RANK #810 / 996 · POP 80,157 · TN
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.6%
Putnam County, Tennessee, is often recognized for Cookeville, its largest city and the home of Tennessee Technological University. Situated in the Upper Cumberland region, roughly halfway between Nashville and Knoxville, the county offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and access to natural scenery. Commutes within the county are generally short, with residents averaging around 21 minutes to work. The area is known for its outdoor recreation, boasting numerous waterfalls, including Cummins Falls State Park, and proximity to Center Hill Lake and Dale Hollow Lake, providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating.
Life in Putnam County appeals to a mix of families, remote workers, and retirees, drawn by the area's affordability and highly-rated public schools. The economy is driven by sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and healthcare, with Tennessee Technological University also serving as a significant employer. Recent economic developments show growth in new businesses, particularly in manufacturing and retail, alongside investments in infrastructure. The county's appeal is further enhanced by its lower cost of living compared to national averages, including more affordable housing and modest property taxes.
Below national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.3x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Cumberland Natural Gas Plant Conversion
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
|
$2,100M | Under Construction |
|
Google Data Center Campus
Google
|
$1,000M | Planned |
|
TTI Floor Care North America Expansion
TTI Floor Care North America
|
$20M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Putnam County has a Boom Town Index score of 19/100, ranking #810 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.7% and a median household income of $54,371, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Putnam County is $221,200 with median rent at $842/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2458, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.7%. Home values changed +1.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.47% of Putnam County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.