Putnam
Illinois

What stands out

If you had to describe Putnam County in numbers, start here: homeownership is in the top 9% of American counties (82%), the property tax rate is in the top 10% of American counties (1.63%), and natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 11% of American counties (11 of 100). Within Illinois it ranks 11th of 102 counties for homeownership.

Where you are

You live in Putnam County, Illinois. 5,628 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +28).

Illinois exempts all retirement income from its flat 4.95% income tax: Social Security, pensions, 401(k) and IRA withdrawals are untaxed. It offsets that with the second-highest property taxes in the country and an estate tax that starts at $4 million, well below the federal threshold. Chicago and the collar counties hold two-thirds of the population; downstate is a different housing market.

Money

The typical household here brings in $75,726 a year, higher than 83% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $69,607. Unemployment runs 4.7%, higher than 85% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

Illinois takes 5.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,748 a year.

Home

The median home costs $189K, cheaper than 68% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $763 a month. Property tax is 1.63% of home value, roughly $2,625 a year on that median home, higher than 90% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.4 per 1,000 residents, lower than 73% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 13 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 79.2 years, longer than 86% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 3.6 per 10,000 people. 6.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.99 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 58% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 19 points. 74% of eligible voters turned out. Under Illinois law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 52°F, highs near 62 and lows near 41, colder than 68% of American counties. About 30 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 11 out of 100, safer than 89% of American counties; the county has had 11 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 159 Mbps down, slower than 67% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.2 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.