CountyScore

Putnam County

Ohio · OH

#6 in Ohio
73.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Putnam County, Ohio

Top performer nationally on livability

Putnam County's composite score of 72.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it among the most livable counties nationwide. The county's strength lies in a rare combination of affordability, low taxes, and higher-than-average incomes.

Among Ohio's strongest performing counties

Putnam County scores above Ohio's state average of 68.8, ranking in the upper tier among the state's 88 counties. The county outperforms most regional peers on the composite livability index.

Income and affordability lead the pack

Putnam County stands out with the highest median household income among these eight counties at $82,785 and an income score of 37.4—the strongest here. Combined with a cost score of 79.4, modest rents of $857, and a tax score of 74.8, Putnam delivers the most complete livability package.

Limited data on health and safety

While Putnam excels in measured dimensions, data gaps on safety, health, school quality, and environmental factors prevent complete livability assessment. These unmeasured factors could influence decisions for families prioritizing specific community services.

Ideal for families seeking balanced prosperity

Putnam County is best suited for families seeking the full livability package: good incomes, low housing costs, minimal taxes, and stable employment. The county offers the strongest overall economic foundation among these Ohio counties for building long-term prosperity.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.8Cost79.4SafetyComing SoonHealth77.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.4Risk67.2WaterComing Soon
🏛74.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡67.2
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

Perry County
Alabama
73.2
Median income: $34,368
Crowley County
Colorado
73.2
Median income: $47,563
Jay County
Indiana
73.2
Median income: $54,114
Putnam County
Indiana
73.2
Median income: $76,182
Vermillion County
Indiana
73.2
Median income: $59,363

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 County taxes run below national average

Putnam County's effective tax rate of 0.976% falls comfortably below the national median of 1.172%, placing it in the lower half of American counties. The median annual tax of $1,870 is significantly below the national median of $2,690, saving residents $820 per year on a typical home.

Putnam undercuts Ohio on effective tax rate

At 0.976%, Putnam County's effective rate sits below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, positioning it among the state's more tax-friendly counties. The median tax of $1,870 tops Ohio's median of $2,145, reflecting Putnam's modest property values relative to its low rate.

Putnam: low-tax county with rural charm

Putnam's 0.976% rate ranks as the second-lowest in this group, just behind Pike's 0.855% and ahead of Pickaway's 1.034%. Northwestern Ohio's Putnam delivers genuine tax relief compared to the state average and regional competitors.

Median home taxes run $1,870 yearly

A typical Putnam County home valued at $191,600 generates an annual property tax bill of $1,870. With a mortgage, residents pay $1,923; without one, the bill is $1,809.

Even low-tax areas have overassessments

Putnam County's affordability is attractive, but homeowners should still verify their assessments are accurate. Contact your county auditor to compare your home's assessed value against recent comparable sales—it's free and could save you money.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Putnam County

via CostByCounty

Putnam: Ohio's affordability leader

Putnam County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio of these eight counties at 12.4%, driven by the region's highest median household income of $82,785—well above the $74,755 national median. Renters here enjoy exceptional affordability relative to their earning power.

Best-paid, best-housed county

Putnam's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks 3.2 percentage points below Ohio's 15.6% state average, making it the state's most affordable market in this analysis. The county's strong $82,785 median income, 11% above the national average, powers this affordability advantage.

Income advantage beats rivals

Putnam residents earn $82,785 annually—$10,000 more than Pickaway and $33,000 more than Pike—while paying modest $857 rent. This income-to-housing ratio gap separates Putnam as the region's economic standout.

Housing takes minimal income share

Putnam households allocate just $857 to rent or $890 to mortgages while earning $82,785 annually, consuming only 12.4% and 12.9% respectively. These ratios offer maximum financial flexibility compared to other counties.

Move to Putnam for wealth-building

Putnam County combines Ohio's strongest incomes with exceptional housing affordability, leaving residents the most discretionary income for savings and investment. If career growth and financial security matter most, Putnam's job market and cost structure make it Ohio's premier relocation choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Putnam County

via IncomeByCounty

Putnam leads as Ohio's income champion

Putnam County's median household income of $82,785 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 10.8%, ranking it among America's stronger earners. This performance reflects a prosperous western Ohio community anchored by agricultural productivity and industrial strength.

Highest earnings in the state sample

At $82,785, Putnam County tops Ohio's state average of $68,101 by a substantial 21.6%, earning the distinction of highest median household income among all eight counties surveyed. This leadership position signals exceptional economic health and job market strength.

Clear income leader in the region

Putnam's $82,785 income outpaces every neighboring county by significant margins, with the next-closest being Pickaway and Portage at roughly $72,900. This gap reflects Putnam's distinct advantage in manufacturing employment, agricultural productivity, and overall economic opportunity.

Lowest housing burden in the region

Putnam County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% is the lowest among all eight counties, meaning renters spend just one-eighth of household income on housing. With a median home value of $191,600, the county provides exceptional affordability for both renters and buyers.

Maximum wealth-building opportunity

Putnam County households earning $82,785 with housing costs at just 12.4% have substantial discretionary income to invest in retirement, education, and business ventures. Aggressive wealth-building strategies—including maxing retirement accounts and diversified investments—can accelerate long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Putnam County

via HealthByCounty

Ohio's longevity leader in this cohort

Putnam County residents live to 78.2 years, a full 3.4 years above the U.S. average of 74.8 years. Only 15.7% report poor or fair health—the best rate in this eight-county region.

Putnam outranks most Ohio counties

At 78.2 years, Putnam's life expectancy significantly exceeds Ohio's state average of 74.8 years by 3.4 years. The 5.8% uninsured rate is the second-best in the region and well below the state average of 7.5%.

Clear health leader across all metrics

Putnam's 78.2-year life expectancy is the highest in this eight-county group, nearly 8.5 years ahead of Pike County. With the lowest poor/fair health rate (15.7%) and second-best insurance access, Putnam stands apart as a regional health leader.

Robust primary care, modest mental health capacity

Putnam offers 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the best in the group—but only 61 mental health providers per 100,000. At just 5.8% uninsured, nearly all Putnam residents have healthcare coverage and established care relationships.

Maintain your coverage advantage

Putnam leads the region in insurance access and health outcomes; protect that by reviewing your plan annually at open enrollment. If you're among the 5.8% uninsured, healthcare.gov and Medicaid options can get you covered quickly.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Putnam County

via RiskByCounty

Putnam ranks Ohio's safest county

Putnam County's composite risk score of 32.86 earns a "Very Low" rating—the highest safety designation and well below national averages. The county experiences minimal exposure to major natural disaster hazards.

Lowest risk in the entire state

At 32.86, Putnam County dramatically underperforms Ohio's state average of 55.03 by more than 22 points. No Ohio county offers greater natural disaster protection than Putnam.

Putnam outperforms all nearby counties

Putnam (32.86) is safer than every adjacent county—Pickaway (50.92), Preble (43.29), and Pike (43.13). Its exceptionally low risk profile makes it a standout safe haven in western Ohio.

Wildfire risk is nearly nonexistent

Putnam's wildfire risk of just 2.26 ranks among the nation's lowest, reflecting the county's agricultural landscape and moisture profile. Tornado and flood risks at 48.47 and 52.77 respectively remain well-controlled.

Standard coverage meets Putnam's needs

While Putnam's low-risk profile reduces immediate urgency, maintain standard homeowners insurance to protect against routine damage. Focus on property maintenance—gutters, drainage, and roof inspections—rather than specialized disaster coverage.

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.