countyscore
52.4
County Score
Property Tax 85.4Cost of Living 83.9Weather & Climate 62.4

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Arkansas

Franklin County exceeds national median

Franklin County's composite score of 52.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 57th percentile nationally. The county ranks above average on livability compared to U.S. counties overall.

One of Arkansas's stronger performers

At 52.4, Franklin County outperforms the Arkansas state average of 47.9, placing it in the top third of the state's counties. The county represents one of Arkansas's better livability choices.

Excellent tax efficiency and housing affordability

Franklin County excels with a tax score of 85.4 and effective rate of 0.503%, combined with a cost score of 83.9. The median home value of $118,800 and rent at $717/month ensure housing remains accessible.

Income opportunity and health services lag

Franklin County's income score of 18.4 reflects limited earnings potential, with median household income of $51,919. Health infrastructure (26.6) also lags behind comparable counties, suggesting fewer medical resources.

Ideal for cost-conscious families with stable jobs

Franklin County suits families seeking affordable housing and low taxes without requiring strong local job markets. It works best for households with established employment or remote work arrangements, prioritizing financial efficiency over economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

Tax85.4Cost83.9Safety26.7Health26.6Schools52.6Income18.4Risk50.6Water25.1Weather62.4
🏛85.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧25.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.6
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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Nearby counties

Crawford County
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43.7
Logan County
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48.5
Sebastian County
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35.1
Johnson County
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Madison County
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Scott County
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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 County taxes rank among nation's lowest

Franklin County's effective tax rate of 0.503% places it well below the national median tax burden, with median annual taxes of $598 compared to the national median of $2,690. Property owners here enjoy exceptional affordability by national standards.

Slightly below Arkansas average

At 0.503%, Franklin County's effective rate runs about 5.5% below the Arkansas state average of 0.532%, positioning it in the lower-middle tier statewide. The median tax of $598 sits below the state median of $705, offering moderate savings.

Favorable rates in northwest context

Franklin County's 0.503% rate sits between Crawford County (0.532%) and Drew County (0.448%), offering competitive affordability in its region. With median home values of $118,800, Franklin balances reasonable property costs with a favorable tax rate.

Median Franklin County home costs $598 yearly

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $118,800 pays approximately $598 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill may climb to $764; without one, it falls to $538.

Challenge your assessment if needed

Franklin County homeowners should verify their assessed values match recent market comparable sales in the area. If your property is assessed above fair market value, a formal appeal to the county assessor could reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin County's solid affordability

Franklin County delivers a 16.6% rent-to-income ratio—better than the national standard and competitive with Arkansas' best-performing counties. The median household income of $51,919 pairs with modest median rent of $717 monthly, creating genuine housing accessibility for working families.

Above-average for Arkansas

Franklin County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio beats Arkansas' state average of 18.1%, ranking among the state's more affordable counties. The combination of reasonable income levels and low rents makes this county a bright spot in the region.

Competitive balance between income and cost

Franklin County's median rent of $717 is lower than Crawford ($828) and Crittenden ($883) but slightly higher than Dallas ($626) and Desha ($689). The median household income of $51,919 positions Franklin well above the lowest-income counties, creating a balanced affordability profile.

Affordable housing, reasonable income

Renters spend $717 monthly on a $51,919 median household income—just 16.6%—while homeowners pay $589 monthly (13.6%) for properties valued at $118,800. Franklin County households enjoy the second-best rent-to-income ratio in the comparison group while maintaining healthy income levels.

Franklin County rewards smart movers

If you're seeking genuine affordability without sacrificing income potential, Franklin County offers one of the region's best balances. A household earning $52,000 annually would spend approximately $717 monthly on rent—leaving substantial resources for savings and quality-of-life investments.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin County near state average income

Franklin County's median household income of $51,919 sits just slightly above Arkansas's state average of $51,156, making it representative of typical Arkansas counties. It trails the national median of $74,755 by $22,836—a 31% gap reflecting broader state economic conditions.

Franklin matches Arkansas median performance

Franklin County's income places it near the state average, neither leading nor significantly trailing peer counties. This middle position reflects a moderately diverse local economy.

Franklin outpaces lower-income neighbors

Franklin's $51,919 exceeds Cross County ($47,012), Dallas ($44,694), Drew ($41,071), and Desha ($36,064), but trails Crawford ($60,362) and Faulkner ($65,071). Its position as a bridge county reflects mixed economic prospects.

Housing affordability remains reasonable here

At 16.6%, Franklin's rent-to-income ratio falls comfortably below the 30% threshold, allowing households discretion in budgeting. Median home values of $118,800 keep homeownership within reach for median-earning families with modest down payments.

Steady saving builds Franklin family wealth

Franklin families should establish consistent monthly savings targets and invest in employer retirement plans as the foundation for wealth building. With reasonable housing costs, even $200-$300 monthly automated transfers create substantial long-term nest eggs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Franklin County Is One of the Safest

Franklin County boasts an exceptional safety score of 97.2, far exceeding national averages. Its total crime rate of 1,783.2 is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5. This makes it a standout community for those seeking peace and security.

Beating the Arkansas Safety Average

The county's safety score of 97.2 is nearly a full point higher than the Arkansas average of 96.3. With a total crime rate well below the state average of 2,326.8, Franklin is a regional leader in public safety. Four local agencies maintain this high standard of living.

Safer than Neighbors to the West

Franklin County is notably safer than neighboring Crawford County, which has a crime rate of 2,350.1. Residents here enjoy nearly 25% less crime than those in the adjacent county. This safety advantage is a key feature of the Franklin County community.

Low Property Crime with Notable Violent Stats

The property crime rate of 1,142.2 is remarkably low, nearly half the national average. However, the violent crime rate of 641.0 is higher than the national 369.8. This suggests that while theft is rare, physical incidents are more prevalent than the national norm.

Maintaining Your Peace in Franklin

Because property crime is so low, maintaining a secure home helps preserve Franklin's excellent safety score. Being aware of your surroundings can help address the slightly elevated violent crime statistics. Community connection remains the county's greatest safety asset.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

Franklin County life expectancy matches nation

At 72.3 years, Franklin County residents live nearly exactly at the U.S. average of 72.5 years, placing the county in the middle of the American health landscape. However, 26.0% report poor or fair health, exceeding the national average of 18%.

Franklin matches Arkansas average

Franklin County's 72.3-year life expectancy exactly matches Arkansas's state average, placing it at the state median. The 26.0% poor/fair health rate is slightly above the state median.

Mid-range performance in region

Franklin County's 72.3-year life expectancy matches Crawford County's but lags Faulkner County (75.7 years) and exceeds Crittenden County (69.2 years). With 35 primary care providers per 100,000, access is moderate, though the county has notably low mental health provider density at just 23 per 100,000.

Uninsured rate near state average

Franklin County's 9.5% uninsured rate is near the state average, meaning approximately 1 in 11 residents lack coverage. Primary care access at 35 providers per 100,000 is adequate, but mental health provider availability at 23 per 100,000 is notably sparse—well below state and regional peers.

Get covered and find support

Nearly 1 in 10 Franklin County residents remain uninsured, and mental health provider shortages add to access challenges. Visit Healthcare.gov to secure coverage and explore community health resources that can connect you to both physical and mental healthcare.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Coordinated Education in Franklin County

Franklin County operates eight public schools across three districts, serving a total of 3,099 students. The system is balanced with four elementary, two middle, and two high schools.

Exceptional Graduation and Competitive Scores

Franklin County achieves a 95.1% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state and far above the 87.0% national average. The school score of 54.2 also beats the state average of 51.9, supported by $6,071 in per-pupil spending.

Ozark District Anchors Local Education

Ozark School District is the largest provider with four schools and 1,777 students, followed by Charleston with 889 students. The county utilizes a traditional public school model with zero charter schools currently in operation.

Rural Roots with Centralized High Schools

The county's schools are split between five rural and three town locations, with an average school size of 387 students. Ozark High School is the largest campus in the county, serving 700 students in grades 8 through 12.

Discover Top-Tier Schools in Franklin County

With graduation rates near the top of the state, Franklin County is a premier choice for education-focused homebuyers. Look for properties within the Ozark or Charleston districts to benefit from this track record of academic success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin ranks moderately on national scale

Franklin County's composite risk of 49.40 places it in the Relatively Low category, slightly below the national average. However, wildfire risk at 82.54 and tornado risk at 64.82 indicate meaningful disaster exposure in specific hazard types.

Below Arkansas state average

Franklin's 49.40 score falls below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, positioning it in the lower-risk half of state counties. Wildfire exposure is the primary driver of the county's above-average risk relative to some neighboring counties.

Much safer than Crawford County

Franklin County's 49.40 score is substantially lower than neighboring Crawford County's 71.60, a 22-point difference driven primarily by Crawford's extreme wildfire risk (91.06 vs. 82.54). Franklin faces notable fire threats but enjoys lower overall hazard exposure.

Wildfire and tornado are main threats

Wildfire risk at 82.54 is Franklin's dominant hazard, reflecting the county's forested landscape and fire-prone conditions during dry seasons. Tornado risk at 64.82 poses a secondary but significant seasonal threat during spring storms.

Prioritize wildfire and wind coverage

Franklin residents should secure specialized wildfire insurance or ensure their homeowners policy explicitly includes fire coverage, as standard policies often exclude wildfire damage. Add comprehensive wind and hail riders for tornado protection, and maintain defensible space by clearing brush and dead trees within 30 feet of structures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

Franklin County Stays Above National Median

The annual average temperature here is 60.2°F, which is higher than the national median of 54°F. This reflects a mild, temperate climate with significant seasonal variation.

Aligning Closely with Arkansas State Averages

Franklin County’s 60.2°F average is very close to the state average of 61.0°F. Its annual precipitation of 52.2 inches also mirrors the state average of 52.4 inches almost perfectly.

A Central Climate Shared with Faulkner

The county’s 60.2°F average is nearly identical to Faulkner County’s 59.9°F. Both counties represent the mid-range of Arkansas temperatures, being warmer than Fulton but cooler than Drew.

Significant Heat and Chilly Januarys

The area experiences 62 extreme heat days annually, peaking with a July average of 80.8°F. January is the coldest month at 38.3°F, though specific snowfall data for the county is currently unavailable.

Standard Central Arkansas Weather Planning

Residents should plan for 62 days of high heat with reliable indoor cooling. Since annual rainfall is steady at 52.2 inches, maintaining good landscape drainage is important for homeowners.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

Rugged Ultisols with high acidity

Franklin County soils are primarily Ultisols with a low average pH of 5.41. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and falls below the state average of 5.56. These highly weathered soils are typical of the Ozark foothills and require careful nutrient management.

Stony loams with high sand content

The dominant texture is stony fine sandy loam, featuring 48.2% sand, 36.9% silt, and 14.9% clay. This gritty composition ensures excellent aeration and makes the soil easy to till, though rocks may present a physical challenge. The high sand content helps prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Typical water capacity for the region

Available water capacity is 0.143 in/in, nearly matching the state average of 0.148 in/in. Organic matter levels are 1.83%, which is common for these upland soils but below the state's 4.15% benchmark. To ensure high yields, gardeners should focus on building up organic layers over time.

Efficient drainage for healthy roots

Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, these soils offer moderate infiltration rates. This is ideal for most plants as it prevents water from sitting around the root zone for too long. These characteristics make Franklin County well-suited for building sites and orchards.

Orchards thrive in zone 8a

Franklin County’s 8a hardiness zone and well-drained sandy loams are perfect for peaches and grapes. The county has a long history of viticulture and fruit production thanks to this specific soil-climate combination. Plant your own backyard orchard today to take advantage of these favorable conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in Franklin County

Franklin County scores a 42.6 for lawn difficulty, making it easier to maintain turf here than in most other Arkansas counties. While it remains more challenging than the national median of 50.0, it is a high performer for the Zone 8a hardiness region.

Standard Heat with Ample Rain

Annual precipitation of 52.2 inches provides plenty of water, though the 62 days of extreme heat will still test a lawn's resilience. The 4,930 growing degree days allow for a robust growing season that starts in late March.

Sandy Loam and pH Management

The soil is a stony fine sandy loam with 48.2% sand, which offers excellent drainage but low nutrient retention. With a pH of 5.41, you will need to supplement with lime to reach the ideal 6.0 range for healthy turf growth.

Maintaining Stability During Dry Spells

While 100% of the county is abnormally dry, it has only faced 12 weeks of drought in the past year, faring better than its southern neighbors. Focus on maintaining a healthy root system through deep watering to prepare for more intense future droughts.

Planting Around Frost Dates

With the last frost on March 30 and the first frost on November 6, you have a solid window for warm-season grass establishment. The well-drained sandy loam is perfect for Bermudagrass, provided you manage the soil's natural acidity.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 52.4 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 Arkansas?
Franklin County ranks #22 among all counties in Arkansas 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, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $598, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 85.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Arkansas is $51,919 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 18.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 52.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Arkansas. 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.