Putnam County
TN · Pop. 81,366 · Mixed County
Putnam County sits in Tennessee across 401 square miles, home to 81,366 people at 202.9 per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, soybeans. A median home price of $247,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.53% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 190-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.2°F and average winter lows of 27.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 56 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Cookeville Regional Medical Center is 2.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 96.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 190-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.53% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Broadband reaches 96.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Cookeville Regional Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 2.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.5% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- At 202.9 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.
At a glance
Putnam County, TN is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 67/100
- Median home price
- $247k
- Property tax
- 0.53%
- Growing season
- 190 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 56"
- Broadband
- 96.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Cookeville Regional Medical Center, 2.1 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 7a with a 190-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.2°F, and average winter lows of 27.3°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $247,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.53%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 96.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Cookeville Regional Medical Center is 2.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Tennessee 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 Tennessee
All Tennessee 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.