countyscore
55
County Score
Safety 97.5Property Tax 72.2Disaster Risk 53.5

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Florida

Franklin Beats National Livability Average

Franklin's composite score of 55.0 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half nationally and outperforming Florida's state average of 45.1. The county stands out as one of Florida's better-performing markets overall.

Top Performer in Florida's County Rankings

Franklin ranks among Florida's best counties for livability, substantially above the state average and representing strong performance across multiple dimensions. Its above-average composite score reflects solid fundamentals in key quality-of-life areas.

Safety and Tax Efficiency Are Exceptional

Franklin's most impressive score is safety at 97.5, indicating an exceptionally secure community—among the safest in the state. The county also shines with a tax score of 72.2 (effective rate 0.618%) and surprising affordability, with median home values of $254,300 and rents at just $1,044 monthly.

Health and School Systems Need Support

Health (30.5) and schools (32.3) are Franklin's weakest dimensions, suggesting residents may need to seek specialized care or education services outside the county. Water quality (27.4) and income levels (47.4) also present opportunities for improvement.

Perfect for Safety-Conscious Budget Seekers

Franklin is an excellent fit for families and retirees prioritizing safety and affordability over urban amenities and top-tier schools. Those seeking a tight-knit, low-crime community with reasonable housing costs and favorable taxes will find Franklin appealing—though healthcare and education planning is advised.

Score breakdown

Tax72.2Cost44.4Safety97.5Health30.5Schools32.3Income47.4Risk53.5Water27.4Weather34.1
🏛72.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠44.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓32.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡53.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨28.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.6
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

Wakulla County
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55.5
Gulf County
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Liberty County
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53.4
Calhoun County
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Leon 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's tax rate is well below average

Franklin County's effective tax rate of 0.618% sits 15% below Florida's state average of 0.731% and significantly below the national median. The median property tax of $1,572 is substantially lower than the national median of $2,690, giving Franklin residents a real tax advantage.

Among Florida's lowest-tax counties

Franklin ranks in the bottom quarter of Florida counties for property tax burden at just 0.618% effective rate. Its median tax of $1,572 is 17% below the state average of $1,885, making it one of the most affordable counties in Florida.

Cheaper taxes than Flagler and Gulf

Franklin County's 0.618% rate beats both Flagler (0.788%) and Gulf County (0.566%) slightly, but Franklin pays less total tax due to lower home values. A median-valued home here costs $254,300—lower than Flagler's $333,400—resulting in one of the region's most affordable tax bills.

Median home: just $1,572 in annual taxes

A homeowner in Franklin County with a median-valued $254,300 home pays roughly $1,572 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill is $1,619; without one, it drops to $1,535—among the lowest in the state.

Appeal your assessment if values shifted

Even in low-tax Franklin County, properties can be overassessed relative to current market conditions. If your home's assessed value hasn't moved in several years while neighborhood sales dropped, a Value Adjustment Board appeal could free up hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin keeps housing affordable

Franklin County residents spend just 20% of income on rent, well below the national affordability threshold and lower than most U.S. counties. With a median household income of $62,734 and rent at $1,044 monthly, Franklin offers one of Florida's most balanced housing markets.

Franklin leads Florida affordability

At 20% rent-to-income, Franklin ranks among Florida's most affordable counties, beating the state average of 22.5% by a meaningful margin. The county's $1,044 median rent falls $189 below the state median, marking Franklin as a rare affordability bright spot in Florida's housing landscape.

Franklin's rental advantage

Franklin County's $1,044 rent is the lowest among its comparable peers, undershooting Gadsden ($792 in a poorer county), Gulf ($1,161), and Flagler ($1,687) significantly. This combination of low rent and reasonable income makes Franklin especially attractive for budget-conscious renters seeking coastal access.

Franklin's balanced budget

Renters spend $1,044 monthly from a $62,734 median household income, leaving 80% of earnings for taxes, food, utilities, and savings. Homeowners encounter median monthly costs of $737 (14.1% of income), with a median home value of $254,300 that rewards both investors and families.

Franklin: Florida's hidden affordability

If you're relocating to Florida without coastal luxury demands, Franklin County delivers genuine affordability rarely found in the state. The county's below-average housing burden leaves more room in your budget for building wealth and enjoying the Gulf Coast lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin's income lags national benchmark

Franklin County's median household income of $62,734 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $12,000, placing it below the U.S. average. The county's per capita income of $33,893 also falls short of national figures, reflecting a more modest earning structure.

Moderate earner within Florida

Franklin's median household income of $62,734 sits about 4.2% below Florida's state average of $65,468, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of Florida counties. The county's per capita income of $33,893 exceeds the state average of $35,698, suggesting more balanced earnings distribution despite lower overall incomes.

Franklin competes with Gulf Coast counties

Franklin's $62,734 median household income aligns closely with other small Gulf Coast counties like Gilchrist ($61,070) but trails Gulf County ($67,361). The county's earnings reflect its rural, coastal economy where income growth has been steady but modest compared to faster-developing regions.

Excellent housing affordability advantage

Franklin's rent-to-income ratio of 20.0% is among the lowest in Florida, well below the 30% affordability threshold, making housing costs highly manageable. A median home value of $254,300 paired with lower household incomes creates genuine affordability for residents who can access stable employment.

Maximize savings with low housing costs

Franklin's low housing burden leaves households more money for savings, investing, and building wealth compared to higher-cost counties. Focus on stabilizing income through skill development and exploring side income opportunities to accelerate financial progress.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Franklin County Records Minimal Crime Statistics

The county reports a perfect safety score of 100.0, with a crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents. This drastically deviates from the national average of 2,385.5, reflecting an exceptionally quiet reporting year.

Surpassing State Averages in Florida

Franklin sits above the state average safety score of 98.4 due to its lack of reported incidents. Nine agencies contribute to this data, showcasing a secure profile compared to the Florida average of 1,027.9.

Franklin vs. Neighboring Districts

While nearby counties may face typical crime trends, Franklin maintains a statistically silent profile. The absence of reported crimes makes it a notable outlier in regional safety comparisons.

Understanding the Lack of Crime Data

Both violent and property crime rates stand at 0.0 per 100,000, suggesting a very safe environment. Residents should acknowledge these figures represent specific reports submitted by nine local agencies.

Maintaining Community Vigilance

Even with zero reported crimes, staying proactive about home safety remains a smart choice. Simple measures like outdoor lighting ensure neighborhoods stay as safe as the data suggests.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

Franklin's health lags U.S. benchmarks

At 75.1 years, Franklin County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years by a full year. One in five residents (20.5%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national average of 17.8%.

Challenges persist below state average

Franklin's 75.1-year life expectancy falls short of Florida's state average of 75.8 years, and its uninsured rate of 19.7% is significantly higher than the state's 14.4%. These gaps point to structural healthcare access challenges in the county.

Struggling compared to regional peers

Franklin's 75.1-year life expectancy ranks below Gulf County (74.3 years) and Gilchrist County (74.9 years), and its 19.7% uninsured rate is the highest among these eight counties. Mental health providers are relatively abundant at 103 per 100,000, but primary care access remains limited at 32 per 100,000.

Primary care access thinly stretched

Franklin has just 32 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in this group—making routine care harder to access. With nearly one in five residents uninsured, affordability compounds the challenge of connecting people to the limited provider base.

Getting covered improves your options

Franklin's nearly 20% uninsured rate means thousands lack access to preventive care and routine check-ups that catch problems early. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find an affordable plan—it's the first step toward better health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in Rural Franklin

Franklin County manages a small-scale educational network of just 6 public schools serving 1,208 students. The system includes one elementary, one high school, and four unique 'other' category schools. This compact infrastructure is overseen by a single school district.

Challenges and Investment in Outcomes

The graduation rate currently stands at 72.0%, trailing the Florida state average of 89.8%. The county invests $7,953 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state average of $6,118 but still below national levels. Franklin's composite school score of 46.1 indicates room for academic growth relative to state benchmarks.

Franklin District and Charter Choices

The Franklin School District oversees the education of all 1,208 local students. Charter options are prominent here, with the Apalachicola Bay Charter School accounting for 16.7% of the county's schools. This charter school serves 359 students, providing a specialized alternative to the larger county school.

Small Schools in a Rural Setting

Franklin County schools feel exceptionally personal, with an average enrollment of just 302 students. Most learning happens in rural settings, though Franklin County School serves as the largest hub with 785 students. At the other end of the spectrum, the Franklin Virtual Instruction Program offers a hyper-small environment for just 8 students.

Live Near Franklin’s Coastal Schools

Prospective residents often target homes near the Apalachicola Bay area to access unique charter and community school options. The small average school size offers a level of individual attention that is hard to find in more populated counties. Consider the rural charm of Franklin when planning your move near local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin County enjoys relatively low risk

Franklin County's composite risk score of 46.53 places it well below the national average, earning a relatively low risk rating. Despite coastal exposure, the county's risk profile remains manageable compared to most U.S. counties.

Among Florida's safest counties

Franklin County's score of 46.53 sits significantly below Florida's state average of 75.74, making it one of the safer counties in the state. This favorable standing reflects lower tornado and earthquake exposure than most peers.

Lower risk than Gulf Coast neighbors

Franklin County's 46.53 score beats Gulf County (59.54) and Wakulla County, positioning it as a relative refuge on Florida's northwestern coast. However, hurricane risk of 90.49 remains substantial and demands respect.

Hurricanes and flood dominate exposure

Hurricane risk of 90.49 is Franklin's primary concern, paired with flood risk of 77.40 that reflects the county's coastal and low-lying geography. Wildfire risk of 77.64 rounds out a trio of moderate-to-high hazards.

Secure hurricane and flood insurance

Despite lower overall risk, Franklin residents should maintain windstorm/hurricane coverage given the 90.49 risk score. Flood insurance is essential, particularly for properties in coastal zones or near water bodies vulnerable to storm surge.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Gulf Coast Living

Franklin County records an annual average temperature of 69.1°F. It offers a warm climate that avoids the extreme heat of the tropics while staying well above the national average.

Cooler than Average Florida

The county's 69.1°F average is lower than the state mark of 71.1°F. Its coastal Panhandle location keeps it from reaching the high averages seen in central and south Florida.

Panhandle Climate Trends

Franklin is slightly warmer than Escambia but shares the same 81.7°F summer average. It is drier than Escambia, receiving 53.1 inches of rain compared to 63.0 inches.

Moderate Summer Heat

With only 56 extreme heat days, Franklin is one of the more comfortable counties during the Florida summer. Winter is standard for the region, averaging 55.8°F.

Ideal for Outdoor Activities

The relatively low 56 extreme heat days make this county excellent for year-round boating and fishing. Ensure your HVAC system is serviced to handle the humidity during 82.2°F July peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

High Acidity Along the Panhandle Coast

Franklin County soil is notably acidic with a pH of 4.12, falling well below the Florida average of 4.88 and the national median of 6.5. This sharp acidity defines the local ecosystem and dictates which crops can survive without heavy amendments. While taxonomic data is sparse, the chemical signature points toward a unique coastal environment.

Sand Dominates the Coastal Profile

The soil composition is 80.6% sand, 5.6% silt, and 4.2% clay. This mix creates a loose structure that is easy to dig but struggles to hold onto essential fertilizers. The slightly higher silt content compared to neighbors helps provide a marginal boost to the soil's physical texture.

Exceptional Organic Levels vs State Benchmarks

Franklin County boasts 8.11% organic matter, surpassing the state average of 8.03% and quadrupling the national average of 2.0%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is 0.102 in/in, which is slightly below the Florida average of 0.108. The fertility is high, but water moves through the profile quickly.

Navigating Rapid Water Movement

Specific drainage classes are not recorded for this county, but the 80% sand content implies rapid water movement. Gardeners should expect soil to dry out quickly after Panhandle rainstorms. Proper irrigation is essential for maintaining consistent moisture in this highly permeable environment.

Planting Success in Zone 9b

Located in Hardiness Zone 9b, Franklin County supports heat-loving plants like saw palmettos and coastal oaks. The high organic matter supports robust growth, though the 4.12 pH requires careful plant selection or lime applications. Grab a shovel and try planting blueberries, which naturally thrive in these acidic, sandy conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Low Scores Reflect Difficult Coastal Turf Management

Franklin County scores a 23.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it below the national average but slightly ahead of the state's typical 19.2. This 9b hardiness zone offers a unique set of challenges where salty air meets high-maintenance turf needs.

Ample Rainfall Meets Moderate Summer Heat

The county averages 53.1 inches of rain annually, which is just above the ideal threshold for many grass species. With 56 extreme heat days, the summer stress is lower than the Florida average of 92, though humidity remains a factor.

Extreme Soil Acidity Challenges Grass Health

The soil pH in Franklin is a very acidic 4.12, far below the optimal 6.0-7.0 range for healthy lawns. This 80.6% sandy soil lacks the natural structure to hold onto lime, making regular soil testing essential for success.

Severe Drought Persists Despite Coastal Humidity

One hundred percent of the county is currently under severe drought conditions, following 26 weeks of drought over the past year. Efficient irrigation is critical right now, as sandy soils lose moisture much faster than heavier clay blends.

Plant for Success After February Frosts

Bahia or salt-tolerant St. Augustine varieties work best here once the spring frost risk ends after February 15. The region offers a lengthy growing window, though maintenance should be timed around the first fall frost in mid-December.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Florida has a composite county score of 55 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 Florida?
Franklin County ranks #9 among all counties in Florida 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, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $1,572, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 72.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Florida is $62,734 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 47.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Florida a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 55/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Florida. 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.

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