countyscore
65.2
County Score
Safety 88.2Income & Jobs 86.5Health 81.8

County Report Card

About Putnam County, Ohio

Putnam Ranks Among the Best

Putnam County excels with a composite score of 65.1, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. This indicates an exceptional quality of life on the national stage.

Elite Status in Ohio

The county dominates state rankings, beating the Ohio average of 48.6 by nearly 17 points. It represents one of the most livable counties in the entire state.

Unmatched Safety and Prosperity

It boasts elite scores including safety at 88.2 and income at 86.5. A median household income of $82,785 makes it a regional economic powerhouse with top-tier schools.

Improving Water Quality

Water quality is the only notable weak point, with a score of 23.7. However, its overall stability across schools and health keeps the composite score extremely high.

The Gold Standard for Families

Putnam is perfect for high-income families looking for the ultimate combination of safety and economic opportunity. It offers a premium lifestyle that is rarely matched in rural Ohio.

Score breakdown

Tax40Cost45.8Safety88.2Health81.8Schools70.8Income86.5Risk67.2Water23.7Weather57.9
🏛40
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼86.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡88.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧23.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.3
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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Counties with similar scores

Webster County
Georgia
Median income: $40,764
65.2
Tipton County
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Median income: $78,309
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Pocahontas County
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Clearwater County
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Swift County
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Vilas County
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Newton County
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Putnam County
Indiana
Median income: $76,182
65.3

Nearby counties

Allen County
Ohio
34
Paulding County
Ohio
57.1
Van Wert County
Ohio
54.9
Defiance County
Ohio
55.5
Henry County
Ohio
53.4
Hancock County
Ohio
46.4
Auglaize County
Ohio
58.4
Hardin County
Ohio
50.9

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 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

Safety in Putnam County

via CrimeByCounty

Putnam County Leads in National Safety

Putnam County boasts a nearly perfect safety score of 99.6. Its total crime rate of 255.8 per 100,000 is roughly one-ninth of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top-Tier Performer in Ohio

Putnam's safety score of 99.6 far exceeds the Ohio state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 255.8 per 100K is significantly lower than the state’s 1412.3 average.

Setting the Standard for Neighbors

Putnam County is substantially safer than almost all surrounding areas. Its low rate of 255.8 per 100K reflects a community with very few reported criminal incidents.

Extremely Low Risk Across All Categories

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at 52.3 per 100K, and property crime is remarkably low at 203.5. These numbers represent some of the lowest crime figures in the entire state.

Stay Vigilant to Keep Crime Low

While Putnam is exceptionally safe, residents should still practice basic home security. Participating in neighborhood watch programs helps maintain this high level of public safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Putnam County

via SchoolsByCounty

High-Performing Local Districts in Putnam County

Putnam County organizes its 5,932 students into 23 public schools across nine different districts. The landscape is unique for its balance, featuring 10 elementary schools and nine high schools, which suggests a decentralized, community-focused approach. This distribution ensures that almost every small town in the county maintains its own local school identity.

Stellar Graduation Success and School Scores

Putnam County reaches a 93.1% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region and well above the state average of 88.3%. A composite school score of 57.5 and per-pupil spending of $8,063 demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence. While higher education data is unavailable, these secondary school metrics indicate high levels of student readiness.

Ottawa-Glandorf Leads a Decentralized System

Ottawa-Glandorf Local is the largest district, serving 1,519 students across four schools. Other significant districts include Columbus Grove Local and Miller City-New Cleveland, both serving fewer than 800 students. The county contains no charter schools, emphasizing the strength and popularity of its traditional local districts.

Small Schools in a Vast Rural Landscape

Education in Putnam County is overwhelmingly rural, with 21 of the 23 schools located in country settings. The average school size is just 270 students, providing a highly intimate learning environment that is rare in larger counties. Glandorf Elementary is the largest single campus with 541 students, yet it still maintains a small-town atmosphere.

Peace and Academic Excellence for Your Family

Putnam County is a top choice for families seeking safe, rural neighborhoods with elite graduation rates. The Ottawa-Glandorf and Columbus Grove districts are major draws for homebuyers looking for small-school benefits. School quality is a defining feature of the local community, making any home here a sound investment in education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Putnam County

via WeatherByCounty

Drier and Cooler Than the National Average

Putnam County’s annual average temperature of 51.3°F is lower than the U.S. median. The county receives 38.3 inches of precipitation, which is drier than many other parts of the humid Midwest. This creates a crisp, continental climate with moderate rainfall.

Drier Than the Typical Ohio County

Putnam is notably drier than the state average, receiving 38.3 inches of rain compared to Ohio’s 41.2 inches. Its temperature of 51.3°F is almost identical to the state average of 51.5°F. This makes Putnam one of the less humid areas in the state.

Snowier Than Neighboring Preble County

Putnam County receives 21.6 inches of snow annually, nearly 10 inches more than Preble County to its south. Despite the extra snow, it receives less total precipitation, making it a drier overall environment. Summer heat is similar across both counties, with Putnam recording 14 extreme heat days.

Cold Winters and Frequent Heat Spikes

Putnam winters are chilly, with a January average of 26.4°F and over 21 inches of snow. Summers are warm and see 14 days where temperatures exceed 90°F, peaking with a July average of 73.9°F. The winter average stays below freezing at 29.1°F.

Ready the Snow Shovels and AC

Homeowners should prepare for nearly two feet of annual snow with reliable shovels or blowers. Cooling systems are necessary for the 14 days of extreme summer heat. Because the area is drier than its neighbors, supplemental watering for gardens may be needed in July.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Putnam County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Alfisols of Putnam

Putnam County's soil is dominated by Alfisols with a loam texture and a pH of 6.24. This pH level is slightly higher than the state average, making it favorable for most traditional midwestern crops.

Increased Sand and Clay Content

The composition features 34.1% sand and 24.4% clay, giving it a bit more structure than neighboring counties. With 40.8% silt, the soil is well-balanced for both nutrient retention and physical stability.

Moderate Fertility Profile

The organic matter sits at 3.32%, outperforming the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.186, suggesting a need for consistent irrigation.

Variable Drainage Potential

Classified as moderately well drained, this soil belongs to hydrologic group B/D. Depending on the specific site, the ground can offer moderate to low runoff potential, which is important for managing agricultural fields.

Farming Success in Zone 6a

Putnam County provides a solid foundation with a 63.0 soil score and a 6a hardiness zone. It is a prime location for field crops and hardy vegetables that thrive in well-structured loam.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Putnam County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Drought Challenges in Putnam County

Putnam County holds a difficulty score of 73.3, which is slightly more challenging than the Ohio average of 76.0. While the Zone 6a climate is generally supportive, recent severe drought conditions have significantly increased the effort required to maintain green space.

Drier Conditions Require Strategic Watering

At 38.3 inches of annual rain, Putnam is drier than the state average of 41.2 inches. With 3,272 growing degree days and 14 extreme heat days, the lawn's demand for water often exceeds the natural supply, requiring supplemental irrigation.

Healthy Soil Texture with Good Balance

The local loam soil features 34.1% sand and 24.4% clay, offering a moderately well-drained environment that resists extreme compaction. A pH of 6.24 is nearly ideal, ensuring that your fertilizer applications are effective and not wasted.

Extreme Drought Conditions Hit Putnam Hard

The county has endured 29 weeks of drought in the past year, with 100% of the area currently facing severe drought. Lawns here should be allowed to go dormant to survive, or watered deeply once a week to keep the crowns alive.

Resilient Grass Choices for a Tough Year

Given the recent 29-week drought, planting drought-tolerant turf-type tall fescue after the April 23 frost date is a wise move. Wait for significant rainfall before seeding to ensure the 3,272 growing degree days can actually help the grass sprout.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Putnam County's county score?
Putnam County, Ohio has a composite county score of 65.2 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 Ohio?
Putnam County ranks #4 among all counties in Ohio 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, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Putnam County is $1,870, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Putnam County a tax score of 40/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Putnam County?
The median household income in Putnam County, Ohio is $82,785 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Putnam County earns an income score of 86.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Putnam County, Ohio a good place to live?
Putnam County scores 65.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Ohio. 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.