countyscore
55.5
County Score
Property Tax 96.9Cost of Living 89Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Alabama

Franklin exceeds national livability baseline

Franklin County's composite score of 55.6 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 56th percentile nationally. It represents a moderately livable county relative to typical U.S. counties.

Upper-middle tier within Alabama

Franklin's score of 55.6 tops Alabama's state average of 52.9, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 67 counties. It's among the more competitively livable regions statewide.

Low taxes, affordability, and good schools

Franklin impresses with a tax score of 96.9 (effective rate 0.338%) and cost score of 89.0, combined with a respectable school score of 57.6. Median rent of $667/month and home values of $128,000 enhance overall value.

Limited income growth and health services

Income score of 17.6 reflects modest median household income of $51,493, and health score of 16.0 suggests limited health infrastructure. These gaps constrain overall livability despite strong affordability.

Ideal for budget-conscious families seeking education

Franklin County suits families prioritizing school quality and low costs over high incomes or comprehensive health services. It's a solid choice for middle-income households valuing affordability and educational opportunity.

Score breakdown

Tax96.9Cost89Safety27.3Health16Schools57.6Income17.6Risk32.3Water86Weather65.3
🏛96.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨21.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Franklin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Franklin County

via TaxByCounty

Franklin's tax rate mirrors the national median

Franklin County's effective tax rate of 0.338% aligns closely with the national median, meaning homeowners here face a typical American tax burden relative to property values. The national median property tax is $2,690 annually, while Franklin residents pay $432—lower in absolute dollars due to the county's median home value of $128,000, well below the national figure.

Franklin matches Alabama's statewide average

At 0.338%, Franklin County's effective tax rate is virtually identical to Alabama's state average of 0.339%, positioning the county firmly in the middle of the state's 67 counties. The median property tax of $432 is below the state median of $511, reflecting Franklin's below-average home values.

Franklin's rate is moderate among peers

Franklin's 0.338% rate matches DeKalb exactly and exceeds Elmore (0.264%) and Fayette (0.286%), while falling below Escambia (0.395%), Etowah (0.364%), and Greene (0.488%). For north-central Alabama, Franklin offers a competitive tax environment.

Median Franklin home costs $432 yearly

On a median home value of $128,000, Franklin property owners pay approximately $432 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $568 when including county fees, while those owning outright pay around $324.

Franklin homeowners may be overassessed

If your property tax bill seems steep relative to comparable homes, an appeal could help—many Alabama homeowners are overassessed. File a free reassessment request with your county assessor to verify your home's value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin's rents align with southern affordability

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% beats Alabama's state average of 18.0%, and monthly rents of $667 run $132 below state median. With median household income of $51,493, Franklin delivers better-than-typical affordability for a county ranking below the national income average of $74,755.

Above-average affordability statewide

Franklin's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it among the state's stronger markets for rental affordability. The county demonstrates that moderate incomes and controlled rents can work in tandem to ease housing burden.

Solid middle ground among comparable counties

Franklin's $667 rent and 15.5% ratio split the difference between Fayette's exceptional 14.7% and Etowah's strained 18.3%. At $51,493 median income, Franklin sits comfortably between lower-income Escambia ($44,447) and higher-income Elmore ($75,553).

Balanced housing costs for renters and owners

Renters spend $667/month (15.5% of income) while homeowners average $570/month on properties valued at $128,000. Total housing costs consume roughly one-third of household income, maintaining reasonable affordability across both rental and ownership paths.

Franklin suits relocators seeking balanced options

Franklin County works well for households earning $50,000–$52,000 who want affordability without the lowest-cost tradeoffs of rural markets. Compare Franklin's 15.5% rent ratio and $667 monthly rent to neighbors Fayette (14.7%) and DeKalb (16.0%) to fine-tune your relocation choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin income gap reflects rural trends

Franklin County's median household income of $51,493 falls 31% below the national median of $74,755. This $23,262 annual gap is typical of rural Alabama counties competing in a service-driven national economy.

Slightly below Alabama average

Franklin's $51,493 median income trails Alabama's state average of $54,196 by 5%, ranking it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Franklin households earn about $2,700 less per year than the typical Alabama resident.

Modest advantage over nearby peers

Franklin's $51,493 edges ahead of Fayette County ($50,733) and DeKalb County ($51,149) but trails Elmore County ($75,553) by $24,060. Franklin sits in the middle of its regional income spectrum.

Reasonable rental and home costs

Franklin's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio signals strong housing affordability for renters. Median home values of $128,000 represent roughly 2.5 years of median household income, remaining accessible for most qualified buyers.

Build incrementally on solid footing

Franklin residents earning $51,493 should maximize employer 401(k) matches and establish automatic monthly transfers to savings accounts. With low housing-cost burdens, even modest investment amounts accumulate meaningfully toward retirement and long-term wealth goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Franklin County Safety Under National Levels

Franklin County reports 1,761.9 crimes per 100K, maintaining a safety score of 97.2. This rate remains significantly better than the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Aligning With Alabama Safety Norms

The county's safety score of 97.2 is nearly identical to the state average of 97.3. Total crime rates also track closely with Alabama's average of 1,731 incidents per 100K residents.

Higher Crime Than Eastern Neighbors

Franklin County sees over 1,000 more crimes per 100K than DeKalb County to the east. Local totals are driven by 4 reporting agencies handling roughly 1,762 incidents per 100K residents.

Property Crime Is Primary Concern

Property crime accounts for 1,487.0 incidents per 100K, representing the bulk of local law enforcement activity. Violent crime is 274.9 per 100K, staying below national averages.

Stay Vigilant to Curb Theft

Preventing property crime is key in Franklin County, where most incidents occur. Using well-lit driveways and home security systems helps protect residents and their belongings.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

Franklin's life expectancy moderately below national

At 71.5 years, Franklin's life expectancy matches the U.S. average exactly. Yet one in four residents (25.5%) report poor or fair health, suggesting many live with chronic disease despite reaching average age.

Slightly below Alabama, with insurance gaps

Franklin's 71.5-year life expectancy is 0.6 years below Alabama's 72.1-year state average. At 13.7% uninsured, the county exceeds the state average of 11.1% by 2.6 percentage points—one of the highest uninsured rates in this set.

Middle-tier outcomes among surrounding counties

Franklin residents live longer than those in Escambia, Etowah, Fayette, and Geneva, but 3.1 years less than Elmore. The county's high uninsured rate sets it apart negatively among its regional peers.

High uninsured rate, limited mental health care

Franklin's 13.7% uninsured rate is among the highest in this county set, leaving many without coverage for preventive care. The county has just 41 primary care providers and only 16 mental health providers per 100,000—both below optimal levels.

Get insured to close care gaps

Franklin's 13.7% uninsured rate means thousands lack access to preventive services. Explore marketplace plans, Medicaid, and employer options at healthcare.gov—coverage is the first step to better health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Public School Framework

Franklin County supports 15 public schools serving 6,251 students across two school districts. The infrastructure includes five elementary schools, one middle school, and six high schools that serve as local community hubs.

Outperforming State Standards

The county's 94.7% graduation rate significantly exceeds the Alabama state average of 90.7%. Educators achieve these results with an investment of $6,705 per student, resulting in a composite school score of 55.4.

Focus on Franklin and Russellville

The Franklin County district serves 3,637 students, while the Russellville City district manages an additional 2,614. No charter schools exist in the county, meaning students attend these local, traditional public institutions.

Rural Landscapes and Town Hubs

With 10 schools in rural areas and five in town settings, the county offers a quintessential Alabama school experience. Russellville High is the largest campus with 740 students, though the average school size across the county is a modest 481.

Invest in a Franklin County Home

High graduation rates and a solid academic score of 55.4 make Franklin County a smart move for education-minded families. Explore residential listings in Russellville or near Tharptown to find your place in this high-achieving community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin's Risk Moderately Above Average

Franklin County scores 67.72 with a Relatively Low rating, running slightly above the national average due to elevated tornado and earthquake exposure. The county's geographic position exposes it to multiple hazard types that demand year-round awareness.

Moderate Risk Within Alabama

At 67.72, Franklin's composite score exceeds Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it in the moderate-risk tier statewide. The county's 93.16 tornado risk ranks among the state's highest, while earthquake exposure at 83.08 reflects its mountain proximity.

Higher Risk Than Most Nearby Counties

Franklin's 67.72 score surpasses safer neighbors like Fayette (38.17) and Geneva (53.37) but trails the highest-risk counties like Etowah (87.34) and DeKalb (80.38). Its tornado risk of 93.16 aligns it with Alabama's most tornado-prone northeast region.

Tornadoes and Earthquakes Pose Major Threats

Tornado risk at 93.16 makes spring and fall severe weather Franklin's primary concern, putting the county near the top statewide for tornado exposure. Earthquakes at 83.08 represent Franklin's secondary hazard, reflecting the county's location near the Cumberland Plateau seismic zone.

Prepare for Tornadoes and Ground Shaking

Franklin residents should prioritize wind insurance and consider adding earthquake coverage given the county's above-average seismic activity. A basement safe room or reinforced shelter offers critical protection during tornado season, and securing heavy furniture to walls helps mitigate earthquake damage to the home's contents and structure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Temperatures and High Moisture

Franklin County's 60.5°F average annual temperature sits about 6 degrees above the national median. It receives 57.7 inches of precipitation per year, far exceeding the moisture levels of most U.S. counties.

The Cooler Side of Alabama

Franklin is nearly 3 degrees cooler than the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. Its precipitation of 57.7 inches almost perfectly aligns with the state's average of 57.4 inches.

Coolest in the Region

Franklin is notably cooler than Fayette (62.1°F) and much milder than Geneva (65.4°F). It experiences the fewest extreme heat days in this group, with only 49 days per year.

Short Winters and Moderate Heat

Winter temperatures average 43.1°F, bringing 0.6 inches of annual snowfall. Summer is warm but less intense than the rest of the state, with 49 days over 90°F and a July average of 79.0°F.

Prepare for Rainy Springs

High annual rainfall of 57.7 inches requires residents to maintain reliable storm drainage. Since summer is relatively mild for Alabama, outdoor activities are more manageable than in hotter southern counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foundations in Northwest Alabama

Franklin County soils maintain an average pH of 5.09, placing them below both state and national benchmarks. This acidic profile is typical for the region but requires careful monitoring for sensitive crops. The overall soil score of 21.2 is nearly identical to the Alabama state average.

Balanced Sand and Silt Mix

The physical makeup is 46.0% sand, 33.9% silt, and 17.6% clay. This relatively even distribution provides a soil that is structurally sound yet easy for roots to penetrate. The clay content is high enough to offer some nutrient buffering compared to purely sandy regions.

Reliable Moisture for Growing Crops

Organic matter is slightly low at 1.60%, trailing the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is a strong 0.147 in/in, which is better than the state average of 0.138. This makes the soil more drought-resilient, helping local farmers maintain yields during dry spells.

Franklin County's Hydrologic Profile

Official drainage class data is not currently recorded, but the high available water capacity indicates a soil that absorbs and holds rain well. The balanced texture usually suggests moderate drainage that isn't excessively fast or slow. Site-specific assessment is best for planning large construction projects or ponds.

Cooler Climates in Zone 7b

Franklin County is slightly cooler than its southern neighbors, falling into Hardiness Zone 7b. This climate is ideal for apples, berries, and a wide variety of cool-weather vegetables. Utilize the high water retention to start a garden that stays hydrated even in the July heat.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Franklin County's Cooler Zone Advantage

With a lawn score of 38.0, Franklin County is significantly easier to maintain than the state average of 29.5. As the only county in this set in hardiness zone 7b, it offers a unique environment for both warm and cool-season grasses.

Lower Heat Stress in Northern Alabama

Franklin experiences only 49 extreme heat days per year, providing a much cooler environment than the state average of 64. The 57.7 inches of annual rain is typical for Alabama but requires mindful drainage management.

Acidic Soil Levels in Franklin

The soil pH of 5.09 is below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, necessitating regular testing and lime treatments. With a 46.0% sand and 17.6% clay mix, the soil provides a moderate foundation for most residential turf types.

Managing Moderate Drought Patterns

Franklin spent just 10 weeks in drought last year, though the entire county is currently designated as abnormally dry. Focus on evening watering to minimize evaporation during the 4887 annual growing degree days.

A Versatile Zone for Different Grasses

The 7b zone allows for Tall Fescue or Bermuda grass depending on your preference for summer versus winter color. Your primary growing window opens after the final frost on April 5 and lasts until November 4.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Alabama has a composite county score of 55.5 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 County rank among counties in Alabama?
Franklin County ranks #28 among all counties in Alabama 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 County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $432, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 96.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Alabama is $51,493 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 17.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Alabama a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 55.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Franklin County 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 County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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