Average Rent in Putnam County, TN↑ Rents rising 3.6% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 81,366
Market Overview
Putnam County, TN has rental prices ranging from $777/month to $1,615/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $810/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $56,537/year, spending $810/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Putnam County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,027/month, Putnam County ranks #15 most expensive of the 73 cities tracked in Tennessee — pricier than 68% of all US cities in our data.
The Putnam County Rental Market
The Putnam County, TN area has a population of about 81,366 and 39% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Putnam County, TN have risen by $36/month (3.6%) over the past year, from $991 to $1,027. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Putnam County, TN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,400. The local median household income of $56,537 exceeds that threshold by $24,137, making Putnam County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Putnam County, TN has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, 0.2 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Putnam County, TN Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in TNlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $1,589 | $1,650 | $1,827 | $2,308 | — |
| Grainger County | $481 | $575 | $689 | $924 | — |
| Knoxville | $1,256 | $1,264 | $1,548 | $1,989 | — |
| Stewart County | $625 | $735 | $911 | $1,277 | — |
| Kingsport | $738 | $824 | $1,043 | $1,343 | — |
| Johnson City | $890 | $895 | $1,119 | $1,389 | — |
Rent or Buy in Putnam County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Putnam County data
Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.
Living in Putnam County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Putnam CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in TNSee how Putnam County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Putnam CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋TN Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections