Putnam County
IN · Pop. 37,091 · Suburban County
Putnam County is a suburban county in Indiana, spanning 481 square miles with 37,091 residents at a density of 77.1 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, corn, hay. A median home price of $206,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.48% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 168-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.8°F and average winter lows of 19.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.5 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Putnam County Hospital is 3.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 85.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.48% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Putnam County Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 3.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.6% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 8.1% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Putnam County, IN is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 76/100
- Median home price
- $206k
- Property tax
- 0.48%
- Growing season
- 168 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 45.5"
- Broadband
- 85.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Putnam County Hospital, 3.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Putnam County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Putnam County?
- Putnam County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 168-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.8°F, and average winter lows of 19.2°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $206,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.48%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 85.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Putnam County Hospital is 3.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Indiana Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Indiana
All Indiana countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Putnam County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.