Putnam County

West Virginia · WV

#37 in West Virginia
70.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Putnam County, West Virginia

Strong livability above national average

Putnam County's composite score of 70.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 41%, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This reflects particular strength in health outcomes and relative income levels.

Slightly below West Virginia average

Putnam County scores 70.4 compared to the state average of 72.2, placing it just below the statewide baseline. It remains a competitive performer, though slightly trailing some peer counties in the region.

Highest incomes and strongest health

Putnam County achieves the highest income score (34.2) and median household income ($77,871) among all eight counties, alongside an excellent health score of 72.6. A tax score of 86.1 rounds out strong economic fundamentals.

Higher housing costs and elevated risk

Putnam County's cost score of 77.2 reflects median rent of $975/month and home values near $214,200—significantly higher than rural peers. The risk score of 26.0 is the lowest among these counties, signaling notable environmental or economic vulnerabilities.

Ideal for higher-income families prioritizing health

Putnam County suits professionals and families with above-average incomes who value strong healthcare and can afford higher housing costs. It offers the best balance of earning potential and health outcomes, making it appealing to career-focused households.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.1Cost77.2SafetyComing SoonHealth72.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.2Risk26WaterComing Soon
🏛86.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠77.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼34.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
72.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
26
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

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 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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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