CountyScore

Franklin County

Illinois · IL

#61 in Illinois
62.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Illinois

Franklin solidly above national median

Franklin County's composite score of 67.2 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it among the more livable counties nationwide. This strong showing reflects a well-balanced profile of affordable housing and reasonable taxes.

Outperforms Illinois average

At 67.2, Franklin ranks above Illinois's state average of 62.1, making it a better-than-average place to live within the state. It belongs to Illinois's upper tier of livable counties.

Extreme affordability is the draw

Franklin boasts exceptional cost-of-living metrics: median home values of just $87,700, rent averaging $771 monthly, and a cost score of 84.7. The tax rate of 1.501% keeps the overall burden minimal.

Very limited income potential

The income score of 18.3 is among the lowest in this group, with median household income at $53,471—well below state and national medians. Data gaps on schools, health, and safety limit visibility into broader livability dimensions.

Perfect for income-independent residents

Franklin County is tailor-made for retirees, those with remote income, or anyone whose earnings don't depend on local job markets. Ultra-low housing costs and taxes create significant financial breathing room for fixed-income households.

Score breakdown

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

Tax60.1Cost84.7SafetyComing SoonHealth66.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.3Risk19.1WaterComing Soon
🏛60.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡19.1
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

Humboldt County
California
62.9
Median income: $61,135
Lee County
Illinois
62.9
Median income: $68,459
Saratoga County
New York
62.9
Median income: $99,653
Edgecombe County
North Carolina
62.9
Median income: $48,480
Yamhill County
Oregon
62.9
Median income: $87,084

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 offers exceptional value

Franklin County's 1.501% effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties, falling well below the national median of 1.562%. With the lowest median home value in this survey at $87,700, residents pay just $1,316 annually—less than half the national median tax.

Illinois's most tax-friendly county

At 1.501%, Franklin County has Illinois's lowest effective tax rate among these eight counties, beating the state average of 1.831% by 0.330 percentage points. The median tax of $1,316 is less than half the state median of $2,782, making Franklin a standout for affordability.

Clear winner in south-central region

Franklin County's 1.501% rate is the lowest in the region, edging Gallatin (1.506%), Fayette (1.517%), and Effingham (1.509%). Compared to Ford (2.069%) and Fulton (2.133%), Franklin costs roughly 27–42% less to own property, making it the region's most attractive for budget-conscious buyers.

What your home costs to own

Franklin County's median home value is $87,700, and residents pay just $1,316 annually in property tax—the lowest median bill among these counties. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,599, while those without mortgages pay $1,143, offering genuine affordability for working families.

Even lower-taxed homes can appeal

Even though Franklin County boasts the region's lowest tax rate, overassessment still occurs when home values are set too high. If your assessment doesn't match recent comparable sales, requesting a reassessment is free and could reduce your already-low bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin County faces affordability crunch

Renters in Franklin County dedicate 17.3% of their median income to housing—the highest ratio among all counties in this comparison and well above the national comfort threshold. The median income of $53,471 falls $21,000 below the national average, while $771 monthly rents consume an outsized share of limited wages.

Among Illinois's least affordable counties

Franklin County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Illinois's state average of 14.7%, placing it among the state's housing-stressed communities. The gap reflects structural income challenges common in southern Illinois coal-country economies.

Most stretched budget in the region

Franklin County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio tops all neighbors—exceeding Fayette (15.6%), Fulton (16.5%), and Ford (16.5%), while rents ($771) fall mid-range. The combination of low incomes and mid-level rents creates the region's most constrained household budgets.

Housing dominates household budgets

Franklin County residents earn just $53,471 annually but allocate $771 monthly toward rent (17.3% of income) or $652 for mortgages, leaving minimal room for savings or emergencies. The median home value of $87,700 is lowest in the comparison, reflecting depressed property values tied to economic conditions.

Franklin best for remote workers or pensioners

Franklin County's lowest home values ($87,700) and modest rents make it attractive only if you bring stable income from outside—remote work, retirement, or relocation with an existing job. Compare with Gallatin County (similarly low rent) or Effingham (stronger wage prospects) before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin struggles against national median

Franklin County's median household income of $53,471 trails the national median of $74,755 by $21,284, ranking it in the 20th percentile nationally. This significant gap reflects the deeper economic challenges facing southern Illinois coal and agricultural communities.

Lowest-income county in this group

Franklin County's household income of $53,471 ranks among the lowest in Illinois, falling $15,109 below the state average of $68,580. Per capita income of $29,659 is the lowest in this analysis, reflecting limited wage-earning opportunities.

Most challenged in the region

Franklin County households earn $53,471, the lowest among these eight counties and nearly $22,000 below Effingham County. Even compared to struggling peers like Fayette and Ford counties, Franklin faces steeper economic headwinds, likely driven by legacy coal industry decline.

Housing costs severely strain budgets

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% is the highest in this group, meaning housing costs consume an outsized share of already-limited income. While median home values ($87,700) are among the lowest, affordability remains a acute concern for renters and lower-wage households.

Explore local economic development opportunities

Franklin County residents may benefit most from focusing on skills-based training, entrepreneurship, or relocating to higher-wage employment centers. Even before investing, consider consulting a nonprofit credit counselor to optimize debt management and build financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

Significant life expectancy shortfall

Franklin County residents live to just 72.5 years, falling 3.9 years behind the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 20.8% reporting poor or fair health—among the highest in Illinois—the county faces urgent health challenges.

State's lowest life expectancy

At 72.5 years, Franklin County's life expectancy trails Illinois's state average by 3.5 years, ranking among the state's worst. The 7.7% uninsured rate exceeds the state average, limiting access to preventive and chronic care.

Significant gap from peer counties

Franklin County's 72.5-year life expectancy falls well below neighboring Gallatin County (72.6), Fulton County (74.9), and Fayette County (77.0). The disparity suggests systemic health and socioeconomic barriers requiring targeted intervention.

Sparse primary care, high uninsured rate

Just 35 primary care providers serve every 100K Franklin County residents, limiting routine care access, while 7.7% lack insurance—above state average. However, 735 mental health providers per 100K indicate substantial psychiatric capacity for a county of its size.

Coverage is the first step

Franklin County residents face the state's steepest health challenges; securing insurance opens doors to preventive care, medications, and early treatment. Reach out to Healthcare.gov, Medicaid, or a local community health center to begin.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin County faces above-average risks

Franklin County's composite score of 80.95 places it well above the national average, though it still carries a "Relatively Low" rating. The county ranks among America's more hazard-exposed areas, particularly for earthquake and tornado events.

Highest risk in this Illinois sample

Franklin County's 80.95 score exceeds Illinois's state average of 54.46 by nearly 27 points, making it the most hazard-prone county in this analysis. This significant gap reflects Franklin's notably elevated exposure to multiple disaster types.

Riskiest county in the region

Franklin County's 80.95 substantially exceeds regional peers like Effingham (53.75), Fayette (48.76), and even Grundy County (66.51). Only Franklin faces this level of compound natural disaster risk across southern Illinois.

Earthquake and tornado risks are severe

Franklin County's earthquake risk (95.42) and tornado risk (79.33) are its most pressing concerns—both among the highest in Illinois. Flood risk (65.68) adds a third significant hazard that residents must actively prepare for.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable

Franklin County residents must prioritize earthquake insurance (95.42 score) and verify robust tornado/wind coverage in their homeowners policies. Consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if you're in a moderate-to-high risk zone, as standard policies exclude flood damage.

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.