countyscore
46
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 67.2Weather & Climate 65.8

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Kentucky

Below National Performance

Franklin County’s composite score of 46.0 trails the national median of 50.0. As the state capital, it faces unique urban pressures that impact its overall livability ranking.

Struggling Against State Average

The county scores lower than the Kentucky state average of 58.6, largely due to safety and cost-of-living metrics. It struggles to maintain the same value proposition as its more rural neighbors.

Stable Incomes and Infrastructure

Access to clean water is a major asset at 86.0, while the income score of 58.0 reflects a solid $66,470 median income. Health outcomes are also a relative strength compared to nearby counties.

Safety and Housing Costs

Safety and cost are the primary pain points, scoring 31.2 and 33.7 respectively. With a median home value of $198,700, housing is less accessible here than in much of the surrounding region.

Suited for Government Professionals

This county is best for government employees and professionals who need proximity to the capital. It offers a stable lifestyle for those who value higher incomes and health services over low housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax49.6Cost33.7Safety31.2Health54.7Schools56.7Income58Risk35.5Water86Weather65.8
🏛49.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠33.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡31.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡35.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.2
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

Woodford County
Kentucky
56.3
Scott County
Kentucky
49.4
Shelby County
Kentucky
48.4
Anderson County
Kentucky
59.6
Henry County
Kentucky
51.7
Owen County
Kentucky
62.1
Fayette County
Kentucky
37.5
Mercer County
Kentucky
60.1

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 average

Franklin County's 0.842% effective tax rate is roughly one-third the national property tax burden, placing it in the bottom 35% nationally. The median tax of $1,672 is still 38% below the national median of $2,690.

Above average among Kentucky counties

At 0.842%, Franklin County's rate exceeds Kentucky's 0.719% state average by more than 10%, ranking it in the upper tier of state counties. Its median tax of $1,672 is 53% higher than the state median of $1,093, reflecting higher property values in the Frankfort region.

Higher rate than surrounding counties

Franklin County's 0.842% rate significantly exceeds nearby Garrard County (0.720%) and Gallatin County (0.808%), though remains slightly below Fayette County's 0.891%. The higher rate reflects Franklin's status as Kentucky's capital, with corresponding property values and services.

Median home costs $1,672 annually

A homeowner with Franklin County's median property value of $198,700 pays roughly $1,672 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the escrow-included payment typically reaches about $1,857 annually.

Verify your property's assessed value

Franklin County property owners should periodically verify their assessments against recent comparable sales in their neighborhood. If your assessed value appears inflated, filing an appeal with the assessor's office could reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin balances income and costs

Franklin County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, positioning it as a moderate-affordability market where housing doesn't dominate the budget. Median household income of $66,470 runs 11% below the national average, yet rents at $946/month stay reasonable for a county that includes Frankfort, Kentucky's capital.

State-average affordability in capital

Franklin County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio practically matches Kentucky's statewide average, making it a bellwether of typical state affordability. Rents of $946/month run 23% above the state median of $771, reflecting Frankfort's status as a regional employment and government center.

Urban advantages over rural peers

Franklin's $946 rent sits between rural Fleming ($677) and Fayette County's urban premium ($1,101), offering a middle ground with better job diversity than surrounding counties. At 17.1%, Franklin's affordability ratio competes favorably with Garrard (15.2%) and Fleming (16.4%) while delivering more income opportunities than truly rural alternatives.

Capital city housing balance

Franklin households earning $66,470 annually spend $946 on rent (17.1% of income) or $982 on mortgage payments for homes valued near $198,700. This moderate burden leaves adequate income for savings and other priorities, supported by government and service-sector employment opportunities in Frankfort.

Franklin offers capital-city stability

Franklin County delivers state-average affordability paired with Frankfort's stable government employment market, making it an appealing option for those seeking moderate housing costs with reliable income prospects. At 17.1% rent-to-income, you're paying modestly for the advantage of a capital city's job diversity and community services.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin approaches national income average

Franklin County's median household income of $66,470 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just $8,285, placing it within 11% of national parity. Franklin ranks solidly above the median for American counties.

Second-highest in Kentucky

Franklin's income of $66,470 ranks second statewide behind Fayette County, exceeding Kentucky's average of $55,909 by nearly $10,561. Its per capita income of $40,031 substantially outpaces the state average of $29,616.

Strong earner, just behind Fayette

Franklin ($66,470) trails only Fayette ($67,631) among the eight counties profiled, and outearns all others including Gallatin ($62,247) and Garrard ($62,572). Franklin benefits from its role as Kentucky's capital and government center.

Income supports homeownership well

Franklin's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% sits comfortably below concerning thresholds, leaving households room for savings. Median home values of $198,700 remain achievable for dual-earner households at the median income.

Franklin's income enables serious investing

With $66,470 median household income, Franklin residents can prioritize retirement savings, education funds, and investment diversification. Maximizing employer retirement matches and exploring tax-advantaged accounts accelerates long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety in the Capital City Region

Franklin County reports a total crime rate of 1,620.2 per 100,000, which remains well below the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 97.4 out of 100.

Navigating Public Safety in Frankfort

The safety score of 97.4 is slightly lower than the Kentucky state average of 98.8. As the seat of state government, the county manages more complex public safety needs through eleven reporting agencies.

Higher Activity than Rural Neighbors

Franklin’s crime rate exceeds the state average of 786.2, reflecting its higher population density and administrative activity. It faces more frequent safety challenges than nearby rural counties like Estill or Fleming.

Property Crime is the Main Concern

Property crime accounts for 1,437.6 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 182.6. These numbers show that property-related offenses are the primary concern for both residents and local police.

Modern Security for Franklin Residents

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, securing your home with modern tech is a smart move. Motion-sensor lights and reinforced locks can help deter potential intruders in busy residential areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

Franklin's health trends slightly below average

At 73.0 years, Franklin County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 3.1 years. With 18.1% reporting poor or fair health—just above the national average of 18%—the county shows more moderate health challenges than rural peers.

Above Kentucky's average by slim margin

Franklin's 73.0-year life expectancy edges ahead of Kentucky's 72.2-year state average by 0.8 years. Its 18.1% poor/fair health rate ranks among the better outcomes in this county cohort, suggesting more stable healthcare access as the state capital's home.

A healthier hub serving the region

Franklin's 73.0-year life expectancy outpaces most rural neighbors including Estill (69.5), Fleming (72.6), and Gallatin (71.6). Its 18.1% poor/fair health rate reflects the stabilizing effect of Frankfort's urban infrastructure and government employment base.

Moderate provider access, lowest uninsured

Franklin has 37 primary care providers and 211 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—modest but functional. At 6.5% uninsured, Franklin boasts the lowest uninsured rate among these counties, meaning more residents can access routine and preventive care.

Stay covered and protect your health

Even in Franklin County's relatively strong market, 6.5% remain uninsured—visit kynect.ky.gov to ensure continuous coverage. Health insurance protects both your wellbeing and finances, keeping routine care accessible year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Capital City Education Infrastructure

Franklin County features 19 public schools serving 7,052 students across two distinct school districts. The system includes eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and seven high schools, providing various specialized paths. This network reflects the county's role as the state capital hub with a high concentration of town-based schools.

Solid Graduation Rates and Regional Parity

The county maintains a 93.7% graduation rate, nearly identical to the Kentucky state average and well above the national 87%. Per-pupil spending of $6,829 align closely with the state average of $6,894. A composite school score of 55.1 shows that Franklin County remains competitive with neighboring districts.

A Dual-District Educational System

Franklin County is divided into the Franklin County district, with 6,126 students, and the Frankfort Independent district, which serves 972 students. Neither district includes charter schools, focusing entirely on traditional public education. Franklin County High School is the largest in the area, enrolling 960 students.

Town-Centered Schools for Urban Living

Nearly all education in the county takes place in town settings, with 17 of 19 schools classified as town-based. Schools are moderately sized with an average of 415 students, ranging from Franklin County High (960) to the Second Street School (571). This concentration creates a walkable, community-oriented feel for most families in the Frankfort area.

Living Near the Heart of Frankfort

If you are house hunting in the state capital, you will find a variety of neighborhoods within walking distance of reputable town schools. School quality is a major driver for local home values, particularly in the Franklin County High and Western Hills zones. The proximity of these schools to government and local business hubs makes them highly convenient for working parents.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin moderately elevated above national average

Franklin County's composite risk score of 64.47 sits notably above the national average, indicating elevated natural disaster exposure across multiple hazard types. While not among the nation's highest-risk counties, Franklin faces meaningful multi-hazard threats that warrant preparation.

Above-average risk within Kentucky

Franklin's score of 64.47 exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21 by roughly 46%, placing it in the state's upper-middle risk tier. The county faces more exposure than most Kentucky counties but less than the state's highest-risk areas.

Higher risk than surrounding central counties

Franklin's risk profile (64.47) significantly exceeds neighboring Gallatin County (17.27) and Garrard County (30.25), though it sits well below Fayette County (92.05) immediately to the north. The county occupies a transitional risk zone in central Kentucky.

Tornadoes and flooding drive risk profile

Franklin faces extreme tornado risk with a score of 84.92—among Kentucky's highest—driven by its central location in a tornado-prone corridor. Flood risk (70.96) follows closely, threatening properties near waterways and in low-lying areas across the county.

Tornado and flood protection essential

Franklin County residents should ensure homeowner policies include comprehensive tornado, wind, and hail coverage given the county's elevated exposure. Flood insurance is strongly recommended for any properties in or near mapped flood zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Central Kentucky Hub

Franklin County's 56.5°F annual average is warmer than the national median. This translates to long, hot summers and relatively short, mild winters.

Warmer than the Kentucky Mean

Franklin is slightly warmer than the state average of 56.2°F. It ranks as one of the warmer central counties, especially during the peak of summer.

Typical Bluegrass Rainfall

The county receives 49.6 inches of precipitation annually, which is very close to the state average of 50.6 inches. This keeps the local landscape green and vibrant throughout the growing season.

High Summer Heat Exposure

Residents endure 28 days of extreme heat over 90°F, one of the higher counts in the region. Winter temperatures average a mild 36.7°F, though specific snowfall data for this county is limited.

Beat the Intense Summer Heat

With 28 days of 90-degree weather, heavy-duty air conditioning is a primary home requirement. Outdoor workers should plan for intense heat during the 75.7°F average summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

Distinctive Capital Region Geography

Franklin County shares the capital region's distinctive geography, though specific pH and taxonomic orders are not provided in this dataset. It sits in Hardiness Zone 6b, aligning it with many Central Kentucky neighbors.

River Valley Silt Profiles

Missing data on sand, silt, and clay percentages means local soil tests are essential for specific projects. The area is generally known for the silt-heavy profiles that define the Kentucky River valley.

Boosting Local Yields

Without specific organic matter data, residents can look to the state's soil score average of 56.2 as a reference point. Amending soil to reach the 3.55% state average for organic matter can significantly boost yields.

River-Adjacent Water Management

Detailed drainage classes are not listed, but the proximity to the Kentucky River influences the local water table. Gardeners and builders should account for the varied elevation when planning for drainage.

Balanced Growing in Zone 6b

Zone 6b is perfect for growing staples like tomatoes, peppers, and various orchard fruits. Franklin County's climate offers a balanced environment for both hobbyist gardeners and professional landscapers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Kentucky Conditions in Franklin

Franklin County holds a lawn difficulty score of 67.2, which is very similar to the state average of 66.3. Homeowners in this 6b zone face typical regional challenges but enjoy much easier conditions than the national median of 50.0.

High Heat Requires Summer Vigilance

Franklin County experiences 28 extreme heat days per year, nearly double that of some neighboring counties. Combined with 4,141 growing degree days, your grass will grow rapidly but may go dormant quickly if not watered during July and August.

Invest in Soil Preparation

Detailed soil texture data is unavailable for this area, so gardeners should perform a simple jar test to check for clay levels. Because heat days are high here, adding organic matter can help your soil retain the 49.6 inches of annual rain it receives.

Monitor Four-Week Drought Cycles

The county saw four weeks of drought last year, though it currently shows no abnormally dry areas. Implementing a rain barrel system can provide a backup water source to help your turf survive those 28 annual days of 90-degree weather.

Target Your Fall Seeding Window

The growing season typically runs from the last frost on April 15 to the first frost on October 24. Tall fescue is a resilient choice for zone 6b, as it handles the county's high growing degree days better than more sensitive species.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 46 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 Kentucky?
Franklin County ranks #113 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $1,672, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 49.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Kentucky is $66,470 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 58/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 46/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #113 in Kentucky. 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.