lowest rate in Indiana
At 0.475%, Putnam County has the second-lowest effective tax rate in Indiana, trailing only Pulaski's 0.480% and well below the state average of 0.671%. The median tax of $978 reflects moderate home values of $205,800.
The region's second-most affordable
Putnam's 0.475% rate edges out nearby Ripley County (0.576%) and falls just below Pulaski County (0.480%), cementing its place among Indiana's tax bargains. Despite home values roughly $30,000 higher than Pulaski's, Putnam residents pay only about $330 more annually.
Your annual Putnam property tax bill
On a median home valued at $205,800, the annual property tax is $978 (roughly $82 monthly). Mortgage holders pay closer to $1,056; those without mortgages, approximately $852.
Appeal if you suspect overassessment
Despite competitive rates, Putnam County homeowners should verify their property valuations through the county assessor. An appeal could provide additional relief, especially if your home was recently assessed above comparable sales.
Putnam County's median rent of $883 exactly matches Indiana's state average, while its 13.9% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 15.6%. With a median household income of $76,182, Putnam residents spend less of their earnings on rent than typical Hoosiers.
Solid Middle-Ground Affordability
Putnam County ranks in Indiana's upper-middle tier for housing affordability, with a 13.9% rent-to-income ratio that's better than average. This combination of state-median rents and above-average incomes creates favorable conditions for both renters and buyers.
Higher Rents, Higher Incomes
Putnam's $883 rent is $139 more than Posey County but its median income of $76,182 is only slightly lower, allowing residents to manage the higher costs. Compared to Ripley County's $799 rent, Putnam residents pay more but also earn more, offsetting the difference in percentage terms.
Income Allocation in Putnam
Putnam renters spend $883 monthly from a median income of $6,349 per month, dedicating 13.9% to housing and keeping 86% for other needs. Homeowners pay $1,074 monthly to build equity in properties valued around $205,800, a middle-range investment for the region.
Putnam Works for Growing Families
If you're seeking a county with solid income potential and moderate housing costs, Putnam offers a balanced equation. Compare it with Posey and Ripley counties to find the best combination of wages and affordability for your relocation goals.
Putnam County's median household income of $76,182 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $1,427 (1.9%). While the advantage is modest, it places Putnam County slightly ahead of typical American households.
Solid standing in Indiana
Putnam County's $76,182 median income runs 10.8% above Indiana's state average of $68,681, ranking the county among the state's stronger earners. Per capita income of $34,050 also approaches the state average, indicating relatively balanced earnings distribution.
Second in the region
Putnam County's $76,182 median income trails only Posey County ($79,124) in its region and edges out Ripley ($71,084) and Shelby ($71,301). This ranking reflects consistent economic opportunity and stable local employment.
Housing fits the budget
Putnam County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% sits comfortably below the 15% affordability threshold, leaving room in household budgets for other expenses. The median home value of $205,800 remains accessible to households earning the county median.
Use stability to build assets
Above-average incomes and manageable housing costs create opportunity for Putnam County residents to invest beyond essentials. Explore employer retirement plans, education savings accounts for children, or a diversified investment portfolio suited to your timeline.
Putnam County's life expectancy of 75.8 years falls slightly below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, though most residents rate their health positively. With 17.9% reporting poor or fair health, the county matches the national average of 17.4%, suggesting typical overall wellness.
Performing slightly above state average
At 75.8 years, Putnam County's life expectancy modestly exceeds Indiana's 75.1-year average. The county's 17.9% poor/fair health rate is slightly below Indiana's 18.2% average, indicating relatively good health outcomes statewide.
Middle-of-the-road health profile
Putnam County's life expectancy of 75.8 years places it between higher-performing Posey County (78.3 years) and lower-performing Pulaski County (72.2 years). Its health perception aligns closely with Ripley County (74.7 years), suggesting similar community health challenges.
Strong mental health infrastructure
Putnam County boasts exceptional mental health capacity with 104 providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest in the region. Primary care access is solid at 33 providers per 100,000, and at 7.0% uninsured, most residents have coverage for these services.
Secure coverage for local providers
Putnam County's 7.0% uninsured rate is below state average, but uninsured residents should act quickly to access the county's robust mental and primary care networks. Check healthcare.gov or Indiana's Benefits portal for affordable coverage options.
With a composite risk score of 42.84, Putnam County rates as "Relatively Low" but sits slightly below the national average, indicating moderate hazard exposure. Tornado risk is particularly elevated at 63.04, well above typical national levels.
Below-average risk among Indiana counties
Putnam County's 42.84 score falls below Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it in the safer half of Indiana's 92 counties. However, its tornado risk significantly outpaces the state norm.
Tornadoes exceed nearby county risks
Putnam County's tornado risk of 63.04 is notably higher than many neighboring counties, reflecting its location in Indiana's tornado-prone corridor. Its flood risk of 48.12 is moderate and fairly typical for central Indiana.
Tornadoes and earthquakes need attention
Tornado risk at 63.04 is Putnam County's most significant hazard, making a weather radio and interior shelter plan essential for all residents. Earthquake risk of 69.31 is also elevated; residents should secure furniture and know safe zones in their homes.
Prepare for tornadoes and quakes
Putnam County residents should verify their homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage from tornadoes, as this is standard coverage. Earthquake insurance should be considered given the 69.31 risk score, and families should practice tornado drills seasonally.