1st Advantage MortgagePutnam County households have a median income of $79,527 and median rent of $952 a month (ACS 2020 to 2024). County medians do not set your terms. Shop at least three lenders, including a credit union serving Putnam County, and confirm each one's West Virginia license.
On this page
- Putnam County by the numbers
- Renting and owning in Putnam County
- Income in Putnam County compared with West Virginia
- How Putnam County residents earn a living
- Where Putnam County differs from the rest of West Virginia
- Regional comparison for Putnam County
- The communities that make up Putnam County
- $6,627 a month: the Putnam County median budget
- Who lives in Putnam County, in numbers
- Before borrowing in Putnam County
- Before you sign
- Lender oversight for Putnam County
- Beyond Putnam County
- Frequently asked questions
Putnam County by the numbers
Roughly 57,177 residents live in Putnam County, West Virginia, 10th by population among the state's 55 counties and county equivalents. Packed into 346 square miles, that is close to 165 residents for every square mile of land. For statistical purposes it belongs to the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH metro area, as delineated by the Office of Management and Budget in July 2023. Largest place: Teays Valley, about 14,151 residents (25% of Putnam County); 10 Census places in all.
Renting and owning in Putnam County
Renters in Putnam County pay a median of $952 a month, 9% above the West Virginia figure of $872. 44% of renting households spend 30% or more of income on rent, and 25% spend half or more. Home values center on $223,300, or 2.8 years of median income. Owners occupy 82% of homes.
| Cost | Putnam County | West Virginia figure | Higher or lower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $952/mo | $872/mo | 9% higher |
| Median home value | $223,300 | $162,600 | 37% higher |
| Owners | 82% | 75% | +6.9 pts |
| Rent-burdened renters | 44% | 49% | -5.0 pts |
| Burdened owners | 15% | 20% | -4.6 pts |
| Mobile homes | 12.9% | 13.6% | -0.7 pts |
| Vacant units | 7% | 15% | -8.5 pts |
Owners with equity have a second option. Weigh a secured line against an unsecured loan by risk as well as cost before you choose (how they compare).
Income in Putnam County compared with West Virginia
Median household income in Putnam County: $79,527 (33% above West Virginia, $59,608). That places it 3rd among West Virginia's 55 county-level areas.
| Yearly household income | Putnam County | Gap to West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 21.4% | -9.0 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 38.0% | -4.4 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 29.6% | +8.2 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 11.0% | +5.1 pts |
Six-figure households (41%) outnumber those under $35,000 (21%) in Putnam County. Putnam County counts about 6,056 residents below the poverty line, 10.6% of the population. Putnam County scores 0.432 on the Gini index, where higher means more unequal incomes. Income from any regular source can count, including Social Security, pensions and disability benefits, as long as you can document it.
How Putnam County residents earn a living
Top Putnam County industry by residents employed: education and health care, 26%; second, retail trade, 11%. The sharpest difference from the state is in transportation, warehousing and utilities, at 9% locally and 6% for West Virginia. The survey's unemployment rate for Putnam County averages 3.1% over 2020 to 2024 (state: 5.4%). Commutes of 45 minutes-plus: 12%; under 15 minutes: 23%. Only 5.0% of homes here go without a vehicle.
| Where residents work | Putnam County | Difference from West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 26.2% | -1.9 pts |
| Retail trade | 10.9% | -1.1 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 10.1% | +1.7 pts |
| Transportation, warehousing and utilities | 8.5% | +2.4 pts |
| Manufacturing | 7.8% | -0.2 pts |
| Finance, insurance and real estate | 7.0% | +2.3 pts |
Shorter commutes usually mean lower vehicle costs, which can leave more room for a payment, or for paying a loan off early.
Where Putnam County differs from the rest of West Virginia
Out of every West Virginia county, Putnam County is most unusual on these measures.
- On the housing vacancy rate, Putnam County sits near the bottom of West Virginia at 7%, 2nd lowest of 55. Low vacancy tends to push rents up over time.
- The share of households earning $100,000 or more: 41% in Putnam County. Only 1 of 55 West Virginia counties are higher. Big incomes invite big loans; borrow only what you need.
- Putnam County ranks 2nd lowest of 55 West Virginia counties for the poverty rate: 10.6%, against 16.7% statewide. A low poverty rate does not mean every budget has room; test the payment.
- Few West Virginia counties match Putnam County on median household income: $79,527 here, $59,608 for the state, ranking 3rd highest of 55. Higher local incomes do not change lender rules; your documented income is what counts.
Regional comparison for Putnam County
Mason County is closest, 19 miles from center to center; the sixth, Gallia County, is 30 miles off. Richest neighbor: Kanawha County, $60,943. Poorest: Lincoln County, $46,205. Putnam County: $79,527. Some neighbors are in Ohio. Lender licensing is state by state, so a loan for a Putnam County resident follows West Virginia rules.
| Nearby county | Center to center | Household income | Gross rent | Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Putnam County | - | $79,527 | $952/mo | 82% |
| Mason County, WV | 19 mi | $49,761 | $671/mo | 82% |
| Cabell County, WV | 19 mi | $55,832 | $923/mo | 64% |
| Kanawha County, WV | 24 mi | $60,943 | $906/mo | 71% |
| Lincoln County, WV | 25 mi | $46,205 | $771/mo | 74% |
| Jackson County, WV | 26 mi | $58,845 | $716/mo | 79% |
| Gallia County, OH | 30 mi | $56,830 | $813/mo | 75% |
The communities that make up Putnam County
Places, by size: the top 10 of 10. Roughly 37% of Putnam County lives outside all of them, in open country or unnamed settlements. Teays Valley has the highest median household income on the list ($108,741) and Hometown the lowest ($28,876), counting places with at least 500 residents. Median rent ranges from $546 in Buffalo to $1,102 in Teays Valley. Live in one of these Putnam County communities, or between them? This is your local guide.
| Name | Kind | Pop. | Income | Rent | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teays Valley | CDP | 14,151 | $108,741 | $1,102 | 4 mi |
| Hurricane | city | 6,855 | $71,167 | $878 | 8 mi |
| Nitro | city | 6,853 | $53,848 | $949 | 9 mi |
| Winfield | town | 2,918 | $103,276 | $1,009 | 2 mi |
| Eleanor | town | 1,726 | $78,578 | $1,070 | 2 mi |
| Buffalo | town | 1,150 | $64,583 | $546 | 8 mi |
| Poca | town | 872 | $77,292 | $864 | 6 mi |
| Hometown | CDP | 756 | $28,876 | n/a | 3 mi |
| Bancroft | town | 475 | $94,375 | $842 | 3 mi |
| Raymond City | CDP | 28 | n/a | n/a | 5 mi |
A CDP is a named community without its own municipal government.
$6,627 a month: the Putnam County median budget
Putnam County at the medians, through a lender's eyes (what DTI means):
- Start: $6,627 gross per month ($79,527 / 12)
- Less median rent of $952, which is 14% of it
- $1,699: what a 40% ratio leaves once rent is paid
Lenders set their own limits and look beyond the ratio. The DTI calculator uses your figures instead of Putnam County's.
Who lives in Putnam County, in numbers
College graduates make up 29% of the adult population. About 6% go without health insurance.
| Residents | Putnam County | Difference from West Virginia | Difference from middle U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poverty rate | 10.6% | -6.1 pts | -2.6 pts |
| Bachelor's or higher | 29.1% | +4.9 pts | +6.9 pts |
| No high school diploma | 6.0% | -4.7 pts | n/a |
| No vehicle | 5.0% | -3.0 pts | -0.4 pts |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 3.1% | -2.3 pts | -1.3 pts |
| Work from home | 10.6% | +1.6 pts | +2.0 pts |
| No health insurance | 5.6% | -0.4 pts | -2.2 pts |
| Median age | 42.6 | -0.1 yrs | +1.1 yrs |
| Minutes to work | Putnam County workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 22.8% |
| 15 to 29 min | 36.8% |
| 30 to 44 min | 28.3% |
| 45 to 59 min | 5.7% |
| 60+ min | 6.4% |
Before borrowing in Putnam County
The county's numbers point to a few situations that come up often for Putnam County borrowers.
- 13% mobile homes. Many are not titled as real estate, so home-equity options may not apply; an unsecured loan is the usual route.
- Consolidation math. With 41% at six figures, card consolidation is common; it pays only if total cost falls (guide).
- Scams. A fee demanded before funding is a red flag; report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (spotting scams).
Before you sign
Steps that save money for Putnam County residents:
- Get a written quote for whatever you are paying for in Putnam County.
- Line up offers side by side: APR, fees in dollars, total cost.
- Look the lender up with the state regulator first.
- Lock paid-off cards after consolidating so balances stay at zero.
Lender oversight for Putnam County
The West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions is the place to verify any lender's West Virginia license. Federal complaints: consumerfinance.gov. See the West Virginia state guide for the statewide picture.
Beyond Putnam County
For statewide rules and data, see the West Virginia guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Putnam County rank on income in West Virginia?
3rd of 55, with a median of $79,527. The state median is $59,608.
Can a Putnam County renter afford a loan payment?
At the $952 median rent and $6,627 median monthly income, rent alone uses 14%; add other debts before a new payment.
Should Putnam County homeowners use home equity instead?
Maybe, but weigh the risk: 82% of Putnam County homes are owner-occupied, and a home-equity loan or line is secured by the house while a personal loan usually is not.
What are the biggest places in Putnam County?
By population: Teays Valley, Hurricane, Nitro, Winfield, Eleanor. The county has 10 Census places in all.
Are Putnam County applicants treated differently?
No. Everyone answers the same questions and is screened on the same objective points; lending partners set their own criteria under fair-lending laws.