Putnam County Public RecordsWest Virginia

As of 2022, Putnam County, WV has a population of approximately 57,400. The median age is around 42 years, with about 22% under 18 and 18% over 65. The county is 96% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. The gender ratio is nearly even, with 50.5% female and 49.5% male residents.

Putnam County, WV, has around 37,000 registered voters as of 2024, predominantly Republican (about 56%), with Democrats at 26% and independents making up the rest. The county holds primary, general, and special elections, mostly at 25 polling locations. In the 2020 general election, 72% voted for the Republican presidential candidate. Key issues include school funding and local infrastructure. Elections are administered by the Putnam County Clerk’s Office, with oversight from a bipartisan Board of Canvassers. Both Republican and Democratic parties maintain active local committees.

Putnam County, WV, has 14 public schools, including 4 high schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 92%, and about 20% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores in Putnam schools are above the state average, with Math and Reading Proficiency at around 57% and 55%, respectively. School safety is prioritized, with resource officers in most schools and below-average incidents. Educational programs include AP courses, dual credit, and career-technical education, supporting around 9,000 students. Adult education centers further provide high school equivalency and workforce training opportunities.

As of 2023, Putnam County, WV, has an unemployment rate of approximately 3.8%, slightly below the national average. The largest employment sectors are health care and social assistance (16%), retail trade (14%), and manufacturing (12%). Leading occupations include office and administrative support (15%) and sales (10%). About 86% of residents commute by car, with a mean travel time of 28 minutes, often to neighboring Kanawha and Cabell counties, including Charleston and Huntington. Local jobs account for about 41% of employed residents; the rest work outside the county.

Putnam County, WV, boasts a homeownership rate of about 80%, higher than the national average, with a median home value near $187,000 (2022 data). Median gross rent is around $830 per month. The market has seen steady growth, with property values rising 8% from 2021-2023. Housing mainly consists of single-family homes, with newer developments in Teays Valley and Hurricane. Popular neighborhoods include Winfield, Scott Depot, and Eleanor. Property tax rates average $0.59 per $100 of assessed value, making Putnam County an affordable and attractive area for both buyers and renters.

Putnam County, WV, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 420 total crimes, translating to a crime rate of 12.4 per 1,000 residents. Violent crime is particularly low, with just 28 cases (0.8 per 1,000 residents), while property crimes accounted for 392 cases (11.6 per 1,000). Police and sheriff's offices actively encourage public crime reporting via online portals and anonymous tips, contributing to overall community safety and effective law enforcement response.