countyscore
51.5
County Score
Cost of Living 76.7Disaster Risk 66.9Weather & Climate 63.8

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Georgia

Beating the National Livability Median

Franklin County earns a composite score of 51.5, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. This score suggests a quality of life that is slightly better than the average American county.

Above the Georgia State Average

With a score of 51.5, Franklin County outperforms the Georgia state average of 46.7. It provides a more stable livability profile than many other rural counties in the state.

Low Costs and Environmental Stability

Housing affordability is a major draw, earning a high cost score of 76.7 with median rents of just $778. The county also benefits from a low disaster risk score of 66.9.

Income and Health Outcomes Lag

Economic growth remains a hurdle, with an income score of 19.2 and a median income of $52,264. Health scores also struggle at 19.4, indicating limited access to care.

Great for Retirees and Budget Seekers

Franklin County is an excellent fit for those looking to stretch their dollars in a stable environment. It rewards residents who prioritize low living costs over high career earnings.

204060801005676.750.819.457.119.266.920.763.8Tax56Cost76.7Safety50.8Health19.4Schools57.1Income19.2Risk66.9Water20.7Weather63.851.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Franklin County DNA

Foverall

How Franklin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Franklin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (76.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (20.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
56
Cost
76.7+28.700000000000003
Safety
50.8
Health
19.4-30.6
Schools
57.1
Income
19.2-31.8
Risk
66.9+19.900000000000006
Water
20.7-37.3
Weather
63.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Franklin County?

Many homeowners in Franklin County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$160,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$778/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$160,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,264/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.4

per 100K

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

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Georgia
46.9
Hart County
Georgia
53
Banks County
Georgia
43.3
Madison County
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Oconee County
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Jackson County
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Habersham County
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Deep Dives

Franklin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Franklin County

via TaxByCounty

Franklin County offers modest tax burden

Franklin County's effective tax rate of 0.766% runs below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it in the more affordable tier of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,231 is less than half the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a low rate and modest home values.

Below-average taxes across Georgia

Franklin County ranks well below Georgia's state average effective rate of 0.898%, with its own rate of 0.766% putting homeowners in a favorable position statewide. The median tax of $1,231 is also below the state median of $1,529, making Franklin one of Georgia's more budget-friendly counties.

Among the cheapest in North Georgia

Franklin County's 0.766% rate beats Fulton County (0.892%) and Floyd County (0.804%), though it trails Gilmer County's exceptionally low 0.384%. For Northeast Georgia, Franklin offers solid tax value alongside smaller home values than neighboring Forsyth County.

Modest homes, minimal taxes

A typical Franklin County home valued at $160,600 generates $1,231 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that cost rises to roughly $1,406; without one, homeowners pay approximately $1,061.

Every dollar of savings counts

Even in lower-tax counties like Franklin, properties can be overassessed by the county appraiser, and homeowners who appeal may recover hundreds in annual savings. Georgia allows yearly assessment challenges—a quick review could determine if your property qualifies.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin offers rare affordability advantage

Franklin County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio beats the national standard, and at just $778 monthly rent, it's the cheapest rental market in this analysis. On a median income of $52,264—30% below the national median—Franklin residents enjoy genuine housing affordability.

Georgia's affordability champion

Franklin County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average of 18.6%, making it one of Georgia's most affordable counties. Renters here stretch their dollars further than most neighbors.

Franklin undercuts every regional peer

Franklin's $778 rent is $149 below state average and $194 cheaper than Gilmer County, the second-lowest in this group. This rural mountain county offers Georgia's most accessible entry point for budget-conscious renters.

Modest income supports minimal housing costs

Franklin renters allocate $778 monthly and homeowners just $587, totaling roughly 24% of the $52,264 median income toward housing. This leaves meaningful flexibility for other needs compared to higher-burden counties.

Franklin County suits downsize-and-save strategies

If you're leaving an expensive city and prioritize rock-bottom housing costs, Franklin County delivers Georgia's lowest rents without requiring high income to achieve affordability. Trade urban amenities for genuine financial breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin County trails U.S. income average

At $52,264, Franklin County's median household income falls $22,491 below the national median of $74,755—a 30% gap. This places Franklin among lower-income counties nationally, suggesting economic challenges that require targeted workforce development.

Below Georgia average income

Franklin County's $52,264 income ranks below Georgia's state median of $60,488, placing it in the lower tier among the state's 159 counties. The $8,224 shortfall signals an economy with fewer high-wage employers than the state average.

Poorest among regional counties

At $52,264, Franklin County earns significantly less than nearby Gilmer ($72,542), Gordon ($61,997), and Glascock ($55,250) counties. This gap suggests structural economic disadvantages requiring local investment in job training and business recruitment.

Housing costs strain limited budgets

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% remains below the 30% affordability threshold, yet the median home value of $160,600 still represents substantial commitment for households earning $52,264. Lower-income families here face tight monthly cash flow after housing expenses.

Prioritize emergency savings first

Franklin County households earning $52,264 should focus on building three-month emergency reserves before investing aggressively. Free or low-cost resources—employer 401(k) matches, high-yield savings accounts, and financial literacy programs—offer practical pathways to wealth accumulation even at modest income levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Franklin County Beats National Averages

The county's total crime rate of 1,107.3 per 100,000 is less than half the national rate of 2,385.5. This performance earns Franklin a high safety score of 98.3.

Above Average Safety for Georgia

Franklin County's 98.3 safety score exceeds the Georgia state average of 97.8. Local law enforcement maintains a total crime rate that is lower than the state's 1,412.9 average.

Lower Crime than Mountain Neighbors

Franklin's rate of 1,107.3 is notably lower than Gilmer County's rate of 1,634.0. It provides a safer environment than several surrounding rural jurisdictions.

Property Offenses Outpace Violent Crimes

Property crime sits at 924.2 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 183.1. Both metrics remain significantly below national benchmarks for safety.

Protecting Your Franklin County Property

Securing outbuildings and locking vehicles are effective ways to prevent the most common local thefts. Five reporting agencies work together to monitor and protect the community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Education in a Rural Setting

Franklin County's education landscape consists of 5 public schools serving a total of 3,619 students. This single-district system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Strong Graduation Success with Focused Spending

Franklin County delivers a 92.0% graduation rate, comfortably beating the national average of 87%. At $7,328 per student, the county spends just below the state average of $7,405 while maintaining a solid school score of 55.3.

The Heart of Franklin County Schools

The Franklin County district oversees all education for the area, with no charter schools currently available. This unified focus ensures that every student in the county benefits from the same local resources.

A Classic Rural School Experience

Four of the county's five schools sit in rural locales, creating a close-knit community feel. Franklin County High School is the largest hub with 1,048 students, while Royston Elementary serves as one of the smaller primary settings.

Quiet Rural Living with Academic Excellence

For those seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing education quality, Franklin County's 92% graduation rate is a major draw. Discover a home in this community where every student is part of a small, focused district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin County enjoys very low risk

Franklin County's composite risk score of 33.08 places it well below the national average and earns a "Very Low" risk rating. This favorable position doesn't mean zero disaster risk, but residents face significantly fewer hazard exposures than most American counties.

Safer than most Georgia counties

Franklin County's score of 33.08 sits slightly below Georgia's state average of 39.49, positioning it among the state's safer communities. This modest risk profile reflects the county's relative geographic isolation from major disaster corridors.

Clearly the safest county nearby

Franklin County's 33.08 score vastly outperforms surrounding counties like Forsyth (86.13) and Floyd (81.97), making it a notably safer location in north-central Georgia. This disparity underscores how localized disaster risk truly is across the state.

Hurricane risk the main concern

Franklin County's highest individual hazard risk is hurricane exposure at 68.59, still a meaningful concern despite the county's overall low composite score. Tornado risk trails at 53.75, while flood and earthquake risks remain comparatively modest at 43.10 and 63.14 respectively.

Basic insurance suffices for most

Franklin County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents, though those near rivers or streams should verify flood coverage. Review your policy annually and maintain 80% replacement-cost coverage to ensure you're adequately protected.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Franklin County

via WaterByCounty

Health Violations Drive Grade to F

Franklin County receives an F grade for drinking water due to 24 health violations recorded over five years. While the violation rate of 123.6 per 100,000 is slightly below the state average, the high frequency of issues remains a concern.

Bacterial Impairments in Franklin Waters

About 43.3% of the 30 assessed water bodies in Franklin County are classified as impaired in the 2022 cycle. Fecal coliform and poor biological assessments of fish and insects are the top causes for these environmental failures.

Limited Monitoring Footprint Identified

Only 5 monitoring sites are active in the county, contributing 1,831 measurements to the federal Water Quality Portal over the past five years. Data collection primarily targets physical properties and nutrient groups to assess stream health.

No Live USGS Gauge Coverage

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage in Franklin County to provide live flow data. In the absence of real-time discharge signals, drinking water compliance records serve as the primary indicator for water system reliability.

Priority Actions for Drinking Water

Given the F grade for compliance, residents should stay informed about public water notices and consider independent water testing. Addressing fecal coliform in the 43.3% of impaired watersheds is also a critical priority for local health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

A Consistent and Moist Climate

Franklin County records 52.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the national median for rainfall. While specific average temperatures are limited, the region follows a standard humid subtropical pattern.

Above Average Rainfall in Georgia

The county's 52.3 inches of annual rain slightly exceeds the Georgia state average of 51.4 inches. This consistent moisture supports the local agricultural economy and lush vegetation.

Seeing More Snow Than Neighbors

Franklin records 0.9 inches of annual snowfall, which is higher than many counties located closer to the coast. This reflects its position near the base of the Appalachian foothills.

Cooler Winters and Significant Rain

The presence of 0.9 inches of snow suggests sharper winter peaks than found in central Georgia. Limited heat data exists, but the high rainfall is a defining characteristic of every season.

Winterize for Occasional Ice

Residents should prepare for the 52.3 inches of rain with proper footwear and home sealing. Although snow totals are low, the 0.9-inch average means winter driving requires occasional caution.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

Regional characteristics in Franklin County

Specific soil taxonomic and pH data for Franklin County are not currently available in the digital survey. Like much of the region, these soils are likely more acidic than the 6.5 national median, requiring local testing for accuracy.

Evaluating the soil structure

We lack specific sand, silt, and clay percentages for this county at the moment. Observing how your soil feels—gritty, smooth, or sticky—can help you determine if it is mostly sand, silt, or clay.

Boosting the local organic base

With no specific organic matter or water capacity data recorded, growers should look to the Georgia average of 1.83% organic matter as a baseline. Adding leaf mold or manure is a great way to improve soil health in the absence of data.

Observing water flow and drainage

Official drainage and hydrologic group classifications are currently unavailable for this area. It is best to monitor your site’s drainage during rain events to ensure proper placement of garden beds or structures.

Ready for planting in Zone 8a

Franklin County enjoys the mild winters of Zone 8a, perfect for a wide variety of perennials and annuals. Start a garden today by focusing on soil-building techniques like mulching and composting.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Franklin County Leads in Lawn Ease

With a score of 55.6, Franklin County is one of the easier places in Georgia to maintain a lawn, significantly beating the state average of 35.8. This score even sits above the national median, making it a standout for local gardeners in Zone 8a.

Rainfall Near the Ideal Mark

Franklin County receives 52.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is just slightly over the ideal 50-inch threshold. This consistent moisture supports healthy growth and reduces the need for expensive supplemental irrigation during the spring and fall.

Preparing Your Soil Foundation

Specific soil texture and pH data are not available for Franklin County, making a professional soil test your first step. Understanding your local dirt is the only way to know if you need to add lime or organic matter.

Navigating Periodic Dry Spells

The county experienced 14 weeks of drought over the last year, with the entire area currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on irrigation efficiency by watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation loss during peak sun hours.

Select Heat-Tolerant Southern Grasses

Centipede or Bermuda grass are strong performers in Zone 8a and can handle the local drought cycles well. While specific frost dates are unavailable, generally wait for soil temperatures to hit 65 degrees before seeding warm-season varieties.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Georgia has a composite county score of 51.5 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 Georgia?
Franklin County ranks #53 among all counties in Georgia 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, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $1,231, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 56/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Georgia is $52,264 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 19.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Georgia a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 51.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Georgia. 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.
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.