CountyScore

Putnam County

New York · NY

#52 in New York
54.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Putnam County, New York

Putnam falls below national livability

Putnam County scores 42.2 out of 100, falling below the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. The score reflects livability challenges relative to national standards.

Well below New York's average

At 42.2, Putnam County underperforms New York's state average of 54.7 by 12.5 points, ranking among the state's weakest performers. This gap indicates substantial livability disadvantages compared to other New York counties.

Premium incomes power the profile

The Income Score of 66.5—by far the highest in this entire county set—reflects a median household income of $127,405, significantly above national and regional norms. This exceptional earning power is Putnam's defining strength.

Housing costs obliterate affordability

The Cost Score of 38.1 is the lowest among all eight counties, driven by a median home value of $448,000 and rent at $1,824 monthly—nearly double some peers. Even with the highest incomes, housing costs consume an outsized share of household budgets, severely constraining livability.

Only viable for the affluent

Putnam County suits high-net-worth individuals and executives who can comfortably afford $400,000+ homes and manage $1,800+ monthly rents. For most families, the cost-income mismatch makes livability untenable despite abundant earnings.

Score breakdown

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

Tax39.5Cost38.1SafetyComing SoonHealth84.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome66.5Risk60.2WaterComing Soon
🏛39.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤84.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡60.2
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

San Diego County
California
54.3
Median income: $102,285
South Central Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
54.1
Median income: $86,266
Prince George's County
Maryland
54.1
Median income: $100,708
Dutchess County
New York
54.1
Median income: $97,273
Los Angeles County
California
54.4
Median income: $87,760

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's high home values drive steep tax bills

Putnam County's effective tax rate of 2.232% sits modestly above the national median of 2.690%, but the real story lies in home values—the median at $448,000 far exceeds the national median of $281,900. This combination produces the region's highest median tax bill: $10,001 annually.

Putnam combines moderate rates with premium prices

Putnam's 2.232% effective rate slightly exceeds New York's state average of 2.046%, but the county's sky-high median home value of $448,000 pushes annual taxes to $10,001—the highest among all surveyed counties. Putnam residents pay substantially more despite a rate that's not the state's steepest.

Putnam's premium valuations drive top tax bills

While Putnam's 2.232% rate is lower than Orange County's 2.344%, Putnam's median home value of $448,000 eclipses Orange's $361,100, resulting in the highest actual tax bill at $10,001 versus Orange's $8,463. This reflects Putnam's position as a high-value Hudson Valley enclave.

What the typical Putnam homeowner pays

The median Putnam County home is worth $448,000—significantly higher than any comparable county—and at the county's 2.232% effective rate, that translates to an annual property tax of $10,001. This represents the highest median tax burden among all surveyed counties.

Premium properties warrant premium assessment scrutiny

With annual tax bills exceeding $10,000, even small percentage assessment errors cost thousands annually, making appeals especially valuable for Putnam homeowners. Contacting your local assessor to request an assessment review is free and could yield substantial savings on your substantial tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Putnam County

via CostByCounty

Putnam's high income offsets pricey housing

Putnam County residents spend 17.2% of their income on rent—slightly above the national affordability threshold—but earn $127,405 annually, the highest income in this comparison. The median rent of $1,824 reflects Hudson Valley proximity to New York City, though strong wages keep the burden manageable.

Putnam's wealth insulates from affordability crisis

Putnam County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio barely exceeds the state average of 17.6%, a remarkable achievement given its $1,824 median rent. The county's exceptionally high median household income of $127,405 transforms an objectively expensive housing market into an affordable one relative to earnings.

Putnam stands out as premium option

Putnam's $1,824 rent ranks only behind Orange County ($1,602 but worse ratio) among comparison counties, yet its 17.2% ratio beats most peers. The county serves affluent households seeking Hudson Valley amenities; lower-income relocators should compare to Oneida ($917) or Orleans ($877) for true value.

Exceptional income makes premium housing work

Putnam households earn $127,405 annually—53% above the national median—and dedicate just 17.2% to rent despite paying $1,824 monthly. Owner costs of $2,409 and median home values of $448,000 remain achievable only for the county's notably affluent resident base.

Putnam suits high-income Hudson Valley seekers

Relocating to Putnam County requires household incomes near $125,000+ to maintain affordability ratios, but delivers exceptional quality of life for those who qualify. Compare its 17.2% rent burden to lower-cost alternatives like Oneida (16.0%) or Orleans (16.5%) only if budget flexibility is your priority.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Putnam County

via IncomeByCounty

Putnam is an earnings powerhouse

Putnam County's median household income of $127,405 soars 70.5% above the national median of $74,755. Households earn an extraordinary $52,650 more annually than the typical American family, placing Putnam among the nation's highest-earning counties.

New York's income elite

Putnam exceeds the state median of $76,433 by $50,972—by far the largest advantage in this group. The per capita income of $54,914 dramatically outpaces the state average of $41,133 by $13,781.

Dramatically outearns all peers

Putnam's $127,405 income towers above Orange ($96,497), Ontario ($79,814), Onondaga ($74,740), and all other comparison counties. The county stands alone as the region's undisputed income leader.

Housing demands justify premium earnings

Putnam's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio masks a $448,000 median home value—the nation's most expensive in this comparison. Only the county's exceptional earnings make such housing accessible to residents.

Grow wealth with sophisticated planning

Putnam households earn elite incomes and face premium housing costs, creating unique wealth-building opportunities and complexities. Engage a comprehensive wealth advisor to optimize tax strategies, investment diversification, and long-term financial goals at your income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Putnam County

via HealthByCounty

Putnam leads on national longevity

At 81.6 years, Putnam County residents live 2.7 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 12.4% poor or fair health rate beats the national average of 13.4%, reflecting consistently strong population health.

New York's healthiest county

Putnam's 81.6-year life expectancy exceeds New York State's 77.9-year average by 3.7 years—among the highest in the state. At 4.4% uninsured, the county also matches the state's best performers on coverage.

Regional health champion

Putnam's 81.6-year life expectancy dramatically outpaces all regional peers, beating Ontario (79.8) by 1.8 years and Onondaga (77.7) by 3.9 years. With 479 mental health providers per 100,000—the region's highest—Putnam offers exceptional behavioral health infrastructure.

Exceptional mental health, strong coverage

Putnam County's 479 mental health providers per 100,000 residents far exceed regional averages, supporting robust behavioral health access. With 53 primary care providers per 100,000 and only 4.4% uninsured, Putnam combines strong coverage with specialized mental health capacity.

Maximize your Putnam healthcare access

Living in a county with exceptional healthcare resources means prioritizing regular check-ups and mental health care. Ensure your coverage is current on NY State of Health so you can leverage Putnam's outstanding provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Putnam County

via RiskByCounty

Putnam: Among America's Safest Counties

Putnam County scores just 39.82 on composite disaster risk, placing it in the very low risk category and among the safest counties in America. This low score reflects reduced exposure to the major hazard types that threaten most communities, though certain localized risks still merit attention. Putnam residents enjoy substantially lower natural disaster risk compared to the nation overall.

Putnam Well Below New York's Risk Average

Putnam scores 39.82 compared to New York's state average of 69.42, placing it among the safest counties in the state and dramatically below most New York peers. This exceptional score reflects Putnam's protection from the serious hazards affecting many other New York communities. Putnam residents benefit from one of the state's most favorable disaster risk profiles.

Putnam the Safest in Its Region

Putnam (39.82) has substantially lower risk than its primary neighbor Orange County (90.59), placing it far below the Hudson Valley average. Putnam's safety ranking stands out dramatically in comparison to surrounding areas. Your county represents a clear refuge from natural disaster exposure in this part of New York.

Hurricane Risk Leads a Low-Threat Profile

Putnam County's most serious hazard is hurricane risk at 73.22, followed by flood exposure at 57.44—both moderate rather than high compared to most New York counties. Earthquake (65.14) presents secondary concern, while tornado (29.80) and wildfire (19.66) risks remain low. Putnam's hazard profile is notably narrow and moderate overall.

Standard Insurance Often Adequate Here

Putnam residents typically find that a comprehensive homeowners policy covers primary household risks adequately, though flood insurance should still be considered for any flood-prone properties. The county's low overall risk means residents can focus preparation on selective hazards rather than managing broad exposure. Review your coverage with an agent to confirm adequacy, then allocate resources elsewhere.

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.