countyscore
35.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.5Weather & Climate 70.7Property Tax 58.9

County Report Card

About Franklin city, Virginia

Franklin City Trails the National Median

Franklin City’s composite score of 35.5 sits below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects specific challenges in local safety and health outcomes.

Ranking Below the State Average

With a score of 35.5, Franklin City currently performs below the Virginia state average of 50.9. It faces a steeper climb than many of its regional peers.

Resilience Against Natural Disasters

Franklin City’s standout feature is its Risk Score of 92.5, indicating it is very safe from natural disasters. The Income Score of 55.0 is also competitive, with a median household income of $65,125.

Concerns in Safety and Healthcare

The city’s Safety Score is quite low at 4.3, and its Health Score of 32.0 suggests limited access to wellness services. Data for the Water Score is not yet available, leaving some infrastructure questions unanswered.

A Resilient Choice for Budget Renters

Franklin City is best for individuals looking for low environmental risk and moderate incomes. Improvements in public safety and health services would significantly boost its appeal for families.

2040608010058.924.14.33243.85592.570.7Tax58.9Cost24.1Safety4.3Health32Schools43.8Income55Risk92.5Water—Weather70.735.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Franklin city DNA

Foverall

How Franklin city compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Franklin city is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (92.5/100) but notably weak in Safety (4.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
58.9
Cost
24.1-23.9
Safety
4.3-50.7
Health
32-18
Schools
43.8-10.200000000000003
Income
55
Risk
92.5+45.5
Weather
70.7+14.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$227,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$995/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$227,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,125/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Southampton County
Virginia
54.7
Isle of Wight County
Virginia
48.1
Suffolk city
Virginia
35.8
Hertford County
North Carolina
39.1
Gates County
North Carolina
56.2
Sussex County
Virginia
49.8
Surry County
Virginia
67.1
Emporia city
Virginia
41

Deep Dives

Franklin city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Franklin city

via TaxByCounty

Franklin city taxes exceed national norm

At 0.738%, Franklin city's effective tax rate surpasses the national median of 0.579% by 27%, placing it in the 70th percentile nationally. Though median property taxes are $1,677—below the national median of $2,690—the tax rate itself is substantial relative to national benchmarks.

Franklin city ranks second-highest in state

Franklin city's 0.738% effective rate ranks second in Virginia, trailing only Fauquier County (0.770%) and well above the state average of 0.671%. This places the city among Virginia's highest-taxing jurisdictions despite lower median home values than state averages.

Franklin city taxes exceed regional averages

Franklin city's 0.738% rate significantly surpasses neighboring Franklin County (0.533%) and beats most surrounding regions in the Piedmont. This makes Franklin city one of the most tax-heavy small cities in its geographic area.

Franklin city residents pay $1,677 yearly

With a median home value of $227,200 and a 0.738% effective rate, typical Franklin city homeowners pay approximately $1,677 in annual property taxes. Despite modest home values, the high tax rate means residents shoulder a notably heavier burden than surrounding counties.

Franklin city homeowners should appeal assessments

High effective rates combined with modest property values suggest some Franklin city assessments may be elevated—especially older properties valued before recent market shifts. Requesting a reassessment review could reveal significant overpayment opportunities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin city

via CostByCounty

Franklin City Nears National Norm

Franklin city renters spend 18.3% of income on housing, nearly matching the Virginia average of 18.6% and just above comfortable affordability. The median household income of $65,125 falls below the national median ($74,755), making housing more challenging on lower regional wages.

Moderate Affordability Challenge

Franklin city's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% ranks slightly better than Virginia's state average of 18.6%, though affordability pressures remain visible. The city's income levels lag state norms, intensifying the impact of housing costs on household budgets.

Similar to Regional Average

Franklin city's $995 median rent positions it between rural counties like Floyd ($826) and more expensive Northern Virginia markets. At $65,125, the median income here edges below Franklin County ($68,348) but exceeds the most rural areas.

Housing Takes Significant Share

Franklin city renters spend $995 monthly while homeowners pay $1,180, claiming 18.3% of median household income for rent. This approach of housing costs leaves less income cushion for other expenses compared to more affordable Virginia regions.

Franklin Suits Income-Stable Relocators

Consider Franklin city if you're relocating with stable income that exceeds the local $65,125 median—your housing burden would drop significantly. Compare the 18.3% rent-to-income ratio here against your current market to evaluate potential savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin city

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin falls below national income

Franklin city's median household income of $65,125 is 13% below the national median of $74,755. As an independent city in rural Southside Virginia, Franklin faces income challenges typical of post-industrial communities.

Franklin ranks among lower Virginia cities

Franklin's median household income of $65,125 falls 13% below Virginia's state average of $74,957, placing it among the lower-earning municipalities in the state. Per capita income of $31,838 trails the state average by 19%.

Franklin earns less than nearby counties

Franklin city households earn $3,223 less annually than Franklin County ($68,348) and $26,834 less than Frederick County ($95,603). Lower housing costs ($227,200 median home value) provide some offset to the income gap.

Housing affordability strains budgets

At 18.3%, Franklin's rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability threshold of 30%, indicating that housing costs consume a larger share of household earnings than in higher-income areas. Rising rents could push more households into housing affordability stress.

Prioritize emergency funds first

Franklin residents earning $65,125 annually should focus on building a 3-6 month emergency fund before pursuing other investments. Securing stable employment and exploring skill-building opportunities can increase earning potential over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin city

via CrimeByCounty

Urban Crime Trends in Franklin City

Franklin City reports a total crime rate of 3,697.9 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the city maintains a safety score of 94.2, suggesting effective local law enforcement. It is important to note these figures represent a specific urban center.

Comparing City Rates to State Averages

Franklin City's crime rate of 3,697.9 per 100,000 is double the Virginia state average of 1,728.8. Its safety score of 94.2 sits just below the statewide average of 97.3. Because data comes from a single reporting agency, these statistics should be interpreted with caution.

City vs. County Crime Dynamics

The city’s crime rate is significantly higher than that of neighboring Franklin County, which reports 1,223.6 crimes per 100,000. This disparity is common between concentrated urban cities and more sprawling rural counties. Franklin City acts as a regional hub, which often increases per-capita crime figures.

Breaking Down the Crime Data

Property crime is the primary concern here, with a rate of 3,173.1 per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate is 524.8, which exceeds the national average of 369.8. Most incidents reported in the city involve property rather than person-to-person violence.

Enhanced Awareness for City Residents

City residents should consider alarm systems and well-lit entryways to deter property-related crimes. Being proactive about locking vehicles and securing valuables is essential in higher-density areas. Always report suspicious activity to the local police department to help lower regional rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Franklin city

via SchoolsByCounty

A Compact Education System in Franklin City

Franklin City operates a focused education system consisting of three public schools under a single district. This compact infrastructure serves 1,023 total students with one elementary, one middle, and one high school.

Graduation Rates Match the National Average

The city matches the national graduation rate of 87.0%, though it trails the Virginia state average of 89.0%. Investment stands at $7,575 per pupil, keeping the local school score at 53.2 compared to the state average of 54.8.

Single District Management for All Students

Franklin City Public Schools manages all three schools in the area, providing a streamlined educational path for its 1,023 students. The district currently operates without any charter school alternatives.

Small-Town Schools with a Close-Knit Feel

All three schools are classified as being in a town locale, creating a unified educational feel across the city. S.P. Morton Elementary is the largest campus with 481 students, while Joseph P. King Jr. Middle is the smallest with 164.

Relocate Near Centralized Town Schools

For those prioritizing a close-knit town school environment, Franklin City offers an accessible and consolidated district. Exploring residential options near these centrally located schools can simplify the daily commute for local families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin city

via RiskByCounty

Franklin city has very low disaster risk

Franklin city's composite risk score of 7.54 places it firmly in the very low category—only one-fifth of Virginia's state average of 33.27. The small city's urban footprint and hazard geography combine to create one of the state's safer communities.

Franklin city ranks among Virginia's safest

With a composite score of 7.54 compared to the state average of 33.27, Franklin city is one of the state's lowest-risk jurisdictions. The city's compact size and inland position provide substantial protection from multiple hazard categories.

Franklin city is slightly lower-risk than neighbors

Franklin city's 7.54 score matches Fredericksburg city (8.71) and sits below Fluvanna (13.49) and Franklin County (42.72). The two cities benefit from similar urban characteristics that reduce composite hazard exposure.

Hurricane risk dominates the threat profile

Franklin city's one notable vulnerability is hurricane risk (78.85)—among the highest in Virginia—despite its inland location, reflecting exposure to tropical moisture and remnant systems. Earthquake (36.55) and tornado (19.91) risks remain low, while flood (16.60) and wildfire (2.07) are minimal.

Hurricane preparedness takes priority here

Franklin city residents should focus hurricane preparation efforts—ensuring insurance covers wind damage and verifying policy limits before storm season. Given the city's exceptionally low flood and wildfire risks, standard homeowners coverage is generally sufficient for other hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Franklin city

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Data Currently Unavailable

There is currently no Safe Drinking Water Act compliance data or health violation history available for Franklin city. This lacks the standard 5-year lookback signal typically provided for Virginia counties and cities. Residents should consult their local annual consumer confidence report for specific water quality details.

Local Water Bodies Await Federal Assessment

Water bodies within Franklin city are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment of impaired waters. This means there is no current percentage of impaired streams or identified contaminant causes for this jurisdiction. The city's watershed health remains unclassified in the most recent reporting cycles.

Single Monitoring Site Tracks Heavy Metals

Only one monitoring site is active within the city, recording 81 measurements over the past five years. These records primarily track inorganic materials, metals, and physical water properties. While limited, this data provides the only available federal window into the city's water chemistry.

No Active USGS Gauges in Franklin City

There are no active USGS streamgages currently tracking real-time discharge within the city limits. This lack of live data makes it difficult to assess current flow conditions relative to historical norms. The absence of a representative gauge shifts the focus back to monitoring local utility reports.

Practice Caution Due to Limited Monitoring Data

With no compliance grade and no watershed assessment, residents should rely on local city government alerts for water safety. The presence of inorganic and metal monitoring suggests an awareness of industrial or natural mineral factors in the area. Until more federal data is available, annual utility reports remain the most reliable source of information.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin city

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth in Franklin City

Franklin City earns a lawn difficulty score of 58.3, outperforming both the national median and the Virginia state average. While specific hardiness zone data is unavailable, the local climate supports healthy, vibrant turf for urban residents.

Warm Summers and Plentiful Rain

The city receives 49.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly 4 inches more than the state average. This extra water helps mitigate the impact of the 37 extreme heat days that occur during the warm Virginia summers.

Essential Soil Testing Needed

Specific data on soil pH and texture is currently limited for this city area. Homeowners should perform a professional soil test to determine the exact needs for lime and fertilizer before starting a new lawn project.

Short Drought Cycles

The city saw only 10 weeks of drought in the past year, though the entire area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Using smart irrigation controllers can help manage water use effectively during these dry intervals.

Choosing the Right Grass

Given the warm temperatures and 37 heat days, warm-season grasses like Bermuda or St. Augustine are excellent candidates for this city climate. Consult with a local nursery to time your planting, as specific frost dates are not recorded for this urban center.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin city's county score?
Franklin city, Virginia has a composite county score of 35.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Franklin city rank among counties in Virginia?
Franklin city ranks #124 among all counties in Virginia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Franklin city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Franklin city is $1,677, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Franklin city a tax score of 58.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin city?
The median household income in Franklin city, Virginia is $65,125 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin city earns an income score of 55/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin city, Virginia a good place to live?
Franklin city scores 35.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #124 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Franklin city is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Franklin city with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.