Putnam County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#21 in West Virginia
65
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 81.4Safety 79.4

County Report Card

About Putnam County, West Virginia

Strong National Standing

Putnam County scores a 65.0, comfortably surpassing the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a county with robust economic indicators and high-quality utilities. It is a highly competitive location for those seeking modern comforts.

Above the West Virginia Average

With a composite score of 65.0, Putnam County beats the state average of 62.0. It is recognized as one of the more prosperous counties in the state, driven by higher incomes and infrastructure. This makes it a preferred destination for professionals in the region.

High Incomes and Great Water

The county boasts a superior income score of 81.4, with a median household income of $77,871. Water quality is top-notch at 86.0, and safety is strong at 79.4. These factors, combined with a 73.3 school score, make it a well-rounded and thriving area.

Cost and Environmental Risks

Affordability is the main hurdle, as seen in the cost score of 36.6 and a median rent of $975. The county also faces environmental risk challenges, with a score of 26.0. While incomes are high, residents pay more for their housing and insurance than in neighboring counties.

The Professional's Choice

Putnam County is the ideal spot for upwardly mobile families and professionals who value high incomes and reliable utilities. It offers a more suburban feel with premium services that justify its higher $214,200 home values. This is where West Virginia's economic strength meets family-friendly living.

Score breakdown

Tax77Cost36.6Safety79.4Health64.8Schools73.3Income81.4Risk26Water86Weather61.7
🏛77
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠36.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼81.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡79.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
64.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓73.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
26
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤61.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨55.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱72.6
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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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 below national median

Putnam County's effective tax rate of 0.577% falls slightly below the national median of 0.62%, placing it in the bottom 40% nationally. The median property tax of $1,235 represents less than half the national median of $2,690, indicating a relatively favorable tax climate.

Above average for West Virginia

Putnam County's effective rate of 0.577% ranks 16% above West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, placing it in the state's upper-middle tier of tax burden. Median taxes of $1,235 exceed the state median of $699 by 77%, making Putnam one of West Virginia's higher-taxed counties.

Second-highest taxes in the region

Putnam County's 0.577% effective rate ranks second-highest among regional peers, just behind Ohio County's 0.587%. Its median tax of $1,235 is the highest in the region, exceeding even Morgan County's $1,145 due to higher home values.

Median tax runs $1,235 annually

On Putnam County's median home value of $214,200, the effective tax rate of 0.577% results in an estimated annual property tax of $1,235. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,460, while those without mortgages pay around $979.

Assessment appeals could ease the burden

Putnam County homeowners facing higher-than-average tax bills should check if their property is overassessed—file an appeal with the assessor to challenge the valuation. A successful appeal could reduce your annual tax bill, potentially saving hundreds of dollars.

Cost of Living in Putnam County

via CostByCounty

Putnam County: the region's prosperity leader

At 15.0%, Putnam County's rent-to-income ratio beats West Virginia's 16.9% average and sits at the threshold of national affordability, despite having the region's highest incomes and rents. Median household income of $77,871 exceeds the national median of $74,755, explaining why $975 monthly rent remains manageable.

West Virginia's strongest income, best ratio

Putnam County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best while supporting the highest median household income in this group at $77,871. This combination—strong earnings paired with reasonable affordability—reflects Putnam County's status as a regional economic engine.

Higher rents justified by higher pay

Putnam County's $975 rent is the highest in this group by far, but median household income of $77,871 exceeds every peer, including Morgan County ($63,805) and Preston County ($61,373). The 15.0% affordability ratio shows that Putnam County residents can afford premium rents because they earn premium wages.

Premium housing on premium incomes

Putnam County renters spend $975 monthly while homeowners pay $887—the highest costs in this group but proportionate to median household income of $77,871. With 15.0% of earnings devoted to rent, Putnam County residents retain roughly $6,460 annually after housing for savings, childcare, and discretionary spending.

Putnam County for economic opportunity

If you're relocating for a high-income job, Putnam County's $977,871 median household income and 15.0% affordability ratio justify premium rents that would strain budgets elsewhere. The median home value of $214,200 and strong local economy make Putnam County West Virginia's best bet for ambitious professionals seeking affordability without sacrifice.

Income & Jobs in Putnam County

via IncomeByCounty

Putnam County exceeds national income

Putnam County's median household income of $77,871 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 4.2%, placing it above the national average. This exceptional performance reflects strong regional economic growth and workforce development.

West Virginia's income leader

Putnam County's median household income of $77,871 surpasses the state average of $54,746 by 42.2%, making it the highest-earning county among all West Virginia counties analyzed. The county leads the state in economic performance.

Significantly outearns all peers

Putnam County's $77,871 income substantially outpaces all neighboring counties, with Preston County ($61,373) earning 21.2% less and Morgan County ($63,805) earning 18.1% less. The gap reflects Putnam's proximity to Charleston's economic opportunities.

Housing highly affordable

Putnam County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% means households spend less than one-sixth of earnings on rent, comfortably below the 30% threshold. A median home value of $214,200 represents 2.8 years of median household income, highly affordable.

Maximize wealth-building opportunity

Putnam County's strong household income creates exceptional opportunity for aggressive wealth building through diversified investments and real estate. Consider working with a certified financial planner to develop tax-efficient strategies for retirement, education, and wealth transfer.

Safety in Putnam County

via CrimeByCounty

Putnam County Stands High for National Safety

Putnam County maintains a high safety score of 99.2 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 488.3 per 100,000 is about 20% of the national average of 2,385.5. These figures demonstrate a consistently low-crime environment for the local population.

Public Safety Leader in West Virginia

With a crime rate of 488.3, Putnam County is significantly safer than the West Virginia average of 949.0. Its 99.2 safety score beats the state average of 98.5. Eight local agencies work to ensure the county remains a secure place for families.

Putnam County Safety Relative to Neighbors

Putnam County’s rate of 488.3 per 100,000 is slightly better than Preston County's 496.9. It also outperforms Morgan County’s rate of 527.9. The county serves as a regional benchmark for maintaining low crime statistics.

Low Rates for Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is extremely low at just 69.8 per 100,000 residents. Property crime stands at 418.5, which is also well below national levels. This means that serious crimes are quite rare for most Putnam County citizens.

Simple Security Habits for Putnam Residents

While property crime is low at 418.5 per 100,000, basic home protection is still recommended. Installing a home alarm system or video doorbell can provide an extra layer of defense against theft. Community vigilance keeps Putnam County one of the safest in the state.

Health in Putnam County

via HealthByCounty

Putnam County's health stands among America's best

At 75.4 years, Putnam County has the highest life expectancy among all comparison counties—nearly 3 years above the U.S. average of 72.5 years. With just 18.1% reporting poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 19%, Putnam County outperforms most American counties.

West Virginia's healthiest county

Putnam County's 75.4-year life expectancy far exceeds West Virginia's state average of 72.2 years by over 3 years, and its 18.1% poor/fair health rate is among the state's best. The county stands as West Virginia's health leader and a model for the region.

Strongest healthcare infrastructure

Putnam County pairs excellent health outcomes with robust healthcare infrastructure: 105 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 109 mental health providers per 100,000. This combination of access and outcomes demonstrates how strong provider networks support population health.

Best coverage rate in the region

Putnam County's uninsured rate of 6.0% is the lowest among comparison counties and well below West Virginia's 7.6% average. With strong insurance coverage and above-average provider density, Putnam residents enjoy the best healthcare access in the state.

Maintain Putnam County's health advantage

Putnam County's exceptional health outcomes depend on consistent, affordable coverage for all residents. If uninsured, visit healthcare.gov now to maintain the insurance access that keeps this county at the top of West Virginia's health rankings.

Schools in Putnam County

via SchoolsByCounty

Putnam County's Extensive School System

With 23 schools and nearly 9,000 students, Putnam County runs one of the largest systems in the state. The infrastructure includes 14 elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools.

Top-Tier Graduation and Efficient Spending

Putnam County achieves an outstanding 98.0% graduation rate, well above state and national marks. The county maintains high standards with $7,332 in per-pupil spending.

The Putnam County Schools District

Putnam County Schools is the sole district, overseeing 8,993 students across 23 campuses. Charter schools do not currently operate within this high-performing district.

Suburban Living with Large Schools

The county is primarily suburban, with 18 of 23 schools located in suburb locales. Hurricane High School is the largest in the district, serving 1,256 students.

Premium Homes in Top School Zones

Hurricane and Winfield are highly sought after by families for their excellent schools and suburban convenience. Quality education is a primary driver of the real estate market in Putnam County.

Disaster Risk in Putnam County

via RiskByCounty

Putnam County's Elevated National Risk

Putnam County's composite risk score of 74.01 substantially exceeds the national average, carrying a "Relatively Low" rating that masks significant actual hazard exposure. The county faces above-average natural disaster vulnerabilities compared to most American communities.

West Virginia's Highest-Risk County

Putnam County's 74.01 score ranks it as West Virginia's highest-risk county by a significant margin, far exceeding the state average of 49.21. Residents face substantially greater natural disaster exposure than their counterparts across the state.

Far More Vulnerable Than Area Counties

Putnam County's risk substantially exceeds neighboring Morgan County (30.44), Pendleton County (30.12), and even Ohio County (69.82). Its elevated hazard exposure sets it apart from all regional peers, reflecting its vulnerable geographic position.

Extreme Flood and Wildfire Threats

Flood risk (86.90) reaches critical levels—among the highest in the nation—while wildfire risk (50.35) is also elevated for West Virginia. Earthquake (43.00) and hurricane (51.52) exposures are substantial, though tornado risk (18.83) remains relatively low.

Comprehensive Insurance Protection Essential

Putnam County residents must secure flood insurance immediately given the critical 86.90 flood risk—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Additionally, ensure wildfire insurance coverage, maintain defensible space around your home, and create detailed evacuation plans for multiple hazard scenarios.

Weather & Climate in Putnam County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Humid Continental Hub

Putnam County's average temperature of 55.6°F is warmer than the national median. This reflects a more temperate climate than the high-elevation mountain counties in the east.

Warmer and Drier Than Average

At 55.6°F, Putnam is warmer than the West Virginia state average of 52.8°F. It is also notably drier, receiving 39.5 inches of precipitation compared to the state average of 47.0 inches.

The Regional Heat Leader

Putnam experiences far more heat than nearby Raleigh County, recording 30 days over 90°F compared to Raleigh's single day. It also sees much less snowfall than its eastern neighbors, averaging just 10.7 inches.

Hot Summers and Mild Winters

July brings a warm average of 75.8°F, fueled by 30 days of extreme heat. Winters are relatively mild for the state, with January averages staying above freezing at 33.8°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Hydration

Robust HVAC systems are a must for the frequent 90°F summer days. Because snowfall is limited to 10.7 inches, standard winter maintenance is usually sufficient for most residents.

Soil Quality in Putnam County

via SoilByCounty

Entisols: Putnam's Young and Active Soils

Putnam County's soil pH of 5.64 is significantly higher than the state average of 5.25. The dominant taxonomic order is Entisols, which are relatively young soils with little profile development. This higher pH makes it one of the more versatile counties for agriculture in West Virginia.

The Silt-Rich 'Very Channery Loam'

The soil is classified as a very channery loam, containing 43.9% silt, 21.7% sand, and 16.5% clay. 'Channery' refers to the thin, flat rock fragments found throughout the soil. This unique texture provides excellent structure but can be stony to work with your hands.

Moderate Fertility and Good Retention

Organic matter is lower here at 13.31%, compared to the state's 21.03%. However, the available water capacity is 0.143 in/in, which is slightly better than the state average. This means the soil is efficient at holding onto the moisture it does receive.

Somewhat Excessively Drained Soils

The county's soil is 'somewhat excessively drained' and belongs to Hydrologic Group C. This means water moves through the profile quickly, which is great for preventing root rot but may require more frequent watering. The rocky fragments in the loam help facilitate this rapid drainage.

A Longer Season in Zone 7a

As a zone 7a county, Putnam enjoy a milder climate that supports a wide range of crops from melons to okra. The 5.64 pH is a great starting point for most garden vegetables with minimal liming. Dig into your channery loam this spring and see what this productive soil can do!

Lawn Care in Putnam County

via LawnByCounty

High Growth Potential in Putnam County

With a difficulty score of 72.6, Putnam County offers some of the best lawn-growing conditions in West Virginia. This Zone 7a region is well-suited for high-quality turf with fewer hurdles than the national average.

Vigorous Growth Amidst Summer Heat

The county sees 30 extreme heat days, nearly double the state average, which puts stress on cool-season grasses in July. However, 3,855 growing degree days provide a massive window for your lawn to recover and thicken.

Excellent Drainage and Loamy Texture

The 'very channery loam' soil is somewhat excessively drained, which prevents root rot during heavy rains. While the pH of 5.64 is slightly acidic, it is closer to the ideal range than most other counties in the state.

Low Drought Impact for Homeowners

With only 9 weeks of drought last year and 0% of the county currently dry, Putnam is highly resilient. You can rely on the 39.5 inches of annual rain to do most of the work, though summer heat requires some supplemental watering.

Longest Growing Season in the Region

A long frost-free window from April 18 to October 30 makes Putnam ideal for both seeding and sodding. Zone 7a allows you to experiment with heat-tolerant fescues that can withstand the county's 30 extreme heat days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Putnam County's county score?
Putnam County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 65 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 West Virginia?
Putnam County ranks #21 among all counties in West Virginia 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, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Putnam County is $1,235, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Putnam County a tax score of 77/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Putnam County?
The median household income in Putnam County, West Virginia is $77,871 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Putnam County earns an income score of 81.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Putnam County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Putnam County scores 65/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in West Virginia. 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.