countyscore
62.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.8Safety 88.2Lawn Care 81.3

County Report Card

About Putnam County, Missouri

Putnam County Exceeds National Standards

Putnam County boasts an impressive composite score of 62.9, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This puts it in the top tier of counties nationwide for its unique balance of safety and stability.

A Top Performer in Missouri

The county's 62.9 score easily clears the Missouri state average of 50.3. It stands out as a rural leader in the state, offering high-quality living at a manageable scale.

Maximum Safety and Low Risk

The county provides peace of mind with a massive Risk Score of 91.8 and a Safety Score of 88.2. Housing is exceptionally affordable, with a median home value of $111,600 and a Cost Score of 76.3.

High Tax Burden and Water Gaps

Despite low home prices, a Tax Score of 39.0 reflects a higher effective tax rate of 0.987%. Additionally, the Water Score of 32.2 is the county's lowest metric, suggesting infrastructure could be modernized.

Perfect for Quiet Rural Stability

Putnam County is a dream for residents who value tranquility and personal safety above all else. It is an ideal fit for those seeking a tight-knit, low-risk community with very low entry costs for homeownership.

Score breakdown

Tax39Cost76.3Safety88.2Health46.9Schools62.5Income30Risk91.8Water32.2Weather52.5
🏛39
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡88.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱81.3
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 →
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Nearby counties

Appanoose County
Iowa
48.6
Sullivan County
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62.4
Wayne County
Iowa
62.9
Schuyler County
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Mercer County
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Adair County
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Davis County
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Grundy County
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Deep Dives

Putnam County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Putnam County

via TaxByCounty

Putnam County's rate above national average

Putnam County's effective tax rate of 0.987% exceeds the national median, though its median tax bill of $1,101 remains below the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values. The county presents a mixed tax picture: higher rates but lower overall bills.

Above-average rates for Missouri

Putnam County's 0.987% effective rate is notably higher than Missouri's state average of 0.733%, making it one of the state's higher-tax counties. However, the median tax bill of $1,101 stays below the state median of $1,199 because homes are valued significantly lower.

Among region's highest tax rates

Putnam County's 0.987% rate is substantially higher than Phelps (0.640%), Pike (0.768%), Polk (0.581%), and Pulaski (0.611%), though slightly below Platte County's 1.060%. The county ranks as a high-tax area in its region.

What $111,600 home costs in taxes

A homeowner with a median-priced home valued at $111,600 pays approximately $1,101 in annual property taxes in Putnam County. With a mortgage, that bill increases to $1,132; without one, it drops to $1,046.

Review your assessment closely

Putnam County's relatively high tax rate makes it especially important for homeowners to verify their assessments are accurate and competitive with local market values. Filing an assessment appeal can reduce your tax burden in this higher-rate county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Putnam County

via CostByCounty

Putnam delivers Missouri's best deal

Putnam County's 12.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the most affordable housing markets in Missouri and the nation, nearly 3 percentage points below the state average. Median rent of just $575/month—the cheapest in this analysis—makes housing easily manageable on a $56,875 median income.

Rural affordability at its best

Putnam County stands as one of Missouri's most affordable counties, with a 12.1% rent-to-income ratio that leaves substantial income for other needs. This rural gem offers genuine breathing room in a state where many counties struggle with affordability.

The bargain champion of the region

Putnam's $575 median rent beats Pike ($742) by $167 and towers below Pulaski ($1,072) by nearly $500, making it the clear budget leader. Median home values of $111,600 match Pike's as the region's lowest, broadening Putnam's affordability edge.

Housing leaves room to breathe

Renters spend just $575/month (12.1% of income) while homeowners pay $802/month (16.9% of income), giving Putnam renters exceptional relief. Homeownership costs more here, but even at 16.9%, owner costs remain manageable statewide.

Putnam is the ultimate affordability play

Putnam County excels for remote workers, retirees, or anyone prioritizing low housing costs and financial flexibility over metro amenities. If you're choosing between Putnam and Pike, both offer outstanding value—Putnam pulls ahead on pure affordability, Pike on size and services.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Putnam County

via IncomeByCounty

Putnam underperforms national median

Putnam County's median household income of $56,875 falls 23.9% below the national median of $74,755. The county's rural character and smaller population base explain this gap relative to more urbanized, higher-earning regions.

Near Missouri's average income

Putnam County sits just below Missouri's state average of $59,503, placing it in the middle tier of the state's counties. Notably, per capita income of $33,208 exceeds Missouri's $31,011 average, suggesting some pockets of higher earnings despite the moderate household median.

Moderate income in a rural band

Putnam ($56,875) ranks with Phelps ($55,427), Polk ($56,686), and Randolph ($55,310) in a tight lower-middle cluster, while Platte ($95,748) towers above all others. Pulaski ($66,435) and Ralls ($62,054) offer modest advantages, and Pike ($57,572) is nearly identical.

Most affordable housing in region

Putnam County boasts the region's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 12.1%, making it the most affordable place for renters. The median home value of $111,600 is also the lowest nearby, requiring only 2 years of median household income—an exceptionally achievable homeownership target.

Putnam's affordability is an asset

Putnam County residents earning $56,875 face the lowest housing barriers in the region, freeing capital for wealth-building. Capitalize on this advantage by securing stable mortgages, investing surplus income in index funds or rental properties, and using tax-advantaged accounts to maximize compound growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Putnam County

via CrimeByCounty

Putnam County's Exceptional Safety

Putnam County is one of the safest in the nation, with a near-perfect safety score of 99.6. Its total crime rate of 255.4 per 100K is about 10% of the national average.

Missouri's Safe Rural Haven

Putnam's safety score of 99.6 vastly outperforms the Missouri average of 97.0. Two reporting agencies manage a community where crime is nearly 87% lower than the state average.

Dominating the Region in Safety

Putnam County maintains lower crime rates than even its safe neighbors like Ralls and Pike counties. This makes it a benchmark for safety in rural Missouri and the surrounding region.

Rare Violent and Property Crimes

The county reports a violent crime rate of 149.0 and an even lower property crime rate of 106.4 per 100K. These figures indicate that crime is an infrequent occurrence for most residents.

Simple Safety Precautions

In high-safety areas like Putnam County, standard precautions are usually sufficient. Ensuring windows are locked and participating in neighborhood watch programs helps keep this community secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Putnam County

via HealthByCounty

Putnam County trails national life expectancy

At 73.4 years, Putnam County residents live 4.7 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.1 years. The 16.7% poor/fair health rate ranks among the county group's healthier profiles but still suggests room for improvement.

Below Missouri's average performance

Putnam County's 73.4-year life expectancy falls 0.9 years below Missouri's 74.3-year state average. The county ranks in the lower third statewide for longevity metrics.

Moderate access in sparse region

Putnam County has 64 primary care providers per 100K—adequate compared to rural peers like Ralls County (10 per 100K) but trailing healthier counties like Platte (81). Mental health services at 65 per 100K lag statewide norms significantly.

10.6% uninsured, modest capacity

Putnam County's 10.6% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 12.5%, but limited mental health providers (65 per 100K) create bottlenecks for behavioral health referrals. Insurance alone doesn't guarantee access to available specialists.

Complete coverage for full access

For Putnam County's 10.6% uninsured residents, obtaining coverage through Medicaid or ACA plans removes barriers to the primary care and specialists available locally. Explore options at healthcare.gov or 1-800-318-2596.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Putnam County

via SchoolsByCounty

A unified, single-district school system

Putnam County operates a streamlined educational system with just three public schools serving 654 total students. All students are served by a single district, which manages one elementary, one middle, and one high school. This structure provides a consistent educational path for students from kindergarten through graduation.

Exceptional graduation rates in a small system

The county boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both state and national averages. Its school score of 56.4 is one of the highest in the region, reflecting strong academic performance. Per-pupil spending is $6,618, which is higher than the Missouri state average.

Putnam County R-I serves everyone

The Putnam County R-I district is the sole educational provider for the entire county. This single-district model ensures all 654 students benefit from the same resources and community focus. There are no charter or alternative schools in this traditional, public-focused county.

A truly rural, intimate learning environment

All three schools in the county are classified as rural, reflecting the area's quiet, agricultural character. The average school size is small at 218 students, allowing for significant individual attention. Putnam County Elementary is the largest campus with 299 students, while the middle school hosts just 146.

Join a high-performing rural community

For families who prioritize small class sizes and elite graduation rates, Putnam County is an standout choice. The unified district creates a strong sense of community that is deeply tied to the success of its three local schools. Buying a home here offers the peace of rural living paired with some of the best academic results in Missouri.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Putnam County

via RiskByCounty

Putnam County is Missouri's safest

Putnam County's composite risk score of just 8.24 is exceptionally low, well below the national average and earning a very low risk rating. This remarkable safety profile reflects minimal exposure across nearly all major hazard types, from earthquakes (19.21) to hurricanes (11.89).

Lowest-risk county in Missouri

Putnam County's score of 8.24 is dramatically below Missouri's state average of 50.56, making it the state's safest county by a wide margin. This exceptional resilience positions Putnam as one of the nation's lowest-risk counties overall.

Unmatched safety in the region

Putnam County (8.24) is far safer than any nearby county, including Ralls County (14.06), Randolph County (35.85), and Pike County (40.30). Its composite risk score is less than one-sixth of Pike County's, making it a statistical outlier in Missouri.

Minimal hazard exposure overall

Even Putnam County's highest-risk hazard—tornado at 42.97—remains well below state averages, while wildfire (40.11) and earthquake (19.21) risks are correspondingly modest. Flood risk (10.15) and hurricane risk (11.89) are nearly negligible, creating an exceptionally safe environment.

Standard coverage fully protects homes

Putnam County residents can rely on a standard homeowners insurance policy without specialized endorsements, as natural disaster risk is minimal across all hazard types. Annual policy reviews ensure adequate coverage, though the county's exceptional safety profile requires less specialized planning than most Missouri communities.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Putnam County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Northern Climate Below National Median

Putnam County averages 50.9°F annually, making it one of the coolest counties in the region and below the national median. This northern location results in a significantly colder thermal profile than southern Missouri.

Missouri's Northern Cold Spot

Putnam is much colder than the state average of 54.9°F and receives 28.7 inches of snow—more than double the state norm. It also sees far fewer extreme heat days, with only 20 per year compared to the 40+ seen in the south.

Snow Capital of the Region

Compared to Platte County, Putnam is significantly colder and experiences over 10 inches more snowfall annually. It is the coolest county in this group, defined by its 23.5°F January average.

Severe Winters and Mild Summers

Winter is the dominant season here, bringing 28.7 inches of snow and a frosty 26.7°F winter average. Summers are pleasant and mild, with only 20 days of 90°F+ temperatures.

Serious Winter Gear is Required

Heavy-duty snow removal equipment and high-quality winter insulation are critical for the 28.7 inches of annual snow. Residents enjoy lower cooling costs in summer but must budget for significant heating in the winter.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Putnam County

via SoilByCounty

Robust Silty Clay Loams in Putnam

Putnam County features a silty clay loam texture with a pH of 6.34, which is more alkaline than the state average of 6.09. These Entisols provide a solid foundation for agriculture along the northern border. This pH level is near-optimal for most traditional Midwestern row crops.

Dense Mix for Nutrient Efficiency

The ground contains 52.9% silt and 25.9% clay, creating a dense material that holds nutrients very effectively. The 21.2% sand content helps maintain essential porosity in this otherwise heavy mix. This balance supports strong root systems and high crop yields.

Superior Water Storage for Crops

With 2.83% organic matter, these soils are healthier than the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.200 in/in is also higher than the Missouri average of 0.183 in/in. This extra water storage helps plants survive through the heat of late summer.

Well Drained but Slower Infiltration

The soil is classified as well drained but falls into hydrologic group C, meaning water moves through the profile slowly. This keeps moisture available for crops longer during peak summer months but can lead to surface runoff. Proper field management can help direct excess water safely.

Cooler Season Success in Zone 5b

A slightly cooler zone 5b means a shorter season, but the high water capacity is perfect for corn, beans, and hardy tubers. The nutrient-rich loam provides everything a gardener needs for a high-yield harvest. Dig into your garden now to maximize the potential of this northern soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Putnam County

via LawnByCounty

Missouri's Easiest Lawn Care Zone

Putnam County is a premier location for lawn care, boasting an impressive difficulty score of 81.3. This is significantly higher than the Missouri average of 63.7 and the national average of 50.0. The cooler Zone 5b climate makes maintaining a pristine green space much simpler than in southern counties.

Cooler Summers and Ideal Rainfall

Putnam enjoys a very manageable 20 extreme heat days per year, nearly half the state average of 37. With 41.9 inches of annual precipitation, the county stays well-watered without the intense scorch seen elsewhere. A July average of 75.5°F is perfect for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass.

Productive Silty Clay Loam Soils

The soil pH of 6.34 is well-positioned within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for healthy turf growth. The texture is a silty clay loam with 25.9% clay and 21.2% sand, providing excellent nutrient retention and structure. Being well-drained, this soil allows for deep root penetration without the risk of waterlogging.

Resilient Through Short Dry Spells

The county has only faced 15 weeks of drought in the past year, which is relatively low for the region. While 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry (D0), the lack of severe drought (D2+) makes recovery easy. Simple supplemental watering during July will maintain color throughout the summer.

Best Seeding Windows for Zone 5b

In Zone 5b, plan your seeding around the last spring frost on April 17 or the first fall frost on October 22. Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are excellent choices for these cooler temperatures and 3365 growing degree days. With an 81.3 score, you have the best odds in the state for a perfect lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Putnam County's county score?
Putnam County, Missouri has a composite county score of 62.9 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 Missouri?
Putnam County ranks #7 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Putnam County is $1,101, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Putnam County a tax score of 39/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Putnam County?
The median household income in Putnam County, Missouri is $56,875 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Putnam County earns an income score of 30/100 on CountyScore.
Is Putnam County, Missouri a good place to live?
Putnam County scores 62.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Missouri. 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.