Missouri · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Putnam County, MO

The median household in Putnam County, MO earns $63,510 a year ($5,293/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $888/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $35,520 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 9.2% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$63,510$5,293 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$888HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)90.8-9.2% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate16.2¢per kWh · EIA Residential MO
Census Population4,642Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Putnam County, MO

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$888Monthly market rent
Share of gross income16.8%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$35,520To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,588At 30% of $63,510
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Putnam County, MO

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Putnam County, MO. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Putnam County, MO
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$660$7,920$26,40012.5%
1-Bedroom Apartment$698$8,376$27,92013.2%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$888$10,656$35,52016.8%
3-Bedroom Home$1,065$12,780$42,60020.1%
4-Bedroom Home$1,320$15,840$52,80024.9%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Putnam County, MO →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Putnam County, MO

Based on the local median household income of $63,510/year ($5,293/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,646/moRent ($888 2-BR), utilities (~$146/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,588/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 90.8 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,059/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Missouri

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Missouri state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$63,510
$25,000$130,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$63,510
Net 81%
Fed 9%
MO 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$51,180After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,265Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,968Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.4%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$5,441 / yr
Missouri state income tax$2,030 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,859 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Missouri with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Putnam County, MO

What is the median household income in Putnam County, MO?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Putnam County, MO is $63,510 per year (approximately $5,293 per month).

What is the average rent in Putnam County, MO?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Putnam County, MO are $660 for a studio, $698 for 1 bedroom, $888 for 2 bedrooms, $1,065 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,320 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Putnam County, MO compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Putnam County, MO is 90.8 (9.2% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Putnam County, MO?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($888/month) in Putnam County, MO requires a minimum gross household income of $35,520 per year ($2,960 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Putnam County, MO?

For a typical household earning the median income of $63,510/year ($5,293/month) in Putnam County, MO, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,646/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,588/month to discretionary spending, and $1,059/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Putnam County, MO?

Residential electricity rates in Missouri average 16.2¢ 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 $146 per month.