countyscore

Franklin County, Massachusetts — County Report Card

MA

#10 in Massachusetts

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
46.2
County Score
Health 95.9Income & Jobs 72.9Soil Quality 66.9

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Massachusetts

Franklin Falls Below National Median

Franklin County scores 46.2 on the composite index, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. High local costs and taxes weigh down its overall ranking.

Slightly Under the State Average

The county's 46.2 score sits just below the Massachusetts average of 48.6. It offers a more rural alternative to the state's high-density centers, though costs remain high.

Top-Tier Community Health

Health is the county's primary strength with a score of 95.9. This reflects excellent health outcomes and access to care for the local population.

Heavy Tax and Cost Burdens

The tax score of 12.3 is driven by a high 1.514% effective tax rate. A cost score of 14.8 also indicates that housing is relatively expensive compared to local income levels.

A Health-Focused Rural Retreat

This county is a strong match for individuals who prioritize wellness and a slower pace of life. It suits residents who are less sensitive to high tax rates in exchange for community quality.

2040608010012.314.853.695.952.372.939.353.454.2Tax12.3Cost14.8Safety53.6Health95.9Schools52.3Income72.9Risk39.3Water53.4Weather54.246.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Franklin County DNA

Foverall

How Franklin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Franklin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (95.9/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (12.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
12.3-39.7
Cost
14.8-33.2
Safety
53.6
Health
95.9+45.900000000000006
Schools
52.3
Income
72.9+21.900000000000006
Risk
39.3
Water
53.4
Weather
54.2
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$303,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,169/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$303,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$46,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,584/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.3

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Hampshire County
Massachusetts
49.4
Hampden County
Massachusetts
32.8
Cheshire County
New Hampshire
43.4
Windham County
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35
Berkshire County
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Bennington County
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Rensselaer County
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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 taxes well above national average

Franklin County's effective tax rate of 1.514% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing it well into the top quarter of tax-burdened counties nationwide. The median tax bill of $4,595 exceeds the national median of $2,690, though homes are slightly cheaper at $303,400 compared to the national $281,900. Adjusted for property value, Franklin homeowners face one of America's steeper property tax burdens.

Franklin ranks second-highest in Massachusetts

At 1.514%, Franklin County ranks second-highest among all Massachusetts counties, exceeded only by Hampden at 1.568%, and nearly half a percentage point above the state average of 1.065%. The median tax of $4,595 sits between the state median of $5,149, reflecting Franklin's lower home values averaging just $303,400. Franklin's high tax rate combined with modest incomes creates one of the state's toughest property tax environments.

Franklin leads all New England neighbors

Franklin's 1.514% rate substantially exceeds nearby Hampshire County (1.466%) and dramatically outpaces Berkshire (1.371%) and all counties southward. When compared to neighboring Vermont and New Hampshire, Franklin's rate is among the highest in the tri-state region, reflecting Massachusetts' overall tax burden. The county's inland agricultural and small-town character hasn't insulated it from steep tax pressure.

A $303,400 home costs roughly $4,595 yearly

The median Franklin property—valued at $303,400—generates an annual tax bill of approximately $4,595, nearly identical for mortgaged and outright owners at $4,542 and $4,672 respectively. Over 30 years, that totals roughly $137,850 in property taxes. For rural western Massachusetts, where incomes are typically lower than state averages, this tax burden represents a significant household expense.

Assessment appeals are critical in Franklin

Franklin's struggling rural economy means assessments often fail to reflect declining property values in many towns, leaving homeowners overpaying relative to true market worth. Appealing an assessment costs nothing and could yield meaningful reductions, particularly important in a county with the state's second-highest tax rate. Communities across Franklin have benefited from assessment challenges that bring values in line with actual comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin hits Massachusetts affordability sweet spot

Franklin County renters spend 19.3% of their income on housing—matching Massachusetts' state average exactly and beating the national average. With a median household income of $72,584 and rent at $1,169 monthly, Franklin delivers solid affordability for a New England county.

Franklin holds the middle ground statewide

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% ties Massachusetts' state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the affordability pack. Its $1,169 median rent undercuts the state median by $389, making Franklin a reasonable housing value without ranking as the state's most expensive.

Western Massachusetts affordability cluster

Franklin's $1,169 rent sits between Berkshire's bargain $1,042 and Hampshire's $1,332, reflecting western Massachusetts' generally lower housing costs. Home values of $303,400 align closely with Berkshire's ($283,800), marking this region as the state's most affordable.

Housing takes roughly one-fifth of income

Renters here allocate 19.3% of their $72,584 income to $1,169 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 22.4% to a $1,349 monthly payment on homes worth $303,400. Franklin offers balanced affordability for both renters and buyers alike.

Rural charm with reasonable housing economics

Franklin County combines western Massachusetts' natural beauty with average housing affordability—neither a bargain nor a burden. If you're relocating from Boston or the Cape, Franklin delivers real cost savings and strong community value; compare it with nearby Berkshire for an even better deal.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin slightly below national income level

Franklin County's median household income of $72,584 sits just 3% below the national median of $74,755, matching national middle-class earnings. The county's economy centers on small manufacturing, education, agriculture, and tourism in western Massachusetts.

Eighth among Massachusetts counties

Franklin's $72,584 median falls 25% short of Massachusetts's $96,546 state average, placing it in the lower tier statewide. The county faces the same income challenges as neighboring Berkshire County, reflecting broader western Massachusetts economic patterns.

Peer to Berkshire County in western region

Franklin County's $72,584 median essentially matches Berkshire's $72,565, making them economic twins in western Massachusetts. Both counties substantially underperform Hampshire County ($86,391), which lies between them geographically and economically.

Housing affordability supports household finances

Franklin's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio, while slightly elevated, remains sustainable given median home values of just $303,400. The county offers genuine homeownership opportunity for middle-income households, with property costs well below the state average.

Build wealth through disciplined savings planning

Franklin County residents earning at national averages benefit from lower-than-state housing costs, freeing resources for savings and investment. Starting early with employer retirement plans, emergency funds, and long-term investment strategies can compound substantially over working years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Franklin County is Exceptionally Safe

Franklin County reports only 1,049.6 total crimes per 100K, which is drastically lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a stellar safety score of 98.3.

Beating State Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 98.3 outperforms the Massachusetts state average of 97.7. Local crime is also lower than the state average of 1,458.6, making it one of the most secure counties in the Commonwealth.

Safer than Neighboring Counties

Franklin County’s crime rate of 1,049.6 is lower than neighboring Hampshire County’s 1,197.9. Its 22 reporting agencies maintain a very peaceful environment compared to the rest of the state.

Low Crime Rates Across the Board

Violent crime is low at 281.8 per 100K, while property crime stands at just 767.8. Both categories are significantly below the national averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7, respectively.

Staying Vigilant in Franklin County

Even in very safe areas, home security systems provide peace of mind and deter opportunistic crime. Simple steps like joining a neighborhood watch can help preserve the county's low crime rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Roots and Localized Learning

Franklin County manages 35 public schools serving 8,805 students across 20 distinct districts. The infrastructure is primarily built around 23 elementary schools, focusing heavily on primary education in local communities. This decentralized system reflects the county's commitment to maintaining neighborhood-based schools.

Education Investment in a Quiet Setting

Districts here invest $12,613 per pupil, approaching the national average of $13,000. While the 78.8% graduation rate trails the state average, the county provides a unique virtual school option that serves a large segment of the population. The 59.8 school score reflects the challenges and opportunities of a purely rural and town-based system.

Greenfield and Virtual Districts Lead the Way

The Greenfield district is the largest traditional provider with 6 schools and 1,446 students. Interestingly, the Greater Commonwealth Virtual School is the county's largest single institution, serving 1,155 students statewide from its local base. Other key districts include Gill-Montague and Mohawk Trail, which serve the region's smaller towns.

The State's Smallest Brick-and-Mortar Classrooms

Attending school here is an intimate experience, with an average school size of just 252 students—one of the lowest in the state. The landscape is entirely rural or town-based, featuring 19 schools in pastoral settings and 16 in small towns. Schools like Greenfield High and Frontier Regional offer a close-knit community feel that larger counties cannot match.

Quiet Living with a Personal Touch

Families seeking an escape from large, overcrowded schools will find Franklin County's intimate districts highly attractive. The small school sizes and rural charm are significant factors for those looking to buy a home in a peaceful, connected community. Explore the hills of Franklin County for a truly personalized education experience.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin enjoys below-average national risk

Franklin County's composite risk score of 60.72 sits meaningfully below the national average, placing it in the relatively low risk tier. While not risk-free, Franklin residents face measurably less disaster exposure than Americans in higher-risk regions. The score reflects Franklin's inland, rural position and distance from major coastal hazard zones.

Second-safest county in Massachusetts

Franklin County ranks second-safest among Massachusetts counties with a 60.72 composite score, significantly below the state average of 78.84. Only Dukes County (16.79) offers greater protection from disaster hazards. Franklin's inland position and lower population density translate directly into reduced composite risk.

Notably safer than nearly all coastal areas

Franklin's 60.72 score runs substantially lower than neighboring Hampshire (69.88), Berkshire (84.00), and every coastal county in the state. The protection gap widens dramatically versus Essex (95.58), Hampden (92.78), Bristol (89.85), and Barnstable (89.09). Franklin's inland, western location provides meaningful shelter from Atlantic hazards.

Floods and hurricanes merit attention

Franklin residents face the most meaningful risks from flooding (73.51) and hurricanes (78.64), both in the 70s range. Earthquake (58.75) and wildfire (36.99) risks remain moderate, while tornado risk (31.58) is notably low. Inland rivers and residual Atlantic storm systems represent your primary hazard exposure.

Flood coverage pairs with standard insurance

Given flood risk of 73.51, securing federal flood insurance should be your priority, particularly if you live near rivers, streams, or mapped flood zones. Standard homeowners insurance combined with flood coverage provides solid protection for Franklin residents. Your relatively low disaster risk compared to coastal counties means you can focus resources efficiently on these two primary threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Franklin County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rate in Franklin County

Franklin County holds a Grade C, with a health violation rate of 12.0 per 100,000 residents. This is nearly four times higher than the Massachusetts average of 3.2 violations per 100,000. Despite having only 6 total violations, the low population density makes the per-capita rate significant.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unavailable

The water bodies of Franklin County are not yet assessed under the federal §303(d) standards for the current cycle. There is no official data in the ATTAINS database regarding impairment causes or failing percentages for this county. Local monitoring by river associations remains the primary health indicator.

Tracking Inorganics in Rural Waterways

Franklin County maintains 61 monitoring sites that have recorded 13,363 measurements over the last five years. Monitoring focuses on nutrients and inorganic compounds, which are essential for tracking agricultural and industrial runoff. These records help safeguard the rural character of the region's water.

Connecticut River Flows Above Average

The USGS gauge at Montague City on the Connecticut River shows a discharge of 16,400 cfs. This represents 109% of the long-term mean, indicating healthy water volumes for the massive 7,860-square-mile drainage area. Steady flows like this help maintain consistent water quality for down-river communities.

Prioritize Testing Given High Violation Rates

The violation rate of 12.0 per 100,000 people is a strong signal for residents to use independent water testing. While the Connecticut River flow is healthy at 109%, smaller systems may still face localized compliance issues. Check with your local utility for the most recent Safe Drinking Water Act reports.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

Inland Valley and Highlands

Franklin County’s 48.1°F average temperature is notably cooler than the national median and the state average. This inland region experiences a more pronounced continental climate with sharp seasonal shifts.

Cooler than the Commonwealth

Franklin sits 1.4 degrees below the Massachusetts average of 49.5°F. Its January average of 23.9°F highlights its position as one of the state's colder interior regions.

Neighboring the Pioneer Valley

Franklin is warmer than Berkshire County but cooler than Hampden County. It receives significantly more snow than many coastal peers, totaling 65.5 inches per year.

Significant Snow and Interior Heat

Residents face 65.5 inches of snow annually, the highest among these eight counties. While July averages 71.5°F, the county still records 10 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Winter Readiness is Key

With over five feet of annual snow, heavy-duty winter gear and four-wheel-drive vehicles are local staples. The 47.6 inches of rain and 10 heat days require versatile home climate systems for all seasons.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

Exceptional Acidity and High Quality

Franklin County records an exceptionally acidic pH of 2.11, the lowest in the state and far below the 6.5 national median. Despite this intensity, it earns a high soil score of 66.9, well above the Massachusetts average of 50.8. This indicates a unique, specialized environment that is highly productive for the right species.

A Unique Sponge-Like Structure

The soil mix contains 18.0% sand, 13.5% silt, and a small 2.4% clay fraction, leaving much of the profile to organic components. This composition creates a light, sponge-like structure that is very different from standard agricultural loam. The low clay content means the soil relies on organic matter rather than minerals for its stability.

Massive Organic Wealth and Capacity

Franklin boasts a massive 61.44% organic matter content, which is more than double the state average of 29.25%. This richness powers a high available water capacity of 0.330 inches per inch, significantly outperforming the state average of 0.184. These numbers point to an incredibly fertile, moisture-rich environment for organic farming.

Managing High Moisture Retention

While specific drainage classes aren't categorized, the extreme organic content and water capacity suggest a profile that holds moisture exceptionally well. This hydrologic profile is vital for the county's agricultural heritage but requires careful management to prevent saturation. Local land use depends heavily on these carbon-rich, sponge-like soils.

Premier Growing in Zone 5b

Residents in Zone 5b can take advantage of some of the most organic-rich soil in the Commonwealth. Cold-hardy crops like kale, blueberries, and root vegetables thrive in this moisture-retentive, acidic earth. The incredible fertility makes Franklin a premier location for a high-yield home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Growing Conditions in Franklin

Franklin County presents the most difficult lawn care environment in our set, with a score of 43.4. This is significantly harder than the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 56.8. Homeowners here must overcome both climate extremes and unique soil challenges.

Heavy Precipitation and Cold Winters

The area receives 47.6 inches of rain annually, but the 2,580 growing degree days are condensed into a shorter window. With 10 extreme heat days and cold 5b winters, the grass faces a wide temperature swing. This necessitates hardy grass varieties that can handle both the heat and the deep freeze.

Extreme Acidity Requires Massive Amendments

Franklin's soil pH is remarkably low at 2.11, which is extremely acidic and hostile to most turfgrasses. The soil is also very light, with only 2.4% clay and 18.0% sand, suggesting a silty composition. Extensive liming and organic matter additions are mandatory to create a viable foundation for a lawn.

Severe Drought Impacts Regional Health

Over 18% of the county is currently in severe drought, part of a 37-week drought cycle over the past year. These conditions are much harsher than the state average and require strict water management. Use drought-resistant species and avoid mowing during the hottest parts of the day.

Hardy Varieties for 5b Climates

Choose cold-hardy Tall Fescues that can survive the 5b winters and the recent severe droughts. The planting window opens after May 4, but the soil may take longer to warm up due to the northern latitude. Get your fall seeding done early, as the first frost arrives by October 11.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Massachusetts has a composite county score of 46.2 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 Massachusetts?
Franklin County ranks #10 among all counties in Massachusetts 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, Massachusetts?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $4,595, with an effective tax rate of 1.51%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 12.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Massachusetts is $72,584 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 72.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Massachusetts a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 46.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Massachusetts. 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

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