countyscore
60.2
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 91.8Disaster Risk 82.7

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Mississippi

Franklin County Outperforms the National Median

With a composite score of 60.2, Franklin County comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0. This makes it a rare high-performer in the region, offering a quality of life that stands out on the national stage.

A Top-Tier Performer in Mississippi

Franklin County is a standout within the state, beating the Mississippi average of 48.4 by nearly 12 points. It ranks as one of the most livable areas in the state due to its exceptional safety and affordability.

Exceptional Safety and Unbeatable Affordability

The county boasts an elite safety score of 97.5 and a cost score of 91.8. With a median home value of just $95,100, it is one of the most affordable and secure places to live in the entire country.

Lower Incomes and Limited Health Access

Economic growth lags behind, as seen in an income score of 8.0 and a median household income of $45,618. Health infrastructure also poses a challenge, with a score of 16.8 reflecting limited local medical access.

The Ultimate Choice for Secure Retirement

Franklin County is ideal for retirees or remote workers who prioritize peace of mind and low living costs over high local salaries. It offers a quiet, incredibly safe lifestyle for those who have already established their careers.

2040608010069.291.897.516.826.6882.717.539.8Tax69.2Cost91.8Safety97.5Health16.8Schools26.6Income8Risk82.7Water17.5Weather39.860.2/100
This county
National avg
4 above average5 below average

Franklin County DNA

Doverall

How Franklin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Franklin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (91.8/100) but notably weak in Income (8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69.2+17.200000000000003
Cost
91.8+43.8
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
16.8-33.2
Schools
26.6-27.4
Income
8-43
Risk
82.7+35.7
Water
17.5-40.5
Weather
39.8-16.200000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$95,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$706/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$95,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $45,618/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.1

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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Smith County
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Ozark County
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Prairie County
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Nearby counties

Amite County
Mississippi
59.3
Jefferson County
Mississippi
52.3
Adams County
Mississippi
57.1
Lincoln County
Mississippi
41.6
Wilkinson County
Mississippi
54.8
Claiborne County
Mississippi
55.3
Concordia Parish
Louisiana
45.8
Pike County
Mississippi
37.9

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 fall below national norm

Franklin County's effective tax rate of 0.645% sits below the national median of 0.76%, placing it in approximately the 35th percentile nationally. Annual median taxes of just $613 represent less than one-quarter of the national median of $2,690.

Franklin ranks low in Mississippi

Franklin's 0.645% effective tax rate sits below Mississippi's 0.743% state average, making it one of the more affordable counties for property owners. Residents pay roughly two-thirds of the state's median tax burden of $931.

Franklin among region's most affordable

Franklin County's 0.645% rate matches George County and ranks among the lowest in its region, beaten only by DeSoto (0.641%). Compared to Grenada (1.010%), Franklin residents save roughly $500 annually on median home values.

Median Franklin home costs $613 yearly

The median Franklin home valued at $95,100 generates just $613 in annual property taxes—the lowest among the surveyed counties. Homeowners with mortgages pay $845, while those without pay $527.

Franklin homeowners should verify assessments

Even in lower-tax counties, assessments can drift out of alignment with market reality. Franklin homeowners should review their assessment and challenge it if comparable homes in the area sell for less—a straightforward appeal process often reduces taxes further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Lowest income, but affordable housing

Franklin County's median household income of $45,618 is 39% below the national average, yet its 18.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks better than the national standard. This rare affordability paradox reflects extremely low rents—just $706 monthly—that align with residents' modest earnings.

Mississippi's most affordable rental county

Franklin boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in our eight-county sample at 18.6%, and its $706 monthly rent is 10% below the state average. The county offers the clearest example of housing costs matching local income levels, avoiding the strain seen in wealthier areas.

Cheapest rents, lowest incomes

Franklin's $706 rent and $45,618 income are the lowest in the region, but the balance between them is notably healthier than higher-income counties. Greene County ($811 rent, $55,838 income) and George County ($868 rent, $54,822 income) charge more while offering only slightly better wages.

Owner costs stay lean and accessible

Franklin's $418 monthly owner cost (11% of income) is the absolute lowest in the sample, making homeownership dramatically more accessible than renting. At a median home value of just $95,100, residents can build equity affordably—a genuine advantage for lower-income households.

Best bet for budget-conscious relocators

If affordability is your north star, Franklin County delivers: the lowest rent-to-income ratio, cheapest rents, and most achievable homeownership costs statewide. Readers priced out of wealthier counties like DeSoto or Harrison should seriously explore Franklin's genuine housing accessibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin faces significant income gap

Franklin County's median household income of $45,618 trails the national median of $74,755 by 39%, representing one of the widest earnings gaps in this analysis. This substantial shortfall reflects limited job diversity and economic opportunity in the county.

Below average even for Mississippi

Franklin County's $45,618 median household income falls 6% below Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514, placing it in the lower half of state counties. Per capita income of $27,379 nearly matches the state average of $27,136, suggesting concentrated income among fewer households.

Franklin struggles compared to region

Franklin County's $45,618 income ranks lowest among neighboring counties, falling behind Grenada County ($47,998) and Greene County ($55,838). The gap underscores Franklin's economic isolation and limited employment base.

Low rent burden, but limited surplus

Franklin's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% is favorable, meaning housing consumes less than one-fifth of household income. However, median home values of $95,100 and modest household earnings leave little margin for savings or unexpected expenses.

Wealth-building starts with basics

Franklin County residents can begin wealth accumulation by controlling fixed costs and exploring income-growth opportunities through job training or entrepreneurship. Even small monthly savings—$50 to $100—compound significantly over time and create financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Franklin County

Franklin County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0, with zero reported crimes per 100,000 residents in the current data. This far exceeds the national safety benchmark and the average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Safety

The county is one of the highest-rated for safety in Mississippi, beating the state average score of 98.4. Two reporting agencies provide the data that supports this exceptional standing.

Franklin's Quiet Regional Standing

Franklin's reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the state average of 978.4. This data suggests a very quiet environment compared to more populous neighboring jurisdictions.

A Profile of Minimal Crime

There are currently no violent or property crimes reported in the 2022 dataset for this county. While this indicates a very safe community, residents should still remain aware of their surroundings.

Maintaining a Secure Community

Even in areas with minimal reported crime, maintaining home safety habits is a wise investment. Basic security awareness helps ensure the county remains a peaceful place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in a Single District

Franklin County operates a focused educational system with just 5 total public schools serving 1,211 students. The infrastructure consists of one elementary, two middle, and two high schools, all managed by a single county district.

Higher Spending in a Developing Academic Landscape

Franklin County spends $7,289 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state average of $5,954 but below the national average. However, the graduation rate of 77.0% and a school score of 47.3 suggest there is room for growth compared to state benchmarks.

Centrally Managed Public Schools

The Franklin County School District manages every student in the county, ensuring a consistent curriculum across its 5 campuses. There are zero charter schools in the area, maintaining a traditional public school focus for the local community.

The Intimacy of Rural Learning

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a close-knit environment where the average school size is just 303 students. Franklin High School is the largest campus with 391 students, while Franklin County Middle School serves only 204 students.

Discover Quiet Living Near Local Schools

Families seeking a small-town atmosphere will appreciate the intimate school sizes and rural charm of Franklin County. Consider the area for its community-focused education and high per-pupil investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin County has very low disaster risk

Franklin County's composite risk score of 17.33 places it among the safest counties nationwide, far below the national average. This very low rating indicates substantially reduced exposure to most major natural hazard types.

Mississippi's lowest-risk county

Franklin County's score of 17.33 dramatically undercuts Mississippi's state average of 50.94, making it the safest county in the state by a wide margin. Residents benefit from significantly lower disaster vulnerability compared to peers across Mississippi.

Substantially safer than surrounding counties

Franklin County's 17.33 score is a fraction of Forrest County's 78.05 to the north and Greene County's 42.18 to the northeast. The county stands as an exceptional low-risk pocket within its region.

Hurricane risk remains the top concern

Even in Franklin County, hurricane risk at 69.88 stands notably higher than other hazards, reflecting coastal moisture patterns and weather systems. Flood risk (23.19) and wildfire risk (40.71) present minimal exposure by comparison.

Standard coverage is largely sufficient here

Franklin County's low overall risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents. Still maintain basic hurricane and flood awareness, and review your policy annually to ensure coverage keeps pace with home values.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Franklin County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Struggles Lead to F Grade

Franklin County faces significant challenges with 12 health violations and a violation rate of 157.5 per 100K. This rate is far higher than the Mississippi average of 92.1, indicating systemic drinking water issues.

Watershed Conditions Await Federal Review

Local water bodies have not yet been assessed under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. No official impairment records exist for this county in the current reporting cycle.

Nutrient Data Dominates Monitoring Records

Five monitoring sites have recorded 1,253 measurements over the past five years. Monitoring efforts prioritize physical, nutrient, and inorganic data to track the quality of the county's water resources.

Homochitto River Below Historic Mean

The Homochitto River at Rosetta currently flows at 904 cfs, reaching 81% of its long-term average. This moderate dip reflects slightly drier conditions across the local 787-square-mile drainage area.

Prioritize Home Water Testing

Given the county's F grade and high violation rate, residents should conduct independent testing for lead and bacteria. Using a certified filtration system is a critical step to safeguard against recurring compliance failures.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Warmth and Humidity

Franklin County records an average annual temperature of 65.6°F, which is well above the national average. The climate is characterized by long, humid summers and short, mild winters.

Measuring Up Against State Norms

The county's 65.6°F annual average is roughly 1.7 degrees warmer than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. This makes it one of the warmer interior counties in the southwestern region of the state.

A Rainy Neighbor in the Southwest

Franklin County sees 61.8 inches of annual precipitation, nearly identical to neighboring Forrest County's 61.7 inches. Both counties significantly outpace the statewide precipitation average of 59.6 inches.

Sultry Summers and Frost-Free Winters

Summer temperatures average 80.6°F, with 74 days annually climbing above the 90°F mark. Winter remains gentle with an average temperature of 49.8°F and virtually no recorded snowfall.

Planning for Humidity and Heat

Active cooling is a necessity here for nearly 75 days of the year when temperatures peak. Residents should prepare for heavy rain events given the county's high 61.8-inch annual precipitation total.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Silt Identity

Franklin County's soil has an average pH of 5.37, which aligns closely with the Mississippi state average. This is more acidic than the national 6.5 median, favoring plants that can tolerate low-pH environments.

Silty Foundation and Fine Texture

Silt dominates the composition at 56.3%, giving the soil a smooth, floury feel when dry. Sand makes up 30.7% and clay accounts for 13.0%, a combination that offers moderate workability for local farmers.

Strong Water Retention Capacity

The soil provides an available water capacity of 0.186 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.174 in/in. Organic matter is 1.41%, indicating that the soil would benefit from additional organic amendments to reach the 2.0% national average.

Erosion Management is Key

Data regarding specific drainage classes is currently limited for this county. However, the high silt content suggests that the ground can be prone to erosion and crusting after heavy rains.

Abundant Growth in 8b

Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, Franklin County supports a long and productive growing season. The high water capacity makes this an excellent location for fruit trees like figs and pecans.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Franklin County's Uphill Lawn Battle

With a lawn difficulty score of 29.4, Franklin County is slightly more challenging than the state average. This Zone 8b region requires careful attention to soil health and water management to overcome local environmental pressures.

Balancing Record Rain and Heat

The county averages 61.8 inches of precipitation, which is nearly 12 inches higher than the top of the national ideal range. Combined with 74 extreme heat days, these conditions create a high-humidity environment that can invite fungal issues.

Preparing Your Soil for Success

The soil pH sits at 5.37, meaning your lawn needs lime to reach the optimal 6.0-7.0 acidity level. While specific drainage data is limited, the mix of 13% clay and 30.7% sand suggests a need for balanced fertilization.

Defending Against Severe Drought

Currently, 82.7% of Franklin County is in severe drought, creating a major challenge for thirsty turf. Implementing water conservation and choosing drought-tolerant grass varieties is critical when managing through these intense dry cycles.

Planting for the Franklin Climate

Wait for the March 15 spring frost to pass before you start seeding or laying sod. Bermudagrass and Bahiagrass are sturdy options that can handle the 6,168 growing degree days common in this region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 60.2 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 Mississippi?
Franklin County ranks #8 among all counties in Mississippi 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, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $613, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 69.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Mississippi is $45,618 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 60.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Mississippi. 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.