Putnam
Ohio

What stands out

If you had to describe Putnam County in numbers, start here: homeownership is in the top 2% of American counties (86%), the school test score is in the top 6% of American counties (3.47 where 3.0 is grade level), and high-school completion is in the top 7% of American counties (95%). Within Ohio it ranks 2nd of 88 counties for homeownership.

Where you are

You live in Putnam County, Ohio. 34,400 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -196).

Ohio has a flat 2.75% income tax on income over $26,050 and exempts Social Security. Cities and school districts can add their own income taxes, so the total rate depends on the municipality. Home prices are well below the national average in all three major metros. Ohio has allowed permitless concealed carry since June 2022 and legalized recreational marijuana by ballot in 2023.

Money

The typical household here brings in $79,453 a year, higher than 87% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,046. Unemployment runs 3.0%, lower than 64% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 21 minutes each way.

Ohio takes 1.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,469 a year.

Home

The median home costs $258K, pricier than 59% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $839 a month. Property tax is 0.99% of home value, roughly $1,752 a year on that median home, higher than 59% of American counties. 86% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.4 per 1,000 residents, lower than 75% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 79.5 years, longer than 88% of American counties. There are 28 active physicians in the county, about 8.1 per 10,000 people. 6.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.40 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 94% of American counties. 95% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 61 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 80% of eligible voters turned out. Under Ohio law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, 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 42, colder than 67% of American counties. About 31 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 23 out of 100, safer than 77% of American counties; the county has had 13 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 107 Mbps down, slower than 85% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.