Median Income
$59,000
21% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
334/100K
12% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.3%
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% 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
Population41
Median Age55.4 yrs
Density41/mi²
Male / Female63% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans41.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,000
Per Capita$42,995
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$553M
Housing
Home ValueN/A
RentN/A
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$189,794
Housing Units59
Rent Burden28.7%
Crime
F
Violent334/100K
Property2,270/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured11.8%
Smoking16.9%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain29.0 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation1,602 ft (488 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.3%
High School+83.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
CommuteN/A
Broadband20.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Putnam a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Putnam receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Putnam has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Putnam is $59,000, 21% below the national average of $75,149. 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%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Putnam is below the national average at 334 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,270 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Putnam enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Putnam has a population of 41 with a density of 41 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 55.4 years, 42% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.6% female and 63.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.2% of residents, while 6.8% speak Spanish. 41.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.4yrs
Median Age
42% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.2%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.8%
49% below US avg
The median household income in Putnam is $59,000, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,995. The average weekly wage is $1,018, 29% 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 340 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. 33.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,000 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,995 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,018 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,615 |
| Gini Index | 0.397 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 340 |
| County GDP | $553M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,658 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 66.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 33.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,794. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 59 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,658 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 59 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,658 |
| 33% above US avg |
In Putnam, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.8% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 11.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,058. The dentist ratio is 1:3,553. 54.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Putnam vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 11.8% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,058 |
| Dentists | 1:3,553 |
| Mental Health | 1:14,374 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 57.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,448/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Putnam has a violent crime rate of 334 per 100,000 residents, 12% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,270 per 100,000, 16% above 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 | 333.8/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,269.7/100K |
| 16% above 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 65°F (18°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 328 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 29.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 1,602 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 64.5°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,602 ft (488 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 41/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.3703°N, 99.1955°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Callahan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Abilene Regional (ABI) 29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.0"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.19"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
116 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M3.7 on Jul 20, 2025.
| Jul 26, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M5.1 |
144 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.9 |
144 km |
| Feb 16, 2023 |
15 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.7 |
143 km |
| Jul 27, 2024 |
13 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.5 |
147 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.4 |
146 km |
| Jul 25, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.0 |
146 km |
| Sep 22, 2023 |
8 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.9 |
144 km |
| Jul 30, 2024 |
15 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Aug 17, 2022 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Dec 9, 2013 |
8 km S of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
125 km |
| Jul 20, 2025 |
14 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| Nov 28, 2013 |
6 km SSW of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| Oct 2, 2023 |
16 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.6 |
143 km |
| Aug 14, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Feb 11, 2023 |
16 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Feb 3, 2023 |
16 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Oct 3, 2023 |
18 km SW of Rotan, Texas |
M3.5 |
140 km |
| Jul 24, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Jul 1, 2021 |
11 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Jul 26, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.3 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
555 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 127 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1976 |
EF5 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1950 |
EF4 |
29 km |
5 |
| May 2, 2024 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2015 |
EF3 |
19 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1994 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1985 |
EF3 |
97 km |
3 |
| May 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 30, 1979 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1979 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1979 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1976 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1976 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1976 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
64 km |
2 |
| May 15, 1965 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG COUNTRY FIRE (209,352 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
BIG COUNTRY FIRE |
209,352 |
41 km |
| 2011 |
PK COMPLEX |
128,548 |
80 km |
| 2022 |
KIDD |
41,939 |
40 km |
| 2006 |
CARBON |
33,013 |
40 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
28,633 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
BUCK |
18,671 |
71 km |
| 2009 |
CEDAR MOUNTAIN |
16,589 |
30 km |
| 2009 |
BLACK |
11,356 |
54 km |
| 2022 |
MESQUITE HEAT |
10,807 |
68 km |
| 1997 |
THROCKMORTON |
10,339 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
JOHNSON RANCH |
9,696 |
51 km |
| 2006 |
HUCKABAY |
9,100 |
79 km |
| 2011 |
JRM |
8,870 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
CREWS GAP |
8,134 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
WHEAT FIELD |
7,333 |
26 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,936 |
30 km |
| 2005 |
CROSSROADS |
5,976 |
26 km |
| 2011 |
101 RANCH |
5,861 |
86 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
5,382 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
CADDO II COMPLEX |
5,270 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
49°F (9°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
Putnam has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 45°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.2") and December the driest (1.2").
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) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $537 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $489 |
| Toddler | $468 |
| Preschool | $463 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Putnam
What is the population of Putnam?
Putnam has a population of 41 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 41 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 36.6% female and 63.4% male.
Is Putnam expensive to live in?
Putnam has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $59,000, 21% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Putnam safe?
Putnam is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 334 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,270 per 100,000 (above 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 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.0 inches, with 3.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
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 $1,018. There are 340 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Putnam?
Schools in Putnam score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.3% of adults in Putnam hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Putnam?
The obesity rate in Putnam is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 11.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,058.
What are the demographics of Putnam?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Putnam is 100% White. 93.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.8% speak Spanish. 41.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.