countyscore
61.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 83.5Lawn Care 81.1Property Tax 72.5

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Indiana

Strong Health and Wealth

Franklin County's composite score of 61.0 is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This makes it a highly competitive location for quality of life in the United States.

A Top Choice in Indiana

At 61.0, Franklin sits well above the Indiana average of 55.9. It combines high earning potential with wellness in a way that few other counties in the state manage to do.

Wealthy Households and Great Health

Franklin excels with an income score of 83.5 and a health score of 70.4. Families thrive here with a median income of $79,702 and a low effective tax rate of 0.616%.

Water Infrastructure and Costs

The county's water score of 20.4 is a notable weakness that requires attention. Additionally, a cost score of 46.6 reflects a median home value of $236,700, making it less affordable than some neighboring areas.

Best for Health-Conscious Families

Franklin County is a premier destination for high-earning families who value their health and financial freedom. It offers a prosperous lifestyle with a strong emphasis on well-being.

2040608010072.546.669.570.449.383.565.820.452.8Tax72.5Cost46.6Safety69.5Health70.4Schools49.3Income83.5Risk65.8Water20.4Weather52.861.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Franklin County DNA

Doverall

How Franklin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Franklin County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Income (83.5/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Water Quality (20.4/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
72.5+20.5
Cost
46.6
Safety
69.5+14.5
Health
70.4+20.400000000000006
Schools
49.3
Income
83.5+32.5
Risk
65.8+18.799999999999997
Water
20.4-37.6
Weather
52.8
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Compare mortgage rates in Franklin County

Whether buying or refinancing in Franklin County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$236,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$803/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$236,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,702/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Franklin County with Copper River Census Area →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Union County
Indiana
67.1
Fayette County
Indiana
59.8
Dearborn County
Indiana
62.9
Ripley County
Indiana
66
Butler County
Ohio
36.2
Decatur County
Indiana
65.7
Rush County
Indiana
64.3
Preble County
Ohio
57.4

Deep Dives

Franklin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Franklin County

via TaxByCounty

Franklin County's tax rate ranks among lowest

Franklin County's 0.616% effective tax rate matches the nation's most tax-efficient counties, placing it in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,459 is roughly half the national median of $2,690, providing significant savings.

Tied for Indiana's lowest tax rate

Franklin County's 0.616% rate ties Fountain County for the lowest effective rate in the state and falls well below Indiana's 0.671% average. At $1,459 in median annual taxes, Franklin residents pay just $260 more than the state median, despite higher home values.

Franklin competes with state's most efficient

Franklin County's 0.616% rate matches Fountain County's and undercuts all other profiled neighbors, including DeKalb (0.628%) and Dubois (0.650%). Despite the lowest rate, Franklin's median annual tax of $1,459 is higher than Fountain's $820, reflecting Franklin's stronger median home values of $236,700.

What a typical Franklin homeowner pays

The median home in Franklin County is valued at $236,700, resulting in an estimated annual property tax of around $1,459. Homeowners with mortgages and those without pay nearly identical amounts ($1,455 vs. $1,469), indicating stable, consistent assessments.

Low rates don't mean automatic accuracy

Even in Franklin County's tax-efficient environment, roughly 1 in 5 homeowners may be overassessed relative to their neighbors. Review your assessment letter carefully and consider a free appeal if your home's value seems inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin leads on rental affordability

Franklin County renters spend just 12.1% of their income on rent, the lowest ratio in this eight-county comparison and among America's best rental bargains. This eastern Indiana county combines strong wages of $79,702 with remarkably affordable housing costs.

Indiana's most affordable rental market

Franklin's 12.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks well above the state average of 15.6%, making it Indiana's clear leader for rental affordability. No county in this state delivers better value for renters than Franklin.

Best rents for best-paid workers

Franklin's median rent of $803 beats the state average despite the county having the second-highest median income at $79,702. This rare combination of affordable rents and strong wages makes Franklin an exceptional value destination.

Housing takes tiny bite of income

Renters pay $803 monthly and homeowners $997 against a median income of $79,702, the second-highest in this comparison. Housing costs consume just 12% of rent income or 15% of mortgage income, leaving maximum flexibility for other household needs.

Franklin is the relocation sweet spot

If you're seeking the best combination of affordable housing and strong wages, Franklin's 12.1% rent-to-income ratio sets the gold standard. This county should top your comparison list when evaluating Indiana relocation options.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin County leads in household income

Franklin County households earn $79,702 annually, nearly $5,000 above the national median of $74,755, placing it among the most prosperous counties nationally. This strong performance reflects a robust local economy and high-earning workforce.

Highest income among measured Indiana counties

Franklin County's median household income of $79,702 towers over Indiana's state average of $68,681—a 16% premium—ranking it in the very top tier of the state's counties. This exceptional performance signals significant economic advantage.

Franklin tops all measured peer counties

Franklin County ($79,702) edges out Floyd County ($78,179) to claim the highest median income among all measured counties, significantly outpacing Dubois ($71,918), DeKalb ($70,080), and all lower-earning peers. Franklin is the region's clear economic leader.

Exceptional housing affordability in Franklin

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.1%—the lowest measured—means residents spend just $803 monthly on housing costs, leaving substantial margin for other priorities. The median home value of $236,700 is easily affordable at this income level.

Franklin residents: maximize wealth potential

Franklin households possess exceptional capacity to fund retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, backdoor Roth), taxable investments, and real estate purchases simultaneously. Working with a certified financial planner to optimize tax strategy and diversify investments can generate substantial long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Franklin County is safer than the US average

Franklin County's crime rate of 713.3 per 100,000 is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a strong safety score of 98.9 out of 100.

Matching the Indiana state safety average

The county's safety score of 98.9 aligns perfectly with the Indiana state average. Three reporting agencies provided the data necessary to confirm this stable safety profile.

Slightly higher crime than state average

Franklin's crime rate of 713.3 is marginally higher than the Indiana state average of 693.8. It remains a very safe region compared to more populated areas of the state.

Violent crime is rare in Franklin

Violent crime occurs at a low rate of 87.5 per 100,000, far below the national 369.8 benchmark. Property crime makes up the majority of reported issues at 625.8 per 100,000.

Keep your Franklin County home secure

While crime is low, protecting property remains the most important safety step for local residents. Simple deterrents like alarm systems help maintain the county's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Excellence in Franklin County

Franklin County's education system serves 3,311 students across seven public schools. Two districts manage this rural network, which consists of four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

One of the State's Highest Graduation Rates

The county boasts an exceptional 97% graduation rate, far exceeding state and national benchmarks. Educators achieve these results with $5,080 per pupil, maintaining high standards with leaner-than-average spending.

Batesville and Franklin County Districts

Batesville Community School Corporation is the largest district by enrollment, serving 2,227 students. All seven schools in the county are traditional public institutions, as there are no charter schools.

A Fully Rural Learning Experience

Every school in the county is classified as rural, offering a consistent environment for all 3,311 students. The largest institutions are Batesville High and Franklin County High, both of which enroll roughly 715 students.

Settle Down Near Top-Tier Rural Schools

With a 97% graduation rate, Franklin County is a standout for academic performance in Indiana. Explore the local real estate market to find a home in these high-achieving rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin Ranks Among Indiana's Safest

Franklin County scores 34.22 on composite risk, placing it firmly in the Very Low category and well below Indiana's average of 45.52. Residents benefit from relatively low exposure to natural disasters across most hazard types.

Among Indiana's Lowest-Risk Counties

Franklin ranks among Indiana's safest counties by composite risk measure, with only a handful of peers scoring lower. The county's Very Low rating reflects minimal hazard exposure relative to most other Indiana communities.

Low-Risk Profile in East-Central Region

Franklin's score of 34.22 sits just above nearby Fayette (33.49) and well below Delaware (76.34) and Elkhart (83.75), positioning it as one of the safer counties in east-central Indiana. Its modest risk level provides relative safety compared to higher-threat neighboring counties.

Tornado Risk Leads Other Concerns

Tornado risk at 60.46 is Franklin's highest hazard exposure but remains below state averages, while flood risk at 52.70 reflects modest waterway vulnerability. Earthquake and hurricane risks are minimal threats to the county.

Standard Insurance With Tornado Prep

Franklin residents should maintain standard homeowners coverage with wind and hail protection, plus a basic tornado safety plan. Flood insurance is optional but sensible for properties in designated flood zones or near water features.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Franklin County

via WaterByCounty

Franklin County Receives Grade F for Compliance

With 16 health violations, the county's violation rate reaches 128.6 per 100K residents. This is more than triple the Indiana state average of 42.3 per 100K. These figures suggest significant difficulties in maintaining Safe Drinking Water Act standards locally.

High Impairment Levels in Franklin Waterways

Nearly half of the assessed water bodies, 46.2%, are considered impaired as of the 2022 cycle. This is notably higher than the state average of 40.9%. The top causes of these failures include E. coli, low dissolved oxygen, and poor biological integrity.

Robust Monitoring Provides Deep Data Insights

A network of 26 monitoring sites has recorded 12,126 measurements in the past five years. Scientists focus on physical characteristics, inorganics, and nutrients. This data is essential for addressing the low dissolved oxygen levels found in many local streams.

Whitewater River Flows Near Historical Mean

The Whitewater River at Brookville is currently flowing at 1,180 cfs, which is 84% of its typical level. While slightly lower than average, this flow remains relatively stable. Consistent flow is important for maintaining the dissolved oxygen levels that the watershed currently lacks.

Improving Water Security in Franklin County

Low drinking water compliance and high watershed impairment mean residents should stay proactive about water testing. Reducing waste and runoff can help alleviate the E. coli and oxygen issues in local rivers. Monitor utility reports closely to understand the nature of the frequent health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

Mirroring the National Temperature Median

Franklin County’s average annual temperature of 53.5°F almost perfectly matches the national median of 53.8°F. This makes it one of the most temperature-representative counties in the region compared to the rest of the country.

A Warm Spot on the Indiana Map

The county is warmer than the state average, posting 53.5°F against Indiana's 52.2°F. Its annual precipitation of 43.8 inches is nearly identical to the statewide average of 43.9 inches.

Leading the Region in Summer Heat

Franklin County experiences 32 days of extreme heat per year, significantly more than Grant County's 14 days. This southern-shifted climate brings more July heat than most counties in central and northern Indiana.

High Heat Humidity and Brisk Winters

July is the warmest month with an average of 75.4°F, frequently pushing past the 90°F mark. Winters are relatively moderate for the state, with a December-February average of 32.0°F and 17.6 inches of snow.

Preparing for Extreme Summer Heat Waves

With over a month of 90°F+ days, residents should ensure their cooling systems are serviced early in the spring. The 17.6 inches of snow is manageable, but high-quality rain gear is necessary for the 43.8 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Loam Alfisols of Franklin

Franklin County features sandy loam Alfisols with a pH of 6.37, which is healthier than the state average of 6.08. These soils formed under hardwood forests and are naturally productive. The county earns a respectable soil score of 71.1, reflecting its solid agricultural utility.

A Silt-Dominant Sandy Loam

The soil mix includes 55.6% silt and 25.6% sand, with 18.7% clay. Despite the 'sandy loam' label, the high silt content provides the bulk of the soil's structure. This texture is generally easy to till and provides a good anchor for deep-rooted plants.

Steady Moisture and Moderate Fertility

Organic matter is lower than the state average at 2.29%, but the available water capacity of 0.201 in/in is almost exactly at the Indiana average. This means the soil is reliable at holding onto rainfall. Farmers often use cover crops here to build up the naturally modest organic matter levels.

Superior Drainage in Group A

This county is characterized by well-drained soils belonging to hydrologic group A. Group A soils have high infiltration rates and low runoff potential, even when thoroughly wet. This makes Franklin County an excellent location for projects that require dry ground, from orchards to construction.

Success in Zone 6a Soils

Zone 6a gardeners in Franklin County benefit from excellent drainage, which prevents root rot in many ornamental species. The soil's neutral pH allows for a vast palette of vegetables and fruit trees. With regular organic additions, your Franklin County garden will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Franklin County's Excellent Lawn Potential

Franklin County scores an 81.1 on the lawn difficulty scale, significantly outperforming the state average of 71.0. This Zone 6a county offers high potential for a beautiful lawn with relatively low effort.

Ample Rain but High Heat

Lawns benefit from 43.8 inches of annual rain, but they must also endure 32 extreme heat days. This high heat count, compared to the state average of 20, increases the risk of summer dormancy.

Premium Well-Drained Sandy Loam

The well-drained sandy loam soil with a 6.37 pH provides a top-tier foundation for grass. This soil type prevents the waterlogging issues found elsewhere while keeping nutrients accessible to the roots.

Consistent Moisture and Low Stress

With only 5 weeks of drought in the past year and no current drought areas, Franklin County lawns are in great shape. Continue to add organic matter to help your sandy loam soil retain water during heat waves.

Seeding for Heat Resistance

Given the 32 annual heat days, a Tall Fescue blend is often more resilient here than pure Bluegrass. Aim to seed after the April 20th frost or in early September to maximize the growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Indiana has a composite county score of 61.1 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 Indiana?
Franklin County ranks #34 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $1,459, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 72.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Indiana is $79,702 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 83.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Indiana a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 61.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Indiana. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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