Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$78,378$6,532 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Putnam County, IN
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Putnam County, IN
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Putnam County, IN. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $738 | $8,856 | $29,520 | 11.3% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $843 | $10,116 | $33,720 | 12.9% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,030 | $12,360 | $41,200 | 15.8% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,390 | $16,680 | $55,600 | 21.3% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,634 | $19,608 | $65,360 | 25% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Putnam County, IN
Based on the local median household income of $78,378/year ($6,532/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Indiana
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Indiana state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Indiana with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Putnam County, IN
What is the median household income in Putnam County, IN?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Putnam County, IN is $78,378 per year (approximately $6,532 per month).
What is the average rent in Putnam County, IN?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Putnam County, IN are $738 for a studio, $843 for 1 bedroom, $1,030 for 2 bedrooms, $1,390 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,634 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Putnam County, IN compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Putnam County, IN is 93.3 (6.7% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Putnam County, IN?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,030/month) in Putnam County, IN requires a minimum gross household income of $41,200 per year ($3,433 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Putnam County, IN?
For a typical household earning the median income of $78,378/year ($6,532/month) in Putnam County, IN, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,266/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,959/month to discretionary spending, and $1,306/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Putnam County, IN?
Residential electricity rates in Indiana average 17.5¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $158 per month.