CountyScore

Franklin County

Arkansas · AR

#27 in Arkansas
71.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Arkansas

Franklin ranks solidly above national livability median

Franklin County's composite score of 71.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 43rd percentile nationally. It demonstrates solid competitive livability standing relative to U.S. counties overall.

Slightly above Arkansas state average

With a score of 71.5, Franklin County exceeds Arkansas's state average of 70.3, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. It ranks among Arkansas's better-performing communities.

Tax efficiency and housing affordability lead the way

Franklin County excels with a tax score of 88.1 (0.503% effective rate) and cost score of 86.7, delivering affordable median rents of $717 and homes at $118,800. Tax burden and housing costs are among the state's most favorable.

Modest incomes and moderate risk exposure

The county's income score of 17.3 reflects a median household income of $51,919, below several peers, while a risk score of 50.6 indicates moderate environmental or economic vulnerabilities. Health outcomes (59.7) are adequate but not exceptional.

Suits budget-aware families avoiding big cities

Franklin County appeals to families seeking balanced affordability and low taxes without the highest incomes or amenities. It's an attractive middle-ground for those wanting rural living with reasonable cost of living.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax88.1Cost86.7SafetyComing SoonHealth59.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome17.3Risk50.6WaterComing Soon
🏛88.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡50.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Franklin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bullock County
Alabama
71.5
Median income: $36,723
Cherokee County
Alabama
71.5
Median income: $50,769
Bradley County
Arkansas
71.5
Median income: $39,565
Fulton County
Arkansas
71.5
Median income: $38,941
Ouachita County
Arkansas
71.5
Median income: $49,838

Deep Dives

Franklin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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