Home Value
$46,300
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
601/100K
58% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.3%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.0%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Putnam Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population58
Median Age64.0 yrs
Density6/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 38%
Veterans58.0%
Economy
Per Capita$47,084
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$408M
Housing
Home Value$46,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$127,835
Housing Units91
Rent Burden45.0%
Crime
F
Violent601/100K
Property1,914/100K
Health
Obesity44.0%
Uninsured13.6%
Smoking18.3%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain57.5 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation150 ft (46 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.07
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Broadband43.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Putnam a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Putnam receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Putnam faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Putnam is $46,300, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
With 601 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,914 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
10.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Putnam enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 57.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Putnam has a population of 58 with a density of 6 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age is 64.0 years, 65% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.4% female and 58.6% male. The city is predominantly Black (62.1%), with 37.9% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 58.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 57.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
64.0yrs
Median Age
65% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $47,084 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $808, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 249 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $47,084 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $808 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,858 |
| Gini Index | 0.499 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 249 |
| County GDP | $408M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,406 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Putnam is $46,300, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,835, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 91 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $2,406 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 45.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Home Values
| Census Median | $46,300 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $127,835 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 91 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,406 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.20% |
In Putnam, 44.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 47.5% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.9% report binge drinking. 33.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.6% report depression. 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 13.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,140. The dentist ratio is 1:7,635. 6.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Putnam vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.0% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 47.5% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 4.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.6% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 46.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 13.6% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,140 |
| Dentists | 1:7,635 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,904 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.1% |
| Dental Visits | 50.1% |
| Premature Death | 14,176/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 6.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Putnam has a violent crime rate of 601 per 100,000 residents, 58% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,914 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Putnam receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Putnam vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 601.4/100K |
| 58% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,913.6/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Putnam enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 304 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 57.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 150 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.8°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 150 ft (46 m) |
| Area | 3.7 sq mi (9.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 6/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.0181°N, 88.0331°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clarke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hattiesburg/Laurel Regional (PIB)
86 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.5"
51% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.81"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 68.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 28.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
41 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2019.
| Oct 24, 1997 |
15 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M4.8 |
120 km |
| Jul 16, 1993 |
2 km SSW of Silas, Alabama |
M3.7 |
42 km |
| Oct 26, 1997 |
11 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.7 |
124 km |
| Mar 25, 1996 |
11 km NNE of Quitman, Mississippi |
M3.5 |
61 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
12 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.5 |
108 km |
| Jun 24, 1998 |
11 km W of Demopolis, Alabama |
M3.4 |
54 km |
| May 28, 1995 |
14 km WSW of Coker, Alabama |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Apr 21, 2009 |
12 km S of Centreville, Alabama |
M3.4 |
126 km |
| Sep 30, 2003 |
10 km NNW of Atmore, Alabama |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
9 km NNE of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
20 km |
| Mar 12, 2015 |
14 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Apr 11, 2019 |
6 km NNW of Pollard, Alabama |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| May 4, 1997 |
9 km ESE of Atmore, Alabama |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| May 16, 2008 |
10 km W of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.1 |
32 km |
| Mar 11, 2019 |
4 km N of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Feb 27, 2015 |
11 km WSW of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Sep 11, 1992 |
5 km SSE of Riverview, Alabama |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| Oct 28, 1997 |
11 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.0 |
124 km |
| May 21, 2002 |
7 km ESE of York, Alabama |
M3.0 |
52 km |
| Sep 25, 2003 |
14 km N of Atmore, Alabama |
M2.9 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
11 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Sally (2020, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
148 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 2 |
107 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
202 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 3 |
152 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
130 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
76 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
178 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
180 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
145 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
166 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
211 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
424 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 545 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1986 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF4 |
61 km |
7 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1953 |
EF4 |
42 km |
2 |
| Nov 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
66 km |
7 |
| Apr 15, 2011 |
EF3 |
19 km |
1 |
| Mar 6, 1996 |
EF3 |
88 km |
4 |
| Mar 10, 1992 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| Mar 10, 1992 |
EF3 |
75 km |
3 |
| Nov 4, 1988 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1984 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1978 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Dec 20, 1971 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Feb 26, 1971 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1967 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Dec 11, 1961 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (5,062 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,062 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,870 |
70 km |
| 2021 |
CHICKASAWHAY - CPT 398 399 |
4,697 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,500 |
84 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,245 |
99 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,189 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,021 |
69 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,794 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,556 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
CPT 393 |
3,474 |
85 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
3,432 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
3,345 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
3,229 |
86 km |
| 2010 |
CPT 389 |
3,200 |
88 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,156 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,078 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
CHICKASAWHAY CPT 447 448 |
2,928 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,819 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
2,785 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,768 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
5.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
6.8 in |
Wettest |
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| December |
49°F (9°C) |
5.8 in |
|
Putnam has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 48°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 58.6 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.8") and October the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Putnam. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$355) |
| Specialist Visit |
$311 ($178–$488) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$311) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,954 ($710–$4,440) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$355) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($44–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$533 ($355–$888) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$311) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$355 ($133–$710) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,216 ($3,552–$10,656) |
| Roof Repair |
$888 ($355–$1,776) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,992 ($4,884–$13,320) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,332 ($444–$3,108) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,320 ($4,440–$26,640) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,440 ($1,776–$8,880) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,332 ($710–$2,664) |
| Will Preparation |
$444 ($178–$888) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,220 ($888–$4,440) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($67–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.64 ($2.66–$4.88) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.11 ($2.22–$4.44) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.88) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.00 ($2.66–$5.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.88 ($3.55–$6.66) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$444) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,776 ($1,066–$3,108) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.10–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,066 ($533–$2,220) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$888 ($444–$1,776) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$355 ($178–$622) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$888 ($355–$2,220) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,100 ($4,440–$26,640) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$355) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $507 |
| Toddler | $462 |
| Preschool | $462 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Putnam
What is the population of Putnam?
Putnam has a population of 58 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 6 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 64.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.4% female and 58.6% male.
Is Putnam expensive to live in?
Putnam is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $46,300 (84% below the U.S. median).
Is Putnam safe?
Public safety is a concern in Putnam, with a violent crime rate of 601 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,914 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Putnam receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Putnam?
Putnam enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 57.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Putnam?
The job market in Putnam is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $808. There are 249 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Putnam?
The median home value in Putnam is $46,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,835. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,406.
How are the schools in Putnam?
Schools in Putnam have an average test score of 4.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.3% of adults in Putnam hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Putnam?
The obesity rate in Putnam is 44.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 33.6% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 13.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 6.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,140.
What are the demographics of Putnam?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Putnam is 37.9% White, 62.1% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 58.0% of the population are military veterans. 57.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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