Retail growth is ever-present, recently highlighted by the announced Willows Project
Putnam County’s economy is thriving, driven by several favorable factors.
Proof is in the indicators:
- Growth in income
- housing
- tax revenue
- growing economy
According to sources, the median household income grew from $44,500 in 2020 to $54,100 in 2024, while the local economy experienced 2.1% economic growth in 2024. As the households grew, so too did state tax revenues. Revenues grew from $152 million to $210 million.
“We are a business-friendly community and truly the hub of the Upper Cumberland,” Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter told the Upper Cumberland Business Journal.
Putnam County’s strongest economic sectors are:
- manufacturing
- retail
- health care
Cookeville is often considered the “commercial center” of the region, with the top employers in the county being:
- Averitt Express, Inc.: The trucking and logistics giant is based in Cookeville.
- Aphena Pharma Solutions: A pharmaceutical company with operations in the area.
- ATC Automation: A company that designs and builds custom factory automation systems.
- Cookeville Regional Medical Center: A key health care provider in the region.
- Cummins: A Fortune 500 company that designs, manufactures, and distributes engines.
- Manufacturing and fulfillment companies: Including FedEx, Ficosa, Collins Manufacturing Co., Bennett Industries, and Ceco Building Systems.
- Putnam County Schools: The PCSS and Tennessee Tech are always significant public sector employers.
- Tennessee Technological University: Tech’s growth has allowed it to provide a skilled workforce and train the future workforce that spreads throughout both Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland.
“A large portion of our retail success comes from our surrounding counties coming here to shop, eat and work, which we are very thankful for,” said Porter.
Retail growth is ever-present, recently highlighted by the announced Willows project, which will see Target, Home Depot and other highly popular outlets joining the party. The growth is thanks, in part, to the county’s business-friendly environment and local organizations whose goal is to grow the area.
“Unless there is a big downturn in the economy, I don’t foresee it changing,” said Porter of the county’s continued economic growth.
With consistent growth comes jobs, infrastructure and security for those working hard to provide. Many organizations across the county (and the Upper Cumberland) work to support that infrastructure through support.
Those organizations include:
- Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce (CPCC): Considered the primary organization for business networking and advocacy, CPCCC offers resources for economic development, jobs and community growth.
- Highlands Economic Partnership (HEP): HEP is a regional program involving Putnam, Jackson, Overton and White counties. HEP’s primary focus is on accelerating economic and community development.
- Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC): TSBC provides free business counseling and advice on business planning, financial planning, and marketing with a local office in Cookeville.
According to HEP:
“A key factor in the quality of life for individuals is obtaining a wage that allows for long-term planning and stability. In the Highlands region, the current median household income is $44,567. Our goal is to raise this average to meet the state level of $54,089. We will accomplish this by recruiting higher wage career opportunities, upscaling our current workforce, and targeting socioeconomic groups for workforce reentry.”
Businesses have flocked to the area. Why? Because it costs less to live in Putnam County, on average, than the rest of the country. The cost of living, lower home prices, lower rental costs and lower property taxes make Putnam County a prime target for companies looking to attract and retain workforce. According to reports, as of Oct. 2025, the median listing price for a home in Cookeville (averaging $314,565) was 19.8% lower than the national average, while rental costs for Sept. 2025 were $1,514 (the national average sits at $1979).
Tennessee also has no state property and county-level rates are “modest” compared nationally. Catnip to businesses looking to set up shop. With a climate of growth and an affordable lifestyle, Putnam County’s economic outlook is strengthening.
That is great news for job seekers and job providers alike.
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