countyscore
59.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.4Property Tax 86.3Safety 83.5

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Idaho

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Franklin County holds a composite score of 59.6, placing it nearly 20% higher than the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high quality of life compared to the broader American landscape.

A Top-Tier Idaho County

Franklin's 59.6 score is significantly higher than the Idaho state average of 52.2. It stands out as one of the state's most balanced counties for financial and physical security.

Exceptional Safety and Risk Management

The county shines with a safety score of 83.5 and a risk score of 92.4. A strong median income of $65,991 helps support a healthy income score of 56.8.

Schooling and Water Infrastructure Needs

Developmental challenges persist in the school system, which scores a 15.9, and water quality, which sits at 8.0. These areas represent the primary hurdles for long-term community growth.

Perfect for Secure Mid-Career Families

Franklin County is an excellent match for established families who value safety and financial stability. While local schools and water scores are low, the low crime and high income potential provide a very secure environment.

Score breakdown

Tax86.3Cost51.9Safety83.5Health62.7Schools15.9Income56.8Risk92.4Water8Weather34.9
🏛86.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡83.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓15.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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63.3
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Caribou County
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Lincoln 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 County taxes remain well below US average

At 0.497% effective rate, Franklin County's property taxes run roughly one-fifth the national median of $2,690 annually. This places the county in approximately the 25th percentile nationally—significantly lighter than the typical American county.

Nearly matches Idaho's statewide average rate

Franklin County's 0.497% effective rate sits slightly below Idaho's 0.508% state average, ranking it squarely in the middle tier statewide. The county's median property tax of $1,512 exceeds the state median by $17 annually.

Right in the middle of regional tax landscape

Franklin County's 0.497% rate sits between lower-taxed Clark and Custer counties and higher-taxed Elmore and Clearwater counties. Residents pay roughly $17 more annually than the state median property tax.

Annual tax bill on median home value

On a median home value of $304,000, Franklin County homeowners typically pay about $1,512 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related levies included, annual costs rise to approximately $1,484.

Challenge your assessment if costs seem high

Assessment errors happen even in moderate-tax counties and can unnecessarily inflate your annual bill. Submitting a formal property assessment appeal can verify your home's valuation and potentially reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin's rents click with strong incomes

Franklin County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio runs well below both national and state averages, reflecting strong household incomes of $65,991 paired with moderate $831 rents. This combination positions Franklin as one of Idaho's affordability sweet spots.

Franklin outpaces Idaho's affordability baseline

At 15.1%, Franklin County beats Idaho's 16.8% state average rent-to-income ratio while keeping rents at $831—just shy of the state average of $919. Stronger-than-average household incomes are the key to Franklin's favorable affordability ranking.

Solid incomes offset slightly higher rents

Franklin County's $831 rent sits between Custer's bargain $744 and Clearwater's $847, but its notably higher household income of $65,991 gives residents more breathing room. This income advantage makes Franklin's slightly pricier rents feel more manageable.

Strong earners make housing stretch further

Renters spend just 15.1% of income on $831/month housing, leaving substantial room for other expenses, while homeowners pay $846/month on median properties worth $304,000. Franklin County's income strength across renters and buyers creates genuine financial flexibility.

Franklin suits mid-range income relocators

If you earn above $65,000 and seek reasonable housing costs with Idaho's rural character, Franklin County delivers solid affordability and financial breathing room. Compare it against neighboring Fremont and Custer to find your best fit in this accessible region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin County nears the national income mark

Franklin County's median household income of $65,991 approaches the national median of $74,755, sitting about 88% of the U.S. average. This $8,764 gap is relatively modest for a rural Idaho county.

Slightly above Idaho's state median

Franklin County edges above Idaho's state average of $65,770 by $221, positioning it among the stronger earners statewide. Per capita income of $30,698 sits below the state average, suggesting income concentrates in fewer households.

Outperforms most comparable rural Idaho counties

Franklin County ($65,991) surpasses Clark, Clearwater, Custer, Elmore, and Gooding counties in median household income. Only Fremont ($72,767) and Gem ($66,245) earn more, making Franklin a solid middle performer in the region.

Excellent housing affordability for the region

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% ranks among the best, well below the healthy 17% threshold. A median home value of $304,000 paired with $65,991 median household income remains achievable for households saving responsibly.

Strong position to grow wealth aggressively

With housing costs consuming only 15.1% of income, Franklin County households can dedicate significant resources to retirement savings, education accounts, and investment portfolios. Starting a systematic monthly investment plan now can accelerate wealth-building before retirement.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety in Franklin County

Franklin County is exceptionally safe, earning a safety score of 99.4 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 389.6 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Safety

This county stands as a regional leader, beating the Idaho state average safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate is also less than half of the state average of 1027.1.

Top Performance Among Neighbors

Franklin's crime rate of 389.6 per 100K outperforms neighbors like Gem County at 800.0. This low rate makes it one of the most secure jurisdictions in the entire state.

Extremely Low Violent Crime

Property crime accounts for 320.0 per 100K, while violent crime remains extremely low at just 69.6. These numbers translate to a peaceful environment where incidents are rare occurrences.

Deterring Opportunistic Theft

Maintain this high standard of safety by installing motion-sensor lighting around your property. Even in very safe areas, simple preventative measures discourage opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

Franklin County leads on longevity

Franklin County residents live to 78.9 years, topping Idaho's 77.5-year state average and the U.S. life expectancy of roughly 76 years. Only 18.0% report poor or fair health, a solid rate that reflects strong population wellness.

Idaho's longest-living county

Franklin County's 78.9-year life expectancy ranks among Idaho's very best, paired with an 18.0% poor/fair health rate near the state middle. The county demonstrates that rural Idaho communities can achieve above-average health outcomes.

Outpaces regional health metrics

Franklin County's 78.9-year life expectancy exceeds all regional neighbors: Custer (78.7), Fremont (77.7), and Gooding (76.4). Its 18.0% poor/fair health rate also outperforms Gooding (21.9%) and is competitive with healthier peers.

Low uninsured rate, sparse primary care

Franklin County's 10.1% uninsured rate beats Idaho's 11.7% average, but only 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents serve the population. With 58 mental health providers per 100,000, residents have modest behavioral health capacity for a rural county.

Maintain your health coverage

Franklin County leads Idaho on insurance enrollment with just 10.1% uninsured, but those without coverage should act quickly. Check healthcare.gov, contact local health departments, or explore Medicaid to ensure continuous access to the primary care your county needs more of.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Enrollment in Southeast Idaho

Franklin County maintains eight public schools across two districts, serving a total of 3,317 students. The system is well-balanced with three elementary, two middle, and three high schools.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county boasts an 86.8% graduation rate, nearly matching the national average of 87.0% and beating the state average. This success is achieved with an efficient per-pupil expenditure of $4,790.

Preston Joint District Dominates

Preston Joint District serves 2,468 students, making it the primary educational provider for the county. There are currently no charter schools, as the traditional districts manage all local enrollment.

A Mix of Town and Country Schools

Five schools serve the town of Preston while three remain in rural settings, offering different lifestyle options for families. Preston High School is the largest in the county with 760 students, while most schools average about 415 students.

The Right Home for Your Student

Franklin County's high graduation rates make it a top choice for families moving to the region. Start your home search in the Preston or West Side districts to secure a place in this high-achieving community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin County ranks among nation's safest

With a composite risk score of 7.63 and a Very Low rating, Franklin County is exceptionally safe from natural disasters compared to national averages. This low-risk profile reflects the county's location and landscape characteristics.

Second-safest county in Idaho

Franklin County's score of 7.63 is the second-lowest in Idaho after Clark County's 0.76, placing it far below the state average of 38.51. Most Idaho counties face substantially higher cumulative hazard exposure.

Safest of the eastern Idaho counties

Franklin County's 7.63 score is dramatically lower than neighboring Fremont (38.26), Custer (52.42), and Cache County region neighbors, making it a clear safety standout. Geography affords this county protection from most major hazard concentrations.

Earthquake and wildfire warrant attention

Even in Franklin County, earthquake risk (70.48) and wildfire risk (78.78) exceed flood (17.40) and tornado (3.24) threats. These two hazards deserve basic preparedness despite the county's overall very low-risk designation.

Earthquake preparedness is the priority

Franklin County homeowners should consider earthquake insurance and retrofit vulnerable structures with foundation bolting. Standard homeowners policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and the county's proximity to seismic zones makes separate coverage a prudent investment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Four-Season Intermountain Climate

Franklin County averages 47.0°F annually, leaning cooler than the national median. It offers a balanced climate with distinct seasonal shifts and moderate precipitation.

Consistent With the Idaho State Average

The county's annual average of 47.0°F is nearly identical to the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. Its 17.3 inches of precipitation also mirrors the statewide norm of 17.0 inches almost perfectly.

Milder Than the High Cold Deserts

Franklin is notably warmer and wetter than Clark County, which averages only 45.3°F and 12.2 inches of rain. This makes it a more moderate option compared to its neighbors to the north.

Snowy Winters and Sunny Summer Days

The county sees a substantial 52.4 inches of snowfall each year with January lows averaging 23.8°F. Summers are warm but comfortable, featuring a July average of 71.4°F and 34 days of extreme heat.

Balance Snow Prep with Heat Relief

Homeowners should prepare for over four feet of annual snow with reliable shovels or blowers. Cooling systems are also necessary to manage the month's worth of days that exceed 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

Identifying Franklin's Ground Profile

Franklin County's taxonomic data and pH levels are not currently listed in the regional dataset. The county operates within a state where pH averages 6.04, compared to the 6.5 national median.

The Mix of Silt and Clay

Current data does not specify the sand or clay percentages for Franklin County. These components are essential for understanding nutrient retention and the effort required for cultivation.

Organic Matter and Growing Power

While local organic matter data is missing, the state average of 27.53% is much higher than the 2.0% national average. Idaho's overall soil score of 67.8 indicates a generally healthy growing environment.

Navigating Hydrology and Drainage

Specific drainage classes for Franklin County have not been recorded in this survey. Identifying your local hydrologic group is a key step for effective backyard irrigation planning.

Reliable Yields in Zone 6a

Franklin County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. This zone is perfect for a wide range of perennials and vegetables, provided they are planted after the last spring frost.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the Dry Slopes of Franklin

Franklin County presents a lawn difficulty score of 29.0, reflecting a tougher-than-average environment compared to the state's 33.3. Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, the county faces typical high-desert challenges. You will need a proactive approach to keep a lawn looking green and healthy here.

Managing Moderate Heat and Low Rain

The county receives 17.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is just above the state average but far below the ideal 30-inch minimum for lawns. With 34 days of extreme heat and 2280 growing degree days, grass requires consistent attention during the peak summer months. The growing season is defined by a mid-May start and a late September finish.

Understanding Local Soil Constraints

While specific pH and texture data for Franklin County is not available, most regional soils benefit from aeration to improve drainage. Adding organic compost can help the soil hold onto the 17.3 inches of rain the county receives. A soil test is highly recommended to determine if any specific nutrients are lacking for your turf.

Conserving Water in Abnormally Dry Times

With 100% of the county currently abnormally dry and 37 weeks of drought over the last year, water management is paramount. To maximize efficiency, avoid watering during the windiest parts of the day to prevent evaporation. Proper mowing height—leaving grass a bit taller—can also help shade the soil and retain moisture.

Selecting Hardy Grasses for Zone 6a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for the Zone 6a climate found in Franklin County. The best time to plant is shortly after the last frost on May 16th to ensure a strong root system before the summer heat. Be ready for the first fall frost, which typically arrives around September 28th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Idaho has a composite county score of 59.6 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 Idaho?
Franklin County ranks #8 among all counties in Idaho 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, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $1,512, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 86.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Idaho is $65,991 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 56.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Idaho a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 59.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Idaho. 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.