Putnam County, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,642
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,510/yr
11.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,834
-0.4% year-over-year change

Putnam County population

How many people live in Putnam County

Putnam County is home to 4,642 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.2% of Putnam County locals are male, and 47.8% are female.

Total population
4,642
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.2%
2,422
Female
47.8%
2,220
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,422 52.2% 1.2%
Female 2,220 47.8% -2.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Putnam County is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.7% are children under 15, then 8.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.4% of the population, while another 25.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.7%
15 to 24
8.9%
25 to 44
21.4%
45 to 64
25.9%
Over 65
25%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 867 18.7% 0.1%
15 to 24 414 8.9% 2.7%
25 to 44 995 21.4% -5.4%
45 to 64 1,204 25.9% 1.9%
Over 65 1,162 25% -0.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Putnam County, 98.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 3.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,586 98.8% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 56 1.2% 9.8%
Racial breakdown
White
96%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.1%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 4,458 96%
Black or African American 9 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 23 0.5%
Two or more races 145 3.1%
Other 7 0.2%

Households in Putnam County

A peek inside Putnam County households

Putnam County has 1,791 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 59.5% are families, while the remaining 40.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,791
-4.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
725
Family households
1,066
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 725 40.5% -13.2%
Family households 1,066 59.5% 2.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Putnam County

The housing landscape of Putnam County

Putnam County's housing consists of 2,834 units, with 82% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 9.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,834
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,325 82%
1 unit, attached 26 0.9%
2 units 29 1%
3 or 4 units 139 4.9%
5 to 9 units 41 1.4%
Mobile home 274 9.7%
Homes built since 2020
5
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Putnam County

In Putnam County, the median construction year is 1976. About 14.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 405 14.3% 1.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 167 5.9% 62.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 269 9.5% -0.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 295 10.4% -2.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 469 16.6% -11.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 219 7.7% 10.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 398 14% -7.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 479 16.9% 9.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 128 4.5% -27.3%
Built in 2020 or later 5 0.2% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Putnam County occupancy rates

Out of the 1,791 occupied housing units in Putnam County, 83% are owner-occupied, while 17% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 36.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,791
-4.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
304
Owner occupied
1,487
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 304 17% -13.9%
Owner occupied 1,487 83% -2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
36.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Putnam County housing costs

Housing costs in Putnam County come to a median of $785 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $521.

Median housing costs per month
$785/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Putnam County
$521/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Putnam County

Putnam County education at a glance

About 40.9% of the population in Putnam County went to high school, while 25.1% pursued college studies. Another 9.9% earned an associate degree and 15.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 91 2.5% 0.0%
High school diploma 1,470 40.9% -7.8%
College diploma 901 25.1% -0.1%
Associate degree 356 9.9% -5.1%
Bachelor's degree 545 15.2% 14.7%
Graduate degree 230 6.4% 19.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Putnam County

How much people earn in Putnam County

The average annual household income in Putnam County was $79,666 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,510, reflecting a +11.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Putnam County
$79,666/year
9.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Putnam County
$63,510/year
11.7% year-over-year change

Putnam County income by age

In Putnam County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $100,945. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,699 overall. Overall, 84.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $100,945 21.5%
45 - 64 $74,699 4.5%
Over 65 $41,107 3.7%
Above poverty level
3,820
Below poverty level
679
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,820 84.9% 0.1%
Below poverty level 679 15.1% -5.8%

Employment in Putnam County

Workforce and job types in Putnam County

The job market in Putnam County is powered by 2,023 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.1% run their own businesses, 55.6% are employed by private companies, and 21.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,023
-1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,381
Blue collar
642
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,381 68.3% -0.6%
Blue collar 642 31.7% -4.6%
Employer type
Self employees
17.1%
Private companies
55.6%
Governmental workers
21.4%
Not for profit companies
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 346 17.1% 4.8%
Private companies 1,125 55.6% 3.1%
Governmental workers 432 21.4% -2.9%
Not for profit companies 120 5.9% -38.8%
Unemployment rate
4.0%
2.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Putnam County stands at 4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Putnam County

How people get around in Putnam County

In Putnam County, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 87.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,754 87.1% -4.6%
Walk 26 1.3% 23.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Putnam County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
63535 14 14 $0 $0
63544 1,159 410 $44,167 $58,417
63551 251 106 $76,389 $79,708
63560 61 27 $56,607 $98,515
63565 3,965 1,446 $69,643 $84,778
63567 70 24 $61,111 $55,733
64667 255 117 $47,841 $53,214
64672 185 87 $43,250 $54,699
64655 93 56 $0 $63,993

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FAQs about Putnam County demographics 

What is the total population of Putnam County?

Putnam County has a total population of 4,642 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Putnam County?

The gender ratio in Putnam County is as follows:
  • 52.2% males (2,422 residents)
  • 47.8% females (2,220 residents)

What is the median age in Putnam County?

The median age in Putnam County is 45.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Putnam County?

The age distribution in Putnam County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.7% (867 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.9% (414 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.4% (995 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.9% (1,204 residents)
  • Over 65: 25% (1,162 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Putnam County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Putnam County is as follows:
  • White: 96% (4,458 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (9 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (23 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.1% (145 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (7 residents)

What percentage of the population in Putnam County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.8% of the population in Putnam County.

How many housing units are there in Putnam County?

There are 2,834 housing units in Putnam County, reflecting a -0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Putnam County and what is the average household size?

Putnam County has a total of 1,791 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Putnam County?

Putnam County has a median household income of $63,510, representing a +11.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Putnam County?

The employment rate is 96% in Putnam County, with a workforce of 2,023 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.3% (1,381 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.7% (642 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.1% (346 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.6% (1,125 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.4% (432 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.9% (120 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025