Northeast Florida Regional Overview
Putnam County
Great Place. Great Pace. Naturally.
For the most up to date information on economic development in Putnam County, visit www.putnamcountychamber.org or contact the Chief Economic Developer.

Economy

Putnam County OverviewPutnam County is a manufacturing-oriented community. Local officials are accustomed to working with companies to see that their needs are being met. Rural advantages include the low costs of doing business and a personal commitment to service that is unheard of in many areas. Local utilities are also a tremendous asset to Putnam County industries. The electrical energy includes the highest concentration of transmission and generation facilities in rural Florida. Electric rates are attractive for both interruptible and non-interruptible service.

Top of Page


Lifestyle

Putnam County is the ideal climate for relaxing, with gracious, tree-lined streets and country settings. Yet the county is within easy access of metro areas. More than 27 parks and recreation areas in the county have year-round facilities with ball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic and swimming areas. An abundance of trophy-sized largemouth black bass has given Putnam County the title of Bass Capital of the World.

Boating, sailing and water-skiing are an exciting part of family recreation in this area, on both the river and the numerous lakes located in Putnam County. Nature enthusiasts enjoy hiking along the Florida Trail, which runs through the heart of Putnam County. Putnam County is also home to the Ravine Gardens State Park, an 80-acre ravine with a 1.8-mile auto and bike trail looping around the top. Footpaths allow visitors to explore the depths of this beautiful park, planted with over 100,000 azaleas of some 50 varieties, enhanced by 22,000 other sub-tropical plants.

Top of Page

Government

Putnam County includes the incorporated communities of Palatka, Welaka, Interlachen, Pomona Park and Crescent City. The Board of Putnam County Commissioners establishes policies and appoints a county administrator to implement the policies and manage the operation of the county.

Putnam County offers a host of compelling bottom-line reasons for expanding or locating here: strategic Northeast Florida location, low operating cost, tax incentives, strong vocational education, a positive business climate, and plentiful resources, including land, timber, lakes and rivers.

Top of Page

Chief Economic Developer

C.W. (Wes) Larson II
Putnam County Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 550
Palatka, FL 32178
(386) 328-1503 phone
(386) 328-7076 fax
pcccfla@bellsouth.net
www.putnamcountychamber.org



Dana Cameron Jones
Putnam County Chamber of Commerce
(386) 328-1503 X 202
gm@putnamcountychamber.org





Top of Page

Putnam County Statistics

Population

Classification Numbers
Total Population (2007) 74,929
Projected Population (2012) 78,848
Population Growth (1990 to 2006) 13.1%
Median Age 40.7

Source: Decision Data, 2007

Age in Years Population
Under 4 6.5%
5-14 13.1%
15-19 7.0%
20-24 6.4%
25-34 11.0%
35-44 11.2%
45-54 13.7%
55-64 12.5%
65-74 10.1%
75-84 6.6%
85+ 2.0%

Source: Decision Data, 2007

Racial Mix*

Race Percentage
White 78.2%
Black 16.8%
American Indian or Alaskan Native 0.4%
Asian 0.5%
Some Other Race 2.9%
Two or More Races 1.2%
**Hispanic or Latino Origin 8.0%

*Race alone or in combination with one or more other races. Total may not equal 100%.
** Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin can be of any race.
Source: Decision Data, 2007

Major Employers

Employer Sector Number of Employees
Georgia Pacific Corporation, Palatka Pulp & Paper Mill 1,521
Putnam County School Board Education System 1,450
St. Johns River Management Water Preservation & Management 700
Putnam County Government County Government 656
PRC Customer Relationship Management 550
Putnam County Medical Center Hospital 533
St. Johns River Community College Community College 475
Seminole Generating Plant, a Division of Seminole Electric Cooperative Coal Fired Power Generating Plant 280
PDM Bridge, Inc. Structural Steel Fabrication 150
CDR Systems Corporation Underground Fiberglass Manufacturing 141

Information current as of January 2008

Income

Classification Income
Per Capita Income $16,765
Median Household Income $33,442
Average Household Income $43,812

Source: Decision Data, 2007

Top of Page

Login