countyscore
44
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 83.3Weather & Climate 72.8

County Report Card

About Putnam County, Tennessee

Below National Medians

Putnam County's composite score of 44.0 falls below the national median of 50.0. This indicates that the county faces more livability challenges than the typical U.S. county.

Trailing Tennessee Peers

With a 44.0 score, the county sits below the Tennessee state average of 51.3. Higher housing costs and safety concerns pull its ranking down relative to other parts of the state.

Favorable Taxes and Water

Water quality is excellent with a score of 86.0, and the tax environment remains favorable at 83.3. The effective tax rate is a competitive 0.526%, keeping the burden low for property owners.

Safety and Housing Costs

Safety and environmental risk are major concerns, with scores of 19.4 and 34.2 respectively. Additionally, a median home value of $246,800 makes housing less affordable here than in neighboring counties.

A Regional Trade-off

Putnam County is best suited for individuals who prioritize a low tax burden and high water quality over safety or housing costs. It serves as a regional hub that offers tax advantages but requires a higher housing budget.

Score breakdown

Tax83.3Cost46.5Safety19.4Health37.2Schools34.3Income28.8Risk34.2Water86Weather72.8
🏛83.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡19.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡34.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤72.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.8
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

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Tennessee
53.2
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Jackson 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 taxes far below national levels

Putnam County's effective tax rate of 0.526% is just one-fifth the national median property tax burden of $2,690, placing it in the bottom quartile nationally. Despite having the region's highest home values, Putnam remains exceptionally affordable compared to national standards.

Slightly above Tennessee's statewide average

Putnam County's 0.526% effective rate runs modestly above Tennessee's 0.511% state average, ranking it just above the middle of the state's 95 counties. The median tax of $1,299 on a $246,800 home is the highest in this analysis, reflecting both the rate and the county's more robust property values.

Putnam has highest home values and taxes

Putnam's 0.526% rate falls below Morgan (0.581%), Obion (0.568%), and Polk (0.565%), but above Overton (0.394%) and Pickett (0.374%). With a median home value of $246,800, Putnam's homeowners pay higher absolute taxes despite a moderate effective rate.

A $246,800 home costs $1,299 annually

Putnam County's median homeowner with a $246,800 home—the highest in this analysis—pays $1,299 per year in property tax, or about $108 monthly. With mortgage escrow, that reaches $1,329 annually.

High-value homes warrant professional appeals

Putnam County homeowners with above-median properties should strongly consider professional assessment appeals, as even small rate reductions yield substantial annual savings on higher-valued homes. Request a reassessment if your appraisal or recent comparable sales suggest overvaluation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Putnam County

via CostByCounty

Putnam County's housing costs reflect higher home values

Putnam County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio sits modestly above Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, reflecting the county's higher home values and rental costs relative to peers. At $881 monthly rent and a median household income of $56,537, Putnam renters face above-average housing burden for Tennessee.

Above-average affordability challenges in Tennessee

Putnam County ranks in the upper half of Tennessee counties for housing cost burden, with rents and home values substantially higher than most rural peers. The county's higher median home value of $246,800 signals greater market demand and corresponding affordability stress.

Highest rents and home values in region

Putnam County's $881 median rent and $246,800 median home value substantially exceed all neighboring counties, making it the region's most expensive housing market. The county represents a step up in both quality and cost compared to surrounding rural alternatives.

Rent consumes 18.7% of median income

Putnam County renters spend $881 monthly—18.7% of their median household income of $56,537—creating affordability strain above state averages. Homeowners face steeper ownership costs at $846 monthly for homes worth $246,800, reflecting the county's premium housing market relative to rural Tennessee.

Putnam County offers more amenities at a cost

Families relocating to Putnam County should expect to pay a premium for housing compared to surrounding rural counties, but gain access to better-valued properties and likely stronger community services. The county rewards those prioritizing housing quality over pure cost minimization.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Putnam County

via IncomeByCounty

Putnam County Below National Income, Above Peers

Putnam County's median household income of $56,537 falls $18,218 short of the national median of $74,755, a 24% gap. However, it ranks second-highest in its peer group, reflecting stronger economic performance than most rural neighbors.

Near Tennessee's Statewide Income Average

Putnam County's $56,537 median income sits just $2,457 below Tennessee's state average of $58,994. The per capita income of $30,508 closely mirrors the state average of $31,458, indicating balanced earnings distribution.

Second-Strongest Income Among Rural Peers

Putnam County's $56,537 median income ranks second only to Polk County ($60,227) among its peer cluster. The county substantially outpaces lower-income neighbors like Overton ($46,159), Perry ($50,489), and Pickett ($44,591).

Higher Housing Burden Limits Wealth-Building

Putnam County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% is manageable but higher than several peers, reflecting moderate affordability pressure. The median home value of $246,800 is the highest in the group, representing 4.4 years of gross household income—a significant barrier to homeownership wealth-building.

Strategic Home Buying and Savings Planning

Putnam County's elevated home values require careful financial planning for would-be homeowners; strong incomes help offset the challenge. Focus on building substantial down payments, securing favorable mortgage rates, and maintaining emergency savings to manage the larger financial commitment home purchases demand.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Putnam County

via CrimeByCounty

Putnam County tracks below national crime rates

Putnam County has a total crime rate of 2,109.6 per 100,000 residents, which is safer than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 96.7. Six reporting agencies contribute to this data, ensuring a reliable overview of local safety.

A higher volume of crime than state averages

While safer than the nation, Putnam's safety score of 96.7 is lower than the Tennessee average of 97.2. Its total crime rate of 2,109.6 also exceeds the state average of 1,785.6. Local law enforcement is busier than the average Tennessee department.

Higher incident rates than nearby counties

Putnam County reports 2,109.6 crimes per 100,000, which is higher than Morgan County (833.2) and Overton County (1,386.4). As a regional hub, it naturally experiences more activity than its more rural neighbors. This makes it one of the more active areas in its part of the state.

High property crime with low violent crime

Property crime sits at 1,862.6 per 100,000, while violent crime is relatively low at 247.0. The violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8. Residents are far more likely to experience a property theft than a personal safety threat.

Prioritize property security measures

With property crime as the leading issue, visible security deterrents like cameras and alarms are very effective. Keeping valuables out of sight in vehicles can help reduce the local rate of opportunistic theft. Active community participation in safety programs keeps the neighborhood secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Putnam County

via HealthByCounty

Putnam County leads in health and life expectancy

At 73.4 years, Putnam County's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, yet outperforms most of Tennessee and all peer counties in this group. With only 19.8% of residents reporting poor or fair health—the lowest in this county set—Putnam demonstrates strong overall health outcomes.

Putnam County ranks among Tennessee's healthiest

At 73.4 years, Putnam County's life expectancy exceeds Tennessee's average of 72.4 years by one full year—a meaningful advantage. Its uninsured rate of 11.2% is the lowest in this peer group and below the state average of 11.9%.

Exceptional provider density across all specialties

Putnam County leads the region with 67 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an extraordinary 268 mental health providers per 100K—far exceeding national benchmarks and any county in this group. This density of behavioral and primary care is a major health advantage.

Best insurance coverage and provider access in region

Putnam County combines the lowest uninsured rate (11.2%) with the highest provider density (67 primary care, 268 mental health per 100K) among these eight counties. This combination creates a healthcare ecosystem where residents can both afford and access care.

Maximize Putnam County's health infrastructure

With exceptional healthcare infrastructure and strong insurance rates already in place, ensure you and your family are covered. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to confirm your coverage and make full use of Putnam County's outstanding providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Putnam County

via SchoolsByCounty

Putnam County's Expansive Education Hub

Putnam County operates a large-scale school system with 22 public schools serving 12,032 students. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 11 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 4 high schools, and 3 specialized programs. A single district manages this entire student body, making it one of the larger systems in the region.

Efficient Management of a Large Student Body

Putnam County maintains a 91.0% graduation rate, outpacing the national 87% benchmark. The district operates on a per-pupil expenditure of $5,824, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of $6,215. Despite lean spending, the county keeps its school score of 51.5 above the national median.

The Putnam County Unified District

The Putnam County school district is the sole provider of public education for its 12,032 students. There are no charter schools in the county, so all residents attend the 22 traditional public institutions. This unified structure supports large high schools and specialized alternative education programs.

A Town-Centric Educational Experience

All 22 schools in the county are located in town settings, offering a more suburban and connected feel than neighboring rural areas. Cookeville High School is the largest with 2,199 students, while Upperman High serves a smaller cohort of 903. The average school size is 547, reflecting a more robust campus life and more diverse extracurricular options.

Find a Home in Tennessee's Education Center

With a wide variety of schools to choose from, Putnam County is a top pick for families who want diverse academic programs. Homes in the Cookeville or Algood areas provide easy access to large, well-equipped campuses. The system's high graduation rate and town-based settings are major draws for new residents.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Putnam County

via RiskByCounty

Putnam County faces elevated risk

Putnam County's composite risk score of 65.84 substantially exceeds the national average, placing it in the relatively low category but near the upper range. The county faces concentrated natural disaster exposure, particularly for tornadoes and earthquakes.

Higher-risk county in Tennessee

Putnam County scores 65.84 compared to Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it among the state's higher-risk communities. The county's elevated disaster exposure distinguishes it from much of Tennessee.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Putnam County (65.84) faces significantly higher disaster risk than nearby Perry County (33.40), Overton County (22.23), and Morgan County (19.05). Only Obion County (81.30) and Rhea County (49.17) present comparable or higher risk profiles in the broader region.

Tornado and earthquake dominate threats

Tornado risk (86.90) presents Putnam County's most acute hazard, among Tennessee's highest, while earthquake risk (85.72) compounds the threat significantly. Flood risk (60.24) adds a third substantial concern affecting property in low-lying areas.

Prioritize tornado and earthquake protection

Putnam County residents must maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with strong wind and tornado coverage, plus secure separate earthquake insurance given the county's 85.72 seismic risk. Constructing or upgrading to a storm shelter should be a priority investment for families.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Putnam County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Highland Weather Patterns

Putnam County averages 56.9°F annually, placing it well above the national median but cooler than the Tennessee average. Its geography creates a distinct transition between regional climates.

Below the Tennessee State Mean

At 56.9°F, the county remains cooler than the Tennessee average of 58.1°F. This reflects the higher elevation characteristic of the Cumberland Plateau.

Significantly More Snow and Rain

Putnam receives 11.1 inches of annual snowfall, which is much higher than Rhea County’s 1.5 inches. It also sees a heavy 62.2 inches of rain, exceeding the state average.

Snowy Winters and Moderate Heat

Residents face only 19 days of extreme heat per year. Winter brings significant snow compared to the region and an average temperature of 38.5°F.

Winterize and Water-Proof Your Property

Drivers should prepare for double-digit snowfall with appropriate tires and emergency kits. Ensure your home's gutters can handle the heavy 62.2-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Putnam County

via SoilByCounty

Putnam County Soil Identity

Soil pH and taxonomic classifications are currently unrecorded for the Putnam County area. This limits our ability to compare local conditions to the national median of 6.5.

Texture Data Currently Missing

The specific balance of sand, silt, and clay is not yet available in the regional database. We recommend a local soil test to identify your land's specific drainage and workability.

Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter levels and water capacity data are currently pending for this county. Without these metrics, the state average of 2.44% organic matter serves as a general regional reference.

Hydrology and Construction Notes

Dominant drainage classes are not listed, requiring landowners to perform independent assessments. Understanding how water moves across your landscape is essential for planning gardens.

Gardening in Zone 7a

Putnam County is located in hardiness zone 7a, which is excellent for growing kale, peas, and apples. Start a compost pile today to ensure your soil is ready for the planting season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Putnam County

via LawnByCounty

Putnam County Offers Above-Average Potential

Putnam County scores 54.8 for lawn difficulty, outperforming the state average of 48.0 and the national score of 50.0. This Zone 7a county provides a relatively stable environment for homeowners looking to grow a green, healthy yard. Consistent rain and moderate heat create a favorable outlook for most turfgrasses.

Abundant Rainfall Fuels Fast Growth

Lawns here receive a generous 62.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the ideal range and among the highest in the state. With 19 extreme heat days and 4084 growing degree days, the environment is productive but moist. Be prepared for frequent mowing and watch for moisture-related diseases during humid periods.

Testing is Key in High-Rain Zones

While specific soil texture data is not available, the high rainfall in Putnam County often leads to nutrient leaching. Maintaining a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is essential for grass to utilize the soil's resources. A local soil test will help determine if your yard needs specific amendments to handle the 62+ inches of annual rain.

Steady Moisture and Low Drought Risk

The county has experienced only 13 weeks of drought in the past year, with less than half of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. There are no severe drought zones, making this one of the more water-stable counties in the region. Standard watering practices should suffice during the short dry spells.

Establishing Your Putnam County Lawn

Tall Fescue is a top choice for Zone 7a, as it handles the local moisture well. Plan your planting after the last spring frost on April 14 to give the grass a strong head start. Aim for full establishment before the first fall frost occurs on October 30.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Putnam County's county score?
Putnam County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 44 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 Tennessee?
Putnam County ranks #81 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Putnam County is $1,299, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Putnam County a tax score of 83.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Putnam County?
The median household income in Putnam County, Tennessee is $56,537 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Putnam County earns an income score of 28.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Putnam County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Putnam County scores 44/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #81 in Tennessee. 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

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.