Franklin County's composite score of 71.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 43 percentile points, placing it in the upper echelon of U.S. counties. This reflects strong fundamentals in housing affordability and risk management.
2 / 5
Above average within Iowa's county network
At 71.5, Franklin County outperforms Iowa's state average of 69.3, ranking it in the upper quartile of the state's 99 counties. This positions it as one of Iowa's stronger livability performers.
3 / 5
Outstanding housing value and risk resilience
Franklin's cost score of 86.8 is the highest in this group, supported by the lowest median home value at $118,500, making it ideal for homebuyers on a budget. An exceptional risk score of 78.1 indicates strong economic resilience and stability.
4 / 5
Health services could be stronger
Health score of 71.5 is the lowest among this peer set, suggesting moderate but measurable gaps in health care access or outcomes. Income remains modest at 24.9, with median household income of $63,648.
5 / 5
Perfect for value-seeking homebuyers and savers
Franklin County suits budget-conscious homebuyers and families seeking maximum housing value paired with economic stability and low taxes. If you prioritize getting the most house for your money in a resilient economy, Franklin delivers.
Franklin County's composite score of 71.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 43 percentile points, placing it in the upper echelon of U.S. counties. This reflects strong fundamentals in housing affordability and risk management.
Above average within Iowa's county network
At 71.5, Franklin County outperforms Iowa's state average of 69.3, ranking it in the upper quartile of the state's 99 counties. This positions it as one of Iowa's stronger livability performers.
Outstanding housing value and risk resilience
Franklin's cost score of 86.8 is the highest in this group, supported by the lowest median home value at $118,500, making it ideal for homebuyers on a budget. An exceptional risk score of 78.1 indicates strong economic resilience and stability.
Health services could be stronger
Health score of 71.5 is the lowest among this peer set, suggesting moderate but measurable gaps in health care access or outcomes. Income remains modest at 24.9, with median household income of $63,648.
Perfect for value-seeking homebuyers and savers
Franklin County suits budget-conscious homebuyers and families seeking maximum housing value paired with economic stability and low taxes. If you prioritize getting the most house for your money in a resilient economy, Franklin delivers.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Franklin County's effective rate of 1.348% ranks in the 38th percentile nationally, well below the 1.57% median. The median tax of $1,597 is less than 60% of the national median of $2,690.
Right at the Iowa median
Franklin County ranks 48th among Iowa's 99 counties with a 1.348% effective rate that nearly mirrors the state average of 1.344%. Its median tax of $1,597 is $563 below the state median.
Moderate among regional peers
Franklin County's tax rate sits between Fayette County (1.316%) and Floyd County (1.391%), making it a middle ground in the region. It offers lower rates than Guthrie County (1.325%) and Hamilton County (1.366%).
Annual tax on median home
Franklin County's median home value is $118,500, with an annual property tax of $1,597. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,651; those without mortgages pay $1,528.
Check your assessment today
Overassessment is common across Iowa, and Franklin County homeowners can appeal their valuations for free. A simple comparison between your assessed value and recent sales of similar properties may reveal grounds for appeal.
Franklin County residents spend just 12.2% of household income on rent—nearly 4 percentage points below the national trend. At $649 monthly with household incomes around $63,648, Franklin delivers genuine affordability by national standards.
Top performer in Iowa's affordability rankings
Franklin's 12.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Iowa's 14.1% state average, making it one of the state's most affordable counties. Few Iowa communities offer housing costs this reasonable.
Franklin sets the region's affordability standard
Franklin County's $649 median rent is the lowest in the area, beating Floyd County ($672), Fremont ($753), Greene ($774), and Fayette ($813). Combined with reasonable incomes, Franklin residents keep more income in their pockets than anyone nearby.
Rent costs remarkably little here
Franklin households earn $63,648 annually while paying just $649 in median rent and $664 for homeownership—among the lowest housing costs statewide. With median home values of $118,500, Franklin offers genuine affordability across both rental and ownership markets.
Franklin offers unbeatable rural affordability
If you're seeking a rural Iowa home where housing costs barely dent your paycheck, Franklin County delivers the best value in this region. Low rents and low home values mean your relocation budget stretches furthest here.
Franklin County's median household income of $63,648 sits 15% below the $74,755 national median. The county's economic position reflects the broader struggles of rural agricultural communities in Iowa.
Below State Average in Iowa
At $63,648, Franklin falls short of Iowa's median household income of $69,830, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The per capita income of $32,451 ranks notably below Iowa's $37,136 average.
Mixed Performance in the Cluster
Franklin's $63,648 income exceeds Fayette County's $58,764 but trails stronger performers like Grundy at $83,617 and Guthrie at $79,981. The regional variation suggests that employment opportunities differ considerably between neighboring counties.
Excellent Housing Affordability
Franklin's rent-to-income ratio of 12.2% is among the best in the region, with housing consuming minimal household earnings. The median home value of $118,500 is the lowest in this cluster, offering exceptional affordability.
Leverage Affordability Into Wealth Building
Franklin residents benefit from particularly low housing costs relative to income, freeing resources for saving and investing. Channeling even $200–$300 monthly into retirement accounts and education savings can generate substantial long-term returns.
Life expectancy significantly lags national average
Franklin County residents live an average of 75.9 years, trailing the U.S. average of 78.9 years by a concerning 3 years. With 18% of adults reporting poor or fair health, the county faces substantial health challenges that are hitting lifespan directly. This gap suggests a need for urgent intervention in chronic disease prevention and healthcare access.
Lowest life expectancy in Iowa
Franklin County's 75.9-year life expectancy is nearly 2 years below Iowa's state average of 77.7 years, making it one of the state's worst performers. This dramatic shortfall reflects compounded health disadvantages—whether from aging demographics, economic hardship, or limited medical resources—that demand targeted state support.
Significantly behind all neighboring counties
Franklin County's 75.9-year life expectancy is the lowest in its region, roughly 1.5 years below its nearest neighbor (Fremont at 76.3 years). The 18% poor/fair health rate also ties for worst in the area, reinforcing that Franklin residents face compounded health burdens not seen equally across the region. These disparities suggest systemic barriers that warrant community-wide solutions.
Severe shortage of primary care providers
Franklin County has only 10 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than one-third the regional average—creating a major access bottleneck for preventive and routine care. An uninsured rate of 7.7% (35% higher than the state average) compounds this problem, leaving vulnerable residents unable to reach the few providers available. Mental health resources at 30 per 100K also fall well below peer counties.
Take action on health insurance today
Franklin County's 7.7% uninsured rate—the highest in the region—means many residents skip needed care due to cost fears. Contact the Iowa Department of Human Services or visit Healthcare.gov now to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or emergency coverage programs that can make care affordable and accessible.
Franklin County's composite risk score of 21.95 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" risk rating. The county ranks among safer American communities for natural disaster exposure, though local tornado activity remains notable.
Iowa's safer counties
Franklin County scores 21.95 compared to Iowa's 39.68 state average, placing it in the safest tier statewide. The county enjoys significantly lower natural disaster risk than most of its peers across Iowa.
One of the region's safest areas
Franklin County's 21.95 score ranks it as one of the lowest-risk counties in northeastern Iowa, well below Fayette (50.89) and Floyd (47.74) counties. Only Grundy County (13.14) and Fremont County (14.98) register lower risk in the immediate region.
Tornado risk leads other hazards
Despite low overall risk, tornado events score 50.29 in Franklin County, making them the dominant natural hazard residents face. Flood risk at 13.96 and wildfire risk at just 6.11 round out a relatively benign hazard profile compared to most US counties.
Focus on tornado preparedness
Franklin County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance and focus tornado preparedness efforts on having a safe room plan and emergency kit. Flood risk is minimal, so extensive flood insurance may not be necessary unless property sits in a mapped floodplain.