CountyScore

Franklin County

Missouri · MO

#96 in Missouri
66.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Missouri

Franklin County scores solidly above national median

Franklin County's composite score of 71.8 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 44%, indicating above-average livability across most dimensions. However, it ranks below the strongest performers, reflecting a more balanced profile with some tradeoffs in affordability.

Slightly below Missouri's average performance

Franklin County scores 71.8, just below Missouri's state average of 74.8, making it a middling performer within the state. It ranks in the lower tier of this eight-county comparison despite its solid national standing.

Significantly higher incomes lead the group

Franklin County's income score of 30.4 and median household income of $71,973 are the highest among these eight counties, offering genuine wealth-building potential. This 48% income advantage over Dunklin County reflects stronger local employment and career advancement opportunities.

Higher costs reduce overall affordability

A cost score of 76.6 reflects median home values of $214,900 and rents averaging $874/month, the highest in this group and notably less affordable than peer counties. The effective tax rate of 0.826% is also above average, offsetting some income gains.

Suited for mid-to-high income earners

Franklin County is best for families and professionals with solid incomes who value career growth over maximum affordability. It's ideal for those relocating for employment or seeking proximity to urban economic centers with better-paying jobs.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.1Cost76.6SafetyComing SoonHealth69.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.4Risk16.5WaterComing Soon
🏛79.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡16.5
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

Seminole County
Georgia
66.5
Median income: $49,559
Monroe County
Illinois
66.5
Median income: $101,635
White County
Illinois
66.5
Median income: $53,097
Cass County
Iowa
66.5
Median income: $61,657
Crawford County
Iowa
66.5
Median income: $65,039

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 taxes notably above national average

At 0.826%, Franklin County's effective property tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.87% by a small margin, placing it around the 55th percentile nationally—roughly average for the country. The median annual property tax of $1,774 remains well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Franklin's moderate home values.

Franklin ranks among Missouri's higher-tax counties

Franklin County's 0.826% effective rate is 13% above Missouri's state average of 0.733%, making it one of the state's higher-tax counties. The median property tax of $1,774 is 48% above the state median of $1,199, translating to a substantially higher burden for Franklin County homeowners.

Higher taxes than most surrounding counties

Franklin County's 0.826% rate exceeds nearly all regional peers, including Gasconade County (0.733%), Dent County (0.563%), and Douglas County (0.409%). Only Gentry County (1.031%) and Grundy County (1.022%) carry higher tax rates in the immediate region, making Franklin the upper-middle burden area.

Your annual tax bill in Franklin County

On a median home valued at $214,900, Franklin County homeowners owe approximately $1,774 per year in property taxes. With mortgage interest deductions, the cost rises to $1,860 annually; without them, it drops to $1,596—a substantial bill that exceeds most neighboring counties.

Assessment appeal could cut your bill significantly

With Franklin County's relatively high tax burden, homeowners should especially consider verifying their property assessment for accuracy. Many homes are overvalued by assessors; a successful appeal could shave hundreds of dollars off your annual tax bill—the county assessor's office can guide you through the process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin Balances Higher Income with Higher Costs

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% sits below the national benchmark, reflecting stronger local incomes ($71,973) that absorb higher housing costs ($874 rent, $1,055 ownership). Though rents and mortgages run above national norms, Franklin households have the earnings to support them.

Franklin Ranks Above Average in State Affordability

At 14.6%, Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio beats Missouri's state average of 15.6%, positioning it as one of the state's more affordable counties despite higher absolute housing costs. The county's median income of $71,973 is the highest in this group, enabling families to absorb $874 rent with relative ease.

Franklin Commands Premium for Regional Leadership

Franklin's median rent ($874) and ownership costs ($1,055) far exceed neighboring Gasconade ($671 rent, $695 ownership) and Dent ($615 rent, $646 ownership). Yet Franklin's median household income of $71,973 allows residents to maintain a better affordability ratio than lower-income neighbors.

Income Strength Makes Costs Manageable Here

Franklin renters dedicate 14.6% of their $71,973 annual income to $874 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 17.5% on ownership costs ($1,055/month). Both percentages remain below the 30% affordability threshold, giving Franklin residents genuine financial breathing room.

Franklin: Premium Housing, Premium Incomes Required

Franklin County suits relocating professionals and established families seeking suburban growth and quality housing: median home values reach $214,900, the highest in this group. If your salary approaches Franklin's $71,973 median or higher, this county's robust affordability supports a comfortable lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin nears national income levels

Franklin County's median household income of $71,973 comes within 4% of the national median of $74,755, positioning it as one of Missouri's stronger earners. This near-parity reflects more diverse employment opportunities than most rural counties.

Above-average earner statewide

At $71,973, Franklin County exceeds Missouri's state average of $59,503 by 21%, placing it in the upper tier of Missouri counties. Per capita income of $36,524 significantly outpaces the state's $31,011 average, indicating robust economic productivity.

Economic powerhouse of the region

Franklin County's $71,973 median income substantially outearns all nearby counties—Gasconade County ($65,096), Gentry County ($57,458), and Greene County ($57,488) all lag behind. Proximity to greater St. Louis likely drives superior employment options.

Strong income supports homeownership

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% reflects comfortable affordability, and median home values of $214,900 remain achievable for the median household. Higher incomes enable both stability and wealth-building through property ownership.

Leverage advantage for long-term wealth

Franklin County households earning above national average are positioned to maximize retirement contributions and diversify investments beyond real estate. Consider working with a financial advisor to optimize tax-advantaged accounts and build a balanced investment portfolio.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

Franklin outpaces nation on longevity

Franklin County residents live an average of 74.9 years—just 1.2 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, ranking among Missouri's healthiest. Only 16.8% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 17.8%.

Above average across Missouri metrics

At 74.9 years, Franklin County exceeds Missouri's state average life expectancy of 74.3 years. With a 10.2% uninsured rate—2.3 points below the state average—Franklin leads on insurance coverage too.

Clear health leader of the region

Franklin's 74.9-year life expectancy tops all nearby counties, with only Greene County (75.0 years) comparable. The county's strong primary care infrastructure (60 providers per 100K) reflects superior healthcare investment.

Robust healthcare access and coverage

Franklin boasts 60 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and a manageable 10.2% uninsured rate, enabling reliable preventive and routine care. Mental health support is also strong at 157 providers per 100K.

Build on Franklin's coverage success

While Franklin leads the region with a 10.2% uninsured rate, the remaining 1 in 10 residents should explore Healthcare.gov or Medicaid options. Filling coverage gaps ensures even more residents benefit from the county's robust healthcare network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin County faces multiple serious hazards

At 83.46, Franklin County's composite risk score is among the nation's highest, with "relatively moderate" overall rating but severe exposure to floods (85.43), tornadoes (86.55), and earthquakes (89.85). This multi-hazard profile demands comprehensive planning and protection.

Second-highest risk in Missouri

Franklin County scores 83.46—well above Missouri's state average of 50.56 and second only to Greene County among the state's 114 counties. Its hazard footprint is unusually broad, spanning floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Gasconade County nearby scores just 31.97, placing Franklin in an entirely different risk class. Franklin's flood risk (85.43) and tornado risk (86.55) are roughly double or more than most adjacent counties.

Floods, tornadoes, earthquakes demand attention

Flood risk (85.43), tornado risk (86.55), and earthquake risk (89.85) are Franklin County's "big three," each scoring in the upper 80s or 90s. Spring flooding along the Missouri River and Mississippi River tributaries, coupled with severe spring storms, creates a potent seasonal hazard cycle.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable

Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is critical if you're in or near a flood zone (mandatory if you have a mortgage in a mapped floodplain). Pair that with robust homeowners coverage that includes wind/tornado protection and seriously consider earthquake insurance given your 89.85 seismic risk score.

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.