Putnam County, Tennessee

Income Data

-4% vs. Tennessee average
$56,537
Median Household Income
$30,508
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$56,537
-4% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$30,508
-23% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
22.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#52 / 95
by median household income

How Putnam County Compares

Putnam County$56,537
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$56,537
Median Household Income
$30,508
Per Capita Income
$246,800
Median Home Value
22.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Putnam County, Tennessee

Putnam County Below National Income, Above Peers

Putnam County's median household income of $56,537 falls $18,218 short of the national median of $74,755, a 24% gap. However, it ranks second-highest in its peer group, reflecting stronger economic performance than most rural neighbors.

Near Tennessee's Statewide Income Average

Putnam County's $56,537 median income sits just $2,457 below Tennessee's state average of $58,994. The per capita income of $30,508 closely mirrors the state average of $31,458, indicating balanced earnings distribution.

Second-Strongest Income Among Rural Peers

Putnam County's $56,537 median income ranks second only to Polk County ($60,227) among its peer cluster. The county substantially outpaces lower-income neighbors like Overton ($46,159), Perry ($50,489), and Pickett ($44,591).

Higher Housing Burden Limits Wealth-Building

Putnam County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% is manageable but higher than several peers, reflecting moderate affordability pressure. The median home value of $246,800 is the highest in the group, representing 4.4 years of gross household income—a significant barrier to homeownership wealth-building.

Strategic Home Buying and Savings Planning

Putnam County's elevated home values require careful financial planning for would-be homeowners; strong incomes help offset the challenge. Focus on building substantial down payments, securing favorable mortgage rates, and maintaining emergency savings to manage the larger financial commitment home purchases demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Putnam County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Putnam County, Tennessee is $56,537, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Putnam County?
The per capita income in Putnam County is $30,508, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $56,537.
How does Putnam County compare to the Tennessee average?
Putnam County's median household income of $56,537 is lower than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $30,508, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Putnam County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Putnam County, Tennessee is $30,508, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Putnam County a low-income area in Tennessee?
Putnam County's median household income of $56,537 is below the Tennessee average of $58,994. The per capita income of $30,508 is also lower than the state average of $31,458. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Putnam County rank for income in Tennessee?
Putnam County ranks #52 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $56,537 and per capita income of $30,508, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Putnam County

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Your income is above the Putnam County median

County median: $56,537 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-4%

vs. National Median

-24%

vs. Putnam County MedianAbout equal
vs. Tennessee Average4% below
vs. National Median24% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,711) vs. median rent ($881/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.