Putnam County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 17th-largest in Tennessee
The population of Putnam County, Tennessee is 81,366 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $56,537, the median home value is $246,800, and the median age is 36.1.
The population of Putnam County has grown 17.0% since 2010 (72,552 → 84,894), a +1.13% annualized rate.
81,366
Population
+1.13%
Annual growth
203
People / sq mi
$56,537
Median Income
$246,800
Median Home Value
Putnam County covers 401 sq mi of land at 202.9 people per square mile.
About Putnam County, TN
Homeownership is the standout figure in Putnam County: 60.7% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. Putnam County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 81,366. It ranks #17 among counties in Tennessee by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $56,537 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 11.7%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $246,800, with typical rent around $881.
College attainment is above the local norm at 29.2%, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.0% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Putnam County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Putnam County had a population of 72,552 in 2010 and 84,894 in 2024, a 17.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 84,894 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.13%.
84,894
Population (2024)
72,552
Population (2010)
84,894
Peak (2024)
1.13%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 72,552 |
| 2011 | 73,071 |
| 2012 | 73,540 |
| 2013 | 74,106 |
| 2014 | 74,946 |
| 2015 | 75,091 |
| 2016 | 75,984 |
| 2017 | 77,246 |
| 2018 | 78,596 |
| 2019 | 79,957 |
| 2020 | 80,078 |
| 2021 | 81,262 |
| 2022 | 82,603 |
| 2023 | 83,952 |
| 2024 | 84,894 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.7% |
| Black or African American | 2.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.1
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
16.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.1% · Seniors (65+): 16.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,537$-10,560 vs state |
| Mean household income | $75,297 |
| Per-capita income | $30,508 |
| Poverty rate | 11.7%+1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Putnam County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
79.6%
Public transit
8.0%
Work from home
21.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$246,800$-10,000 vs state
Median home value
$881
Median rent
60.7%
Homeownership rate
35,991
Total housing units
91.8%
Occupied
8.2%
Vacant
39.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.5%
With health insurance
92.4%
With broadband internet
32.9%
Foreign-born
6.5%
Veterans (18+)
12.7%
With a disability
93.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.8%
High School+
29.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Putnam County, Tennessee has a population of 81,366 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 203 people per square mile.
The population of Putnam County has grown 17.0% since 2010 (72,552 → 84,894), a +1.13% annualized rate.
The median household income in Putnam County, Tennessee is $56,537, with mean (average) household income of $75,297 and per-capita income of $30,508. 11.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Putnam County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.7%), Black or African American (2.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Putnam County, Tennessee is 36.1 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Putnam County is $246,800 and median monthly rent is $881. 60.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 35,991 total housing units, 8.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Putnam County, Tennessee is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Putnam County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.
Putnam County, TN Climate
Putnam County, TN has an average annual temperature of 13.8°C (57°F) and receives about 1427 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.8°C
Avg Temp
1427
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 119 mm |
| February | 4° / 39° | 113 mm |
| March | 9° / 48° | 147 mm |
| April | 14° / 56° | 118 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 136 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 106 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 134 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 103 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 104 mm |
| October | 14° / 58° | 87 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 122 mm |
| December | 4° / 40° | 138 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Putnam County, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Putnam County, TN are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Putnam County
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Tennessee
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.