Putnam, CT
Population 7,120 · Connecticut
About Putnam, CT
Putnam is a small town located in Connecticut with a population of 7,120 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,209 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Putnam features a median home value of $236,000, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Putnam in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,124, 3% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,396 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (1,617 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (1,618 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Putnam shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Putnam have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.8% of Putnam residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 5.1% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Putnam Ranks in Connecticut
Cost of Living in Putnam, CT
Compared to national averages, Putnam has a median household income of $63,209 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $236,000, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,124 is 3% below the US average of $1,163. Within Connecticut, Putnam's income is 49% below the state average of $123,065, and home values are 54% below the state median of $516,920.
Why Live in Putnam, CT?
Putnam offers affordable housing with a median home value of $236,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,124/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,209) that falls below the national average. However, Putnam’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Putnam has a population of 7,120 with a median age of 42.9 years. Compare Putnam with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Connecticut.
Similar Cities Near Putnam
Cities in Connecticut with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgefield | 7,103 | $143,286 | $843,200 | Compare |
| Winsted | 7,074 | $66,058 | $214,000 | Compare |
| New Canaan | 7,032 | $163,355 | $1,115,600 | Compare |
| Staples | 6,985 | $218,365 | $1,202,800 | Compare |
| Old Greenwich | 6,904 | $250,001 | $1,668,200 | Compare |
| Cos Cob | 7,354 | $176,602 | $1,149,500 | Compare |
| Thompsonville | 7,473 | $71,714 | $235,200 | Compare |
| Rockville | 6,657 | $51,607 | $192,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Connecticut
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Putnam With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Putnam
What is the population of Putnam, CT?
The population of Putnam, CT is 7,120 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Connecticut.
What is the median household income in Putnam?
The median household income in Putnam, CT is $63,209 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Putnam?
The median home value in Putnam, CT is $236,000, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Putnam?
The median monthly rent in Putnam, CT is $1,124, which is 3% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Putnam?
The unemployment rate in Putnam, CT is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Putnam, CT a good place to live?
Putnam offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,120 and a median age of 42.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Putnam, CT?
17.8% of residents in Putnam aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Putnam?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Putnam, CT: median home value is $236,000 (4% below national), median rent is $1,124/month, and median household income is $63,209. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Putnam?
The poverty rate in Putnam, CT is 11.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Putnam, CT?
Putnam's population is 0.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 5.1% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.