countyscore
55.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.8Health 97.2Schools 89.3

County Report Card

About Putnam County, New York

A National Leader in Livability

Putnam County boasts a 55.2 composite score, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This high ranking reflects its elite status in income, health, and education.

Far Exceeding the New York Average

Putnam’s score of 55.2 easily clears the state average of 47.0. It is one of the highest-performing counties in New York, benefiting from its proximity to major economic centers.

Elite Incomes and Top-Tier Schools

The county earns a near-perfect income score of 99.1 with a median household income of $127,405. It also features a school score of 89.3 and a stellar health score of 97.2.

High Costs and Water Concerns

The cost score of 1.6 reflects extreme housing prices, with a median home value of $448,000. Additionally, the water score of 4.3 indicates significant challenges in water resource management.

The Gold Standard for Wealthy Families

Putnam is the premier choice for high-income earners who want the best schools and healthcare available. Prospective residents must be ready for $1,824 median rents and high property valuations.

204060801001.82.386.997.289.398.860.24.360.8Tax1.8Cost2.3Safety86.9Health97.2Schools89.3Income98.8Risk60.2Water4.3Weather60.855.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Putnam County DNA

Foverall

How Putnam County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Putnam County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (98.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (4.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
1.8-50.2
Cost
2.3-45.7
Safety
86.9+31.900000000000006
Health
97.2+47.2
Schools
89.3+35.3
Income
98.8+47.8
Risk
60.2+13.200000000000003
Water
4.3-53.7
Weather
60.8
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.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$471,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,775/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$471,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$71,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $126,257/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.6

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
Compare Putnam County with Cleveland County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Cleveland County
Arkansas
Median income: $54,794
55.4
Harris County
Georgia
Median income: $97,302
55.4
Saline County
Illinois
Median income: $53,117
55.4
Wabash County
Illinois
Median income: $57,086
55.4
Scott County
Kansas
Median income: $68,839
55.4
Boyle County
Kentucky
Median income: $61,159
55.4
Clay County
Kentucky
Median income: $40,900
55.4
Graves County
Kentucky
Median income: $50,772
55.4

Nearby counties

Western Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
38.3
Rockland County
New York
42.7
Dutchess County
New York
43.9
Westchester County
New York
45.7
Orange County
New York
42.1
Greater Bridgeport Planning Region
Connecticut
28.6
Naugatuck Valley Planning Region
Connecticut
32.9
Passaic County
New Jersey
28.8

Deep Dives

Putnam County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Putnam County

via CrimeByCounty

Putnam County Among the Safest Nationally

Putnam County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.5. Its total crime rate of 294.0 per 100K is one of the lowest in the country, far below the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in New York State Safety

Putnam's safety score of 99.5 far exceeds the New York state average of 98.3. This ranking cements its status as one of the most secure counties for families in the state.

Significantly Safer Than Neighboring Orange

Putnam's crime rate of 294.0 is less than a third of neighboring Orange County's rate of 1072.9. It shares a similarly elite safety profile with Otsego County.

Record-Low Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at 35.7 per 100K, and property crime is remarkably low at 258.3. These figures are a small fraction of what is typical in most American communities.

Preserve Your Putnam County Peace

While crime is rare, home security systems and smart doorbells help maintain this high standard. Staying vigilant ensures that Putnam County remains a safe haven for all residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Putnam County

via WeatherByCounty

Wet and Temperate Mid-Hudson Climate

Putnam County’s 48.0°F annual average is below the national median but representative of the Northeast. It is characterized by high annual precipitation and distinct seasonal shifts.

Slightly Above the State Average

With an average of 48.0°F, Putnam sits 0.6 degrees above the New York state average. Its climate is moderated by the Hudson River and proximity to the Atlantic coast.

The Wettest County in the Region

Putnam leads this group with 50.4 inches of annual precipitation. This makes it significantly wetter than Orleans or Ontario counties further west.

Rainy Months and Mild Summers

Extreme heat is rare here, with only 2 days a year hitting 90°F. While specific snowfall data is limited, the 50.4 inches of total precipitation suggests many rainy and slushy days.

Waterproofing and Drainage are Key

With over 50 inches of precipitation, homeowners must ensure excellent basement drainage and roof integrity. Summer cooling needs are low given only 2 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Putnam County

via SoilByCounty

Extremely Acidic Soils in Putnam

Putnam County features a very low average pH of 3.30, making it one of the most acidic soil profiles in the state. This extreme chemistry results in a lower soil score of 52.8 compared to the state average. These conditions are often found in areas with high concentrations of peat or specific swampy environments.

Light Texture with Minimal Clay

The soil contains 29.6% sand and 26.4% silt, but clay levels are very low at just 6.4%. This lack of clay means the soil has very little natural stickiness or structural 'grip.' The texture is dominated more by organic components than by traditional mineral particles.

A Reservoir of Organic Material

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 29.46%, nearly double the state average of 17.01%. Despite the extreme acidity, the available water capacity matches the state average of 0.182 in/in. This soil is essentially a massive organic sponge, holding vast amounts of biological material.

Hydrology of an Organic Sponge

With nearly 30% organic matter and very little clay, water behaves differently here than in mineral-heavy counties. While drainage class data is missing, these soils likely hold water for long periods, which can be challenging for traditional basement construction. Careful water management is essential for any development in these bog-like conditions.

Unique Growing in Zone 6b

While the pH of 3.30 is too low for most vegetables without significant liming, it is an ideal wild habitat for rhododendrons and azaleas. In Zone 6b, you can transform these acidic soils into a stunning ornamental garden filled with acid-loving perennials. Embrace the unique character of your soil and start your garden project today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Putnam County

via LawnByCounty

Putnam County's Specific Lawn Challenges

Putnam County has a lawn difficulty score of 52.8, making it more challenging than the New York state average of 61.1. While it still outperforms the national median of 50.0, this 6b zone requires careful attention to soil chemistry. Maintaining a healthy lawn here is a test of soil management.

Abundant Rainfall and Cool Summer Days

The county is one of the state's wettest, receiving 50.4 inches of annual precipitation. With only 2 extreme heat days and 2,370 growing degree days, the climate itself is very gentle on cool-season grasses. The primary challenge is not the weather, but how the soil handles this high volume of water.

Critical Soil Acidification Issues

The soil pH in Putnam County is extremely low at 3.30, far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for any lawn. With just 6.4% clay and 29.6% sand, the soil lacks the mineral buffer to resist this intense acidity. Success is impossible without aggressive and ongoing lime treatments to stabilize the foundation.

Dealing with Localized Dry Spells

Despite high annual rainfall, 100% of Putnam County is currently classified as abnormally dry. The area has seen 14 weeks of drought over the past year, which can be stressful for lawns accustomed to high moisture. Deep, infrequent watering is the best strategy to help grass survive these sudden dry periods.

Best Practices for Putnam Planting

Acid-tolerant Fescue blends are your best bet for this unique soil profile. Start your seeding projects after April 28, once the threat of spring frost has subsided. You have a generous growing window until the first fall frost arrives around October 16.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Putnam County's county score?
Putnam County, New York has a composite county score of 55.4 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 New York?
Putnam County ranks #8 among all counties in New York 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, New York?
The median annual property tax in Putnam County is $10,001, with an effective tax rate of 2.12%. This earns Putnam County a tax score of 1.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Putnam County?
The median household income in Putnam County, New York is $126,257 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Putnam County earns an income score of 98.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Putnam County, New York a good place to live?
Putnam County scores 55.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in New York. 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.