Putnam
West Virginia

What stands out

If you had to describe Putnam County in numbers, start here: winter sunshine is in the bottom 4% of American counties (-1.6 on the USDA scale), the uninsured rate is in the bottom 7% of American counties (5.7%), and home internet speed is in the top 8% of American counties (290 Mbps). Within West Virginia it ranks 26th of 55 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Putnam County, West Virginia. 57,347 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -3).

West Virginia has some of the lowest home prices in the country, a graduated income tax with rates cut sharply since 2023, and it fully exempts Social Security from tax starting with the 2026 tax year. Property taxes are low. The state has lost population in most years since 2012, and its economy still leans on coal, natural gas and, increasingly, outdoor recreation and remote-worker incentive programs.

Money

The typical household here brings in $75,725 a year, higher than 83% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $64,360. Unemployment runs 3.3%, lower than 54% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

West Virginia takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,671 a year.

Home

The median home costs $250K, pricier than 56% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $983 a month. Property tax is 0.60% of home value, roughly $1,213 a year on that median home, lower than 77% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 63% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 21 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.6 years, shorter than 53% of American counties. There are 143 active physicians in the county, about 24.9 per 10,000 people. 5.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.26 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 76% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 46 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 65% of eligible voters turned out. Under West Virginia law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 56°F, highs near 67 and lows near 45, warmer than 51% of American counties. About 47 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 25 out of 100, safer than 75% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 290 Mbps down, faster than 92% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.