Franklin County, North Carolina — County Report Card

#73 in North Carolina

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Property Tax Cost of Living Income & Jobs Safety Health Schools Disaster Risk Water Quality Weather & Climate Soil Quality Lawn Care Farmers Markets View on Map

38.2

County Score

Income & Jobs 69.8Weather & Climate 63.6Property Tax 61

County Report Card

About Franklin County, North Carolina

Closing the National Score Gap

Franklin County scores a 38.2, which is higher than some neighbors but still below the national median of 50.0. The county continues to develop as part of the broader regional economy.

Lagging the North Carolina Average

The county's 38.2 score sits roughly six points below the North Carolina state average of 44.7. Growth in the Triangle area hasn't yet lifted its total score to state-leading levels.

High Incomes and Favorable Taxes

Income is a standout at 69.8, fueled by a healthy $71,386 median household income. Residents also enjoy a Tax Score of 61.0, benefiting from an effective tax rate of 0.719%.

School and Safety Limitations

School quality scores only 22.4, while the Safety Score remains low at 21.5. These social infrastructure metrics prevent the county from reaching its full potential.

Ideal for Tax-Savvy Commuters

Franklin is a great fit for high-earning professionals who work in nearby hubs but want lower property taxes. Families may need to look closer at private or alternative education options to balance the low school scores.

Score breakdown

🏛61

Property Tax

Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks

TaxByCounty →

🏠27.1

Cost of Living

Median rent, home values, and housing affordability

CostByCounty →

💼69.8

Income & Jobs

Median household income and per capita earnings

IncomeByCounty →

🛡21.5

Safety

Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents

CrimeByCounty →

❤49.2

Health

Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access

HealthByCounty →

🎓22.4

Schools

Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment

SchoolsByCounty →

⚡48.3

Disaster Risk

FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more

RiskByCounty →

💧42.1

Water Quality

EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

WaterByCounty →

🌤63.6

Weather & Climate

Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events

WeatherByCounty →

🪨22.7

Soil Quality

Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content

SoilByCounty →

🌱47.2

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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Explore this county

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Compare Franklin County with Kings County →Share on X

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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

taxbycounty.com

Franklin taxes modestly by national standards

At 0.719%, Franklin's effective tax rate is below the national median of 0.86%, placing it roughly in the 40th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,732 reflects Franklin's median home value of $240,900, approaching the national median of $281,900.

Franklin near state average

Franklin's effective rate of 0.719% is virtually identical to North Carolina's average of 0.701%, making it a typical North Carolina county by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,732 is notably higher than the state average of $1,433, driven by above-average home values.

Franklin among lowest-taxed in region

Franklin's 0.719% rate ties Granville County and sits below neighbors like Greene (0.868%) and Forsyth (0.849%). Only Graham County's 0.540% is significantly lower, making Franklin one of the more tax-friendly counties in the central Piedmont.

Typical Franklin homeowner pays $1,732

With a median home value of $240,900 and an effective rate of 0.719%, the typical Franklin homeowner pays $1,732 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,928, while those without mortgages pay $1,312.

Verify your assessment isn't too high

Even in a moderate-tax county, many Franklin homeowners are assessed above fair market value and don't realize they can challenge it. A reassessment appeal costs nothing and could put hundreds back in your pocket annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

costbycounty.com

Franklin leads North Carolina affordability

Franklin residents spend just 16.6% of their $71,386 median income on rent—well below the national and state averages. At $988 monthly, rents here remain accessible to families earning near the state median, making Franklin one of the state's most affordable urban counties.

Best-in-class affordability statewide

Franklin's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% ranks among the lowest in North Carolina, beating the state average of 18.6% by two percentage points. The county combines above-average incomes with below-average rents, a rare combination in today's market.

Sweet spot between rural and urban

Franklin's $988 rent and 16.6% ratio outperform Forsyth (19.1%), Granville (17.0%), and Edgecombe (20.3%) in pure affordability. The county balances Raleigh-area job access with rural North Carolina pricing, attracting remote workers seeking lower costs.

Housing takes reasonable share of income

Renters spend $988 monthly while homeowners pay $1,089 on incomes averaging $71,386, with renters enjoying better affordability than owners. Housing costs total roughly $11,900 annually for renters, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses.

Top pick for budget-conscious relocators

Franklin County delivers the rare combination of above-average incomes, below-average rents, and proximity to the Raleigh-Durham job market. If you can work remotely or land a job in nearby Wake County, Franklin offers 30% better affordability than most comparable North Carolina markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

incomebycounty.com

Franklin leads state income rankings

Franklin County's median household income of $71,386 ranks among North Carolina's highest and approaches the national median of $74,755, falling just 5% behind. The county outperforms 93% of North Carolina counties in household earnings.

Top earners in North Carolina

At $71,386, Franklin's median household income ranks it in the top tier of North Carolina counties, exceeding the state average of $61,072 by 17%. Per capita income of $33,957 nearly matches the state average, reflecting strong wage distribution.

Franklin outearns most peers

Franklin's $71,386 leads neighboring Granville County ($70,975) and significantly outpaces Edgecombe ($48,480) and Greene ($50,904) to the east. The county's economic strength reflects a competitive advantage in the regional market.

Best affordability in the region

Franklin's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% ranks among the lowest in the data, well below the 20% affordability threshold, indicating strong rental purchasing power. A median home value of $240,900 remains accessible to median-income households.

Capitalize on strong earnings

With $71,386 median income, Franklin households can comfortably save 20%+ annually ($14,277) while maintaining quality of life. High-yield savings accounts, index fund investing, and mortgage acceleration strategies position Franklin families to build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

crimebycounty.com

A Safer Profile Than National Trends

Franklin County is safer than the national average, reporting 2,026.4 crimes per 100K compared to 2,385.5 nationally. This translates to a strong safety score of 96.8.

Matching the State Average Safety

The county's safety score of 96.8 perfectly aligns with the North Carolina state average. Its total crime rate of 2,026.4 per 100K also mirrors the state average of 2,050.0.

Significant Safety Advantage Over Edgecombe

Franklin is much safer than its neighbor Edgecombe County, where the crime rate is more than double. It provides a more secure environment for residents within the regional landscape.

Low Violent Crime Rates Prevail

The violent crime rate is 307.1 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for most incidents, totaling 1,719.3 per 100K residents.

Maintaining a Secure Local Community

While crime is lower than average, basic security habits like installing smart doorbells help maintain Franklin's safety. Neighbors looking out for one another continues to keep incident rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

healthbycounty.com

Franklin edges out national life expectancy benchmarks

Franklin County residents live an average of 76.3 years, slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, placing the county among America's healthier regions. However, 17.9% report poor or fair health, slightly above national norms. The county demonstrates solid health outcomes despite facing some chronic disease challenges.

Above-average health performance for North Carolina

At 76.3 years, Franklin's life expectancy exceeds North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years by nearly 2 years, positioning it in the upper tier of county health rankings. The poor/fair health rate of 17.9% is moderately better than many state peers. Franklin consistently performs above the statewide benchmark.

Health outcomes competitive with local peers

Franklin's 76.3-year life expectancy outperforms neighboring Nash County (72.5 years) and matches well against Vance County (76.1 years), though all three remain below state leader Forsyth. Franklin's 17.9% poor/fair health rate sits between Vance (18.8%) and Nash (19.2%), suggesting more consistent health management. The county ranks solidly among its neighbors.

Limited primary care, strong mental health access

Franklin's critical gap is primary care: only 13 providers per 100K residents—among the lowest in the state—while mental health services at 140 per 100K provide better coverage. The uninsured rate of 12.7% slightly exceeds the state average, limiting access for a meaningful portion of the population. Residents must often travel outside the county for routine primary care.

Coverage options available during enrollment periods

Franklin's 12.7% uninsured rate means nearly 1 in 8 residents lack health insurance coverage, missing out on preventive care and financial protection. Healthcare.gov and the NC Health Insurance Marketplace are available during open enrollment windows, with subsidies available for qualifying households. Getting covered ensures access to the healthcare services Franklin residents deserve.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

schoolsbycounty.com

Rural Classrooms with Growing Enrollment

Franklin County features 19 public schools serving a total student population of 10,780. The network consists of nine elementary, four middle, and four high schools, alongside two specialized institutions. Four separate districts collaborate to provide education across the county's expanding footprint.

Achieving Results with Lean Funding

The county reports an 85.0% graduation rate, trailing the state average of 88.0% by just three points. Per-pupil expenditure is relatively low at $6,277, which is less than half the national average of $13,000. Despite these funding constraints, the composite school score stands at 49.3, very close to the national median.

Charter Options Expanding Local Choice

Franklin County Schools is the primary district, managing 16 schools and 7,897 students. Charter schools have a significant presence here, making up 15.8% of all schools, with Wake Preparatory Academy being the largest overall institution at 1,961 students. This high charter enrollment indicates a strong local demand for alternative public education models.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Environment

Education in Franklin County is largely a rural experience, with 16 of the 19 schools located in open-country settings. The average school size is 567 students, though institutions like Franklinton High reach over 1,100 students. This mix provides a blend of tight-knit rural elementary settings and larger, more diverse secondary schools.

Settle Near Top-Rated Charter Schools

The growth of large-scale institutions like Wake Preparatory Academy is driving residential interest in Franklin County's southern corridor. Families seeking a blend of rural living and modern educational facilities will find plenty of opportunities here. Consider how proximity to these growing school districts can enhance both your lifestyle and home value.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

riskbycounty.com

Franklin County enjoys below-average disaster risk

Franklin County's composite risk score of 51.72 ranks well below the North Carolina state average of 66.72 and significantly below the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. This favorable positioning reflects the county's distance from major coastal and seismic zones, though residents still face meaningful tornado and hurricane exposure. Franklin benefits from geography that reduces natural disaster pressure.

Franklin ranks among North Carolina's safest

With a composite score of 51.72, Franklin County sits in the lower half of North Carolina's risk ranking—substantially safer than the state average of 66.72. The county's inland Piedmont location and moderate elevation protect it from most hazards, though tornadoes (70.83) and hurricanes (74.64) remain elevated due to North Carolina's exposure patterns. Franklin represents one of the state's more resilient communities.

Franklin benefits from favorable geography

Franklin County's score of 51.72 substantially undercuts higher-risk neighbors like Edgecombe County (76.37) and Granville County (59.35), positioning it as the safest in the immediate region. Only its flood risk (56.01) approaches concerning levels; most other hazards register well below regional norms. This relative safety makes Franklin an attractive area for residents seeking lower-risk locations.

Tornadoes and hurricanes require attention

Franklin County's primary natural disaster threats come from tornadoes (70.83) and hurricanes (74.64), reflecting North Carolina's broad exposure to these phenomena regardless of inland location. Flooding (56.01) and earthquakes (54.23) present lower but still meaningful risks in certain areas and neighborhoods. These three hazards should guide your insurance and preparedness decisions.

Reasonable coverage protects your investment

Franklin County's moderate risk profile means a solid homeowners policy with tornado and wind coverage forms your foundation, supplemented by flood insurance if you're in a mapped flood zone. Given the county's relatively low overall exposure compared to North Carolina peers, a standard policy with these additions typically provides adequate protection. Review your coverage annually and adjust as your home's value changes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

weatherbycounty.com

Warm Inland Humid Subtropical Climate

Franklin's 59.1°F average temperature almost perfectly matches the state and stays well above the national median. It is a classic example of a warm, humid inland environment.

Tracking Closely With State Averages

Franklin sits just 0.2 degrees below the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. It is consistently warm, particularly during the peak summer months.

Extreme Heat Days Lead Neighbors

Franklin faces 51 days of extreme heat, far more than Forsyth’s 33 days. Its 48.3 inches of rain is very similar to Edgecombe's 48.1 inches of annual precipitation.

Hot Summers and Light Winter Snow

July temperatures average 79.2°F, contributing to the 51 days of extreme heat. January stays around 39.5°F, and the county sees a light annual snowfall of 1.7 inches.

Budget for High Cooling Costs

Cooling costs will be a major budget item given the 51 days of extreme heat per year. Winter gear can stay light, as snowfall rarely exceeds two inches annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

soilbycounty.com

Franklin's acidic Piedmont profile

Franklin County's soil pH of 5.57 is among the higher readings in the state, exceeding the North Carolina average of 5.14. It still trends significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

A silty and sandy mix

The soil composition is 55.2% sand, 28.4% silt, and 15.1% clay. This blend provides a good balance of drainage and workability, making it suitable for a variety of agricultural uses.

Improving fertility in Franklin

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.25%, falling short of the 5.12% state average. However, the available water capacity of 0.133 in/in matches the state average, providing reliable moisture for thirsty plants.

Predictable drainage for local builders

Specific drainage classification data is missing, but the 28.4% silt content indicates soil that holds moisture well without being overly heavy. This makes it generally favorable for both small-scale farming and home construction.

Long summers in Zone 8a

As part of zone 8a, Franklin County enjoys a long growing season perfect for tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Grab a shovel and start planting to make the most of this warm climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

lawnbycounty.com

Franklin County's Middle-Ground Lawn Care

Franklin County sits in Zone 8a with a lawn difficulty score of 47.2. This score is stronger than the state average of 40.8 but remains slightly below the national median of 50.0. Homeowners here face a moderate challenge that requires consistent attention to climate and soil health.

Intense Heat Days Impact Turf

Franklin experiences 51 extreme heat days per year, well above the state average of 38 days. Annual precipitation of 48.3 inches provides adequate water, but the 4,534 growing degree days indicate high energy for plant growth. You must balance generous watering with frequent mowing to keep up with the summer surge.

Sandy Soils Require Balancing

The local soil is 55.2% sand and 15.1% clay, offering a relatively porous environment for lawn roots. The average pH of 5.57 is below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, meaning nutrient availability is limited without treatment. Adding lime and phosphorus can help bridge the gap for a more resilient turf system.

Adapting to 100% Severe Drought

The county is currently under 100% severe drought coverage, having endured 23 weeks of drought over the last year. During these periods, avoid over-fertilizing, which can stress thirsty grass. Focus on water-saving techniques like using mulch in garden beds to keep the surrounding lawn environment cooler.

Seeding for Success in 8a

Warm-season grasses thrive best in this climate, particularly with the 8a hardiness designation. Wait until the risk of frost passes after April 11 to begin your spring seeding or sodding projects. Establishing your lawn early allows it to withstand the long summer before the October 29 fall frost arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?

Franklin County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 38.2 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 North Carolina?

Franklin County ranks #73 among all counties in North Carolina 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, North Carolina?

The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $1,732, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 61/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).

What is the median household income in Franklin County?

The median household income in Franklin County, North Carolina is $71,386 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 69.8/100 on CountyScore.

Is Franklin County, North Carolina a good place to live?

Franklin County scores 38.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 in North Carolina. 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.

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