countyscore
65.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 83.8Safety 83.5

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Iowa

Top-Tier National Livability

Franklin County boasts an impressive composite score of 65.5, far outstripping the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in an elite bracket of American counties for overall quality of life. It offers a rare combination of security and extreme affordability.

A High Performer in Iowa

Franklin County significantly outperforms the Iowa state average of 55.6. It is one of the state's stronger rural performers, characterized by its high safety ratings and low cost of living. It serves as a benchmark for what Iowa’s agricultural counties can achieve.

Safe Streets and Low Costs

The county is exceptionally affordable, with a Cost Score of 83.8 and a median home value of $118,500. Safety is another hallmark, evidenced by a high Safety Score of 83.5. Residents also benefit from a Risk Score of 78.1, indicating a very low threat from natural disasters.

Tax Burdens and Healthcare Access

The primary challenge is the Tax Score of 18.9, which is influenced by a 1.348% effective tax rate. Healthcare also trails behind other dimensions with a score of 60.0. Improving medical access could elevate the county from a high performer to a national leader.

A Dream for Budget-Minded Families

Franklin County is a perfect fit for young families looking to buy their first home in a safe, quiet environment. With rent at $649 and homes near $118,000, your dollar stretches further here than almost anywhere else. It is a haven for those who value security and financial peace of mind.

Score breakdown

Tax18.9Cost83.8Safety83.5Health60Schools70.3Income49.9Risk78.1Water86Weather48.7
🏛18.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡83.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡78.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨77
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱80.1
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

Hardin County
Iowa
48.1
Cerro Gordo County
Iowa
42.5
Wright County
Iowa
59.7
Butler County
Iowa
62.1
Floyd County
Iowa
56.7
Hamilton County
Iowa
57.6
Hancock County
Iowa
61.6
Grundy County
Iowa
69.1

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 taxes well below national

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin County ranks among most affordable

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin Trails the National Income Mark

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Franklin County Ranks Among the Safest

Franklin County's total crime rate of 389.4 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional data results in a safety score of 99.4.

Surpassing State Safety Benchmarks

Franklin County's 99.4 safety score significantly outperforms the Iowa state average of 98.3. It stands as a model of public safety within the state.

A Regional Leader in Public Safety

Franklin's crime rate of 389.4 is much lower than Hamilton County's 874.6. It is only slightly higher than Grundy County, which reports a very low 259.1 rate.

Property and Violent Crimes Remain Minimal

The violent crime rate of 129.8 is well below the state average of 216.5. Similarly, property crime is remarkably low at 259.6, compared to the national rate of 2,015.7.

Preserving a Safe Community

Reinforcing door frames and using smart locks adds an extra layer of protection to your home. These small investments help keep Franklin County's property crime numbers among the lowest in Iowa.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling for Franklin County

Franklin County manages seven public schools across just two districts, serving a total of 1,835 students. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools alongside two middle and two high schools.

Outperforming State and National Scores

With a school score of 58.1, the county exceeds both the state average of 56.0 and the national median. The 92.0% graduation rate highlights strong student success, supported by per-pupil spending of $8,627.

Hampton-Dumont Leads Local Education

The Hampton-Dumont Community School District is the primary educator here, enrolling 1,298 students across four schools. The remaining students are served by the CAL Community School District, which operates a single elementary campus.

Quiet Rural and Town Classrooms

Five of the county's seven schools are located in rural areas, creating a peaceful learning environment with an average size of 262 students. Hampton-Dumont High School is the largest campus, hosting 480 students in a town setting.

Proven Results in Franklin County

If you value high academic scores and strong graduation rates, Franklin County is a premier choice. Look for real estate near Hampton to be close to the county's central educational hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin County faces minimal US risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

A brisk northern interior climate

Franklin County averages 46.6°F annually, placing it firmly in the cooler half of the United States. Its 36.5 inches of precipitation closely aligns with the national median.

Cooler and drier than southern Iowa

The county's 46.6°F average temperature is 1.4 degrees lower than the Iowa state average. Its annual precipitation of 36.5 inches is nearly identical to the state's 36.1-inch norm.

Warmer than neighbors to the west

Franklin County’s 46.6°F average is slightly warmer than Hamilton County's 46.1°F. It also receives less snow than Floyd County, totaling 30.0 inches compared to Floyd's 37.5.

Balanced snowfall and moderate heat

Winters feature a January average of 16.7°F and roughly 30.0 inches of snow. Summer brings more warmth than eastern neighbors, with 12 days annually reaching 90°F or higher.

Insulate for sub-freezing winters

With a winter average of 20.2°F, proper home insulation is vital for energy savings. Residents should also prepare for a dozen days of extreme summer heat with serviced cooling systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

High-Performance Mollisols in Franklin

Franklin County boasts a soil score of 77.0, significantly higher than the Iowa average. Its Mollisols have a pH of 6.68, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5.

Silky and Rich Silt Loam

Silt Loam is the dominant texture, featuring a high 46.0% silt content and 22.8% clay. The 30.0% sand component keeps the soil aerated and prevents the heavy compaction often found in clay-heavy regions.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The county features a massive 4.91% organic matter content, dwarfing the national 2.0% average. Its available water capacity of 0.195 in/in perfectly matches the state average, ensuring consistent moisture for crops.

Well Drained with Slow Infiltration

The land is well drained but falls into Hydrologic Group C, which indicates a slower infiltration rate. This makes the soil highly effective at retaining nutrients while still preventing surface waterlogging.

A Gardener's Paradise in Zone 5a

From pumpkins to sweet corn, Franklin County's rich soil supports a diverse range of Zone 5a crops. The high organic content provides a natural boost that any home garden will appreciate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Franklin County's Balanced Growing Conditions

Franklin County earns an 80.1 difficulty score, indicating it is much easier to maintain a lawn here than in the average American county. The 5a hardiness zone supports a wide variety of hardy, cool-season grasses. You can expect a healthy lawn with standard regional maintenance.

Consistent Rain and Mild Heat

Annual precipitation of 36.5 inches aligns closely with the state average, providing reliable moisture. The county sees 12 extreme heat days, which is less than the state average of 16. This moderate climate prevents the rapid evaporation that often causes mid-summer lawn dormancy.

Superior Silt Loam Drainage

Franklin's well-drained silt loam soil provides an ideal medium for grass roots to breathe. The 6.68 pH is within the optimal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient availability. With 22.8% clay, the soil retains just enough water to stay productive through short dry spells.

Current Drought-Free Status

The county is currently 100% free of drought and abnormally dry conditions. Only 6 weeks of drought occurred in the past year, reflecting high environmental stability. This reliability allows you to focus on aeration and overseeding rather than emergency watering.

Best Timing for Franklin Lawns

Kentucky Bluegrass is a top performer given the 2824 growing degree days. Schedule your primary lawn work between the April 29th spring frost and the October 9th fall frost. Seeding in late August allows the grass to mature before the winter freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Iowa has a composite county score of 65.5 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 Iowa?
Franklin County ranks #13 among all counties in Iowa 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, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $1,597, with an effective tax rate of 1.35%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 18.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Iowa is $63,648 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 49.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Iowa a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 65.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Iowa. 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.