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.

2040608010051.23531.254.756.748.735.58665.8Tax51.2Cost35Safety31.2Health54.7Schools56.7Income48.7Risk35.5Water86Weather65.846/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Franklin County DNA

Foverall

How Franklin County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Franklin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Safety (31.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
51.2
Cost
35-13
Safety
31.2-23.8
Health
54.7
Schools
56.7
Income
48.7
Risk
35.5-11.5
Water
86+28
Weather
65.8+9.799999999999997
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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

$216,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$967/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$216,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,298/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.9

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
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Counties with similar scores

Trinity County
California
Median income: $53,002
46
Hancock County
Georgia
Median income: $40,082
46
Jefferson County
Georgia
Median income: $53,014
46
Lawrence County
Missouri
Median income: $61,215
46
Warren County
New York
Median income: $78,442
46
Brunswick County
North Carolina
Median income: $77,024
46
Anderson County
Tennessee
Median income: $66,183
46
Gillespie County
Texas
Median income: $76,162
46

Nearby counties

Woodford County
Kentucky
55.8
Scott County
Kentucky
49.4
Shelby County
Kentucky
48.7
Anderson County
Kentucky
59
Henry County
Kentucky
52.8
Owen County
Kentucky
61.3
Fayette County
Kentucky
37.4
Mercer County
Kentucky
58.6

Deep Dives

Franklin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 $1,716, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 51.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Kentucky is $65,298 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 48.7/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.