CountyScore

Franklin County

Idaho · ID

#5 in Idaho
76.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Idaho

Franklin County leads the pack nationally

Franklin County's composite score of 76.8 is 53% above the national median of 50.0, making it one of the country's stronger counties for livability. This top-tier standing reflects well-balanced strength across most dimensions.

Idaho's second-highest livability performer

At 76.8, Franklin County ranks second among these eight Idaho counties and exceeds the state average of 72.5 by a substantial margin. The county represents Idaho's best-in-class livability.

Income and risk resilience stand out

Franklin County achieves the group's highest income score of 26.5 with median household earnings of $65,991, combined with outstanding risk resilience at 92.4. The county also delivers solid health outcomes at 71.6 and reasonable housing costs.

Few weak spots, minor room for growth

Cost affordability at 80.6 is the lowest dimension but still ranks above many peer counties, suggesting only modest housing pressures. All other metrics align well, making this a rare balanced performer.

Ideal for ambitious families seeking balance

Franklin County suits professionally-minded families seeking strong incomes, economic stability, and resilience without sacrificing affordability. It's an excellent choice for those wanting the best of Idaho: opportunity, protection, and reasonable costs.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax88.3Cost80.6SafetyComing SoonHealth71.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.5Risk92.4WaterComing Soon
🏛88.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡92.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Franklin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lamar County
Alabama
76.8
Median income: $47,447
Osage County
Missouri
76.8
Median income: $75,355
Sweet Grass County
Montana
76.8
Median income: $69,426
Wells County
North Dakota
76.8
Median income: $61,346
Murray County
Minnesota
76.7
Median income: $74,475

Deep Dives

Franklin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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