countyscore
68.2
County Score
Cost of Living 92.3Safety 90.6Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Nebraska

Above the National Norm

Franklin County earns a solid 68.2 composite score, well above the 50.0 national median. This indicates a high level of overall satisfaction and life quality for its residents.

Stronger than the Average

The county's 68.2 score puts it nearly 9 points ahead of the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It provides a more favorable living environment than many of its neighbors.

Affordability and Clean Water

Housing is incredibly accessible here, with a cost score of 92.3 and home values averaging $99,100. The county also benefits from excellent water quality at 86.0 and high safety at 90.6.

Income and Tax Hurdles

The income score is relatively low at 32.3, reflecting a median household income of $57,692. Taxation also presents a challenge with a score of 29.0, though the effective rate is a manageable 1.133%.

Best for Budget-Conscious Living

Franklin County is perfect for those who prioritize home ownership and clean environment over high-speed career growth. It offers an exceptionally low cost of entry into a safe, high-quality community.

Score breakdown

Tax29Cost92.3Safety90.6Health58.1Schools70Income32.3Risk67.8Water86Weather38.5
🏛29
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠92.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡90.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.8
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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Nearby counties

Smith County
Kansas
64.6
Harlan County
Nebraska
69
Webster County
Nebraska
65
Kearney County
Nebraska
61.6
Phillips County
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Phelps County
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64.7
Adams County
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Buffalo County
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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

Franklin taxes rank well below national median

Franklin County's effective tax rate of 1.133% significantly undercuts the national median effective rate of approximately 0.89%, with a median tax bill of $1,123 representing just 42% of the national median of $2,690. Franklin homeowners enjoy substantial property tax relief compared to the typical American household.

Below state average, among lowest

At 1.133% effective rate, Franklin County ranks below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, placing it among the state's most tax-efficient counties. The median property tax of $1,123 is $849 below the state average of $1,972, making Franklin exceptionally affordable on property taxes.

Nearly lowest in regional survey

Franklin's 1.133% rate ranks second-lowest among surveyed counties, just barely above Fillmore's 1.129% and well below Dixon (1.212%), Deuel (1.497%), and Frontier (1.426%). For its median home value of $99,100, Franklin offers some of the region's best tax value.

Minimal annual property tax

Franklin County homeowners with a median property value of $99,100 pay approximately $1,123 in yearly property taxes. Mortgage-holders see that rise to $1,594, while cash buyers pay just $921—reflecting variations in assessment methodology rather than rate differences.

Review assessments for accuracy

Franklin County residents should verify their assessment matches recent comparable sales and market conditions, especially in a low-value county where percentage errors can still matter. A simple reassessment request costs nothing and could validate or reduce your already-modest annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin offers solid rental affordability gains

Franklin County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio beats Nebraska's state average of 14.2% and sits comfortably below national norms, delivering good housing affordability. With a median household income of $57,692 and median rent of just $613, Franklin residents devote a smaller share of earnings to housing than the typical American. This county balances modest wages with genuinely low rents.

Franklin ranks above-average among Nebraska

At 12.8%, Franklin's rent-to-income ratio places it in Nebraska's upper half for affordability, outpacing the state average of 14.2%. Median rent of $613 runs 21.7% below the state average of $783, reflecting Franklin's rural character and low housing cost pressures. Franklin delivers solid affordability even with below-average statewide incomes.

Franklin rents sit near region's lowest

Franklin's $613 monthly rent ranks second-lowest in this region, just $25 more than Dundy County's $588 and substantially less than Deuel ($827) or Dodge ($985). While Franklin household incomes ($57,692) lag slightly behind some peers, the rent advantage makes overall affordability competitive. Franklin and Dundy form the region's affordable rental core.

Franklin families keep 87.2% for other costs

Franklin households earning $57,692 annually ($4,808/month) allocate $613 to rent—just 12.8%—leaving 87.2% for utilities, food, and savings. Homeowners enjoy strong affordability too: $561 monthly represents just 11.7% of income, making homeownership at median values of $99,100 highly accessible. Franklin's affordability favors both renters and buyers.

Franklin delivers genuine cost-of-living savings

Relocating to Franklin County means low housing costs across both markets: rents at $613/month and median home values of $99,100, the second-lowest in this analysis. Even at modest local wages ($57,692), housing will consume less than 13% of income, far below state and national averages. Franklin suits those prioritizing affordability in a rural Nebraska setting.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin County trails national income

Franklin County's median household income of $57,692 falls roughly $17,060 below the national median of $74,755, reflecting broader struggles in rural, agricultural regions. The county ranks among lower-income areas nationally.

Below Nebraska's state average

At $57,692, Franklin's median household income trails Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by about $9,200. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of Nebraska's 93 counties by household earnings.

Modest incomes in south-central region

Franklin's $57,692 median household income reflects economic challenges similar to other small, rural south-central Nebraska counties. Per capita income of $37,400 indicates limited employment diversity and limited opportunities for higher-wage work.

Housing offers strong affordability

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.8% indicates very affordable housing relative to local earnings. At $99,100, the median home value is among the lowest in the state, making homeownership highly accessible despite lower incomes.

Smart saving strategies matter most

In Franklin County, where incomes are lower, disciplined budgeting and consistent saving are key to building long-term financial security. Consider automatic savings transfers, low-cost investment accounts, and exploring whether side income sources might accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety in Franklin County

Franklin County boasts a total crime rate of 172.4 per 100,000, which is over 13 times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a high safety score of 99.7 out of 100. It is statistically one of the safest places to reside in the United States.

Ranking high among Nebraska counties

With a safety score of 99.7, Franklin County performs better than the Nebraska state average of 99.0. It is a leader in public safety within the state, managed by two dedicated reporting agencies. This ranking provides residents with significant peace of mind.

Consistently safer than state trends

Franklin's crime rate of 172.4 per 100K is far below the Nebraska state average of 626.7. It maintains a strong position compared to other rural counties in the region. Low population density and strong local enforcement contribute to these impressive figures.

Property crime as the sole factor

There were zero violent crimes reported in Franklin County, compared to a national average of 369.8. The property crime rate is also very low at 172.4 per 100,000, which is a tiny fraction of the national 2,015.7 average. Residents benefit from an environment where physical safety is almost never compromised.

Keeping Franklin County secure

To maintain this high level of safety, residents should focus on basic property protection like locking doors and windows. Simple deterrents are often all that is needed in a low-crime area like Franklin. Community vigilance remains the best defense against future incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

Franklin County faces serious health crisis

Franklin County's life expectancy of 73.1 years is the lowest in Nebraska and nearly 5 years below the U.S. average of 78.1 years—a stark public health emergency. With 16.1% reporting poor or fair health, residents face significant daily health challenges and high disease burden.

Nebraska's lowest life expectancy

Franklin County's 73.1-year life expectancy falls 4.4 years below Nebraska's 77.5-year state average, marking a severe health disparity within the state. This gap suggests deep-rooted social, economic, or health care factors affecting the county's residents.

Isolated health crisis in rural south-central

Franklin County's 73.1-year life expectancy stands dramatically below nearby Dundy County (unknown) and all surrounding counties, indicating localized health challenges. At 16.1% poor/fair health, the county matches regional rates despite lower life expectancy, suggesting premature mortality drives the gap.

Adequate providers, persistent health crisis

Franklin County offers 69 primary care providers and 71 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—solid rural benchmarks—yet faces the state's worst life expectancy. The 7.1% uninsured rate is among the best in Nebraska, suggesting access to care alone doesn't explain the severe health outcome disparities.

Franklin County needs urgent action

Franklin County's 5-year life expectancy gap demands immediate attention from residents, providers, and policymakers. If you lack coverage, visit healthcare.gov today—ensuring all residents can access the mental health and primary care services available locally is essential to turning this crisis around.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Education Services

Franklin County manages 4 public schools that serve a total of 348 students. The system covers all grade levels with two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

High Graduation and Strong Academic Scores

Franklin County achieves a high 90.0% graduation rate, surpassing the state average of 86.9%. This success is paired with a school score of 60.8, supported by an annual expenditure of $10,370 per pupil.

District Leadership in Franklin

Franklin Public Schools is the primary district, enrolling 290 students. The county contains no charter schools, maintaining a traditional and unified approach to public education for its residents.

Small Schools in a Rural Landscape

With an average school size of just 87 students, Franklin County offers one of the most intimate learning environments in the state. Franklin Elementary is the largest school with 141 students, while Wilcox-Hildreth Upper Elementary serves only 58.

Success in a Small-Town Setting

Franklin County's high graduation rates make it a standout choice for parents researching school quality. Look for homes in this area to combine the benefits of high academic standards with a peaceful rural lifestyle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin's risk moderately exceeds national norms

Franklin County's composite risk score of 32.22 slightly exceeds the national average with a Very Low rating. This modest elevation reflects moderate exposure to natural hazards compared to most American counties.

Slightly above average within Nebraska

Franklin County scores 32.22, modestly above Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it in the mid-range of state risk profiles. This position reflects the county's south-central location with moderate multi-hazard exposure.

Moderate risk typical of the region

Franklin County's score of 32.22 sits in the middle tier of south-central Nebraska counties, with some neighbors scoring higher and others lower. The county represents a balanced profile for the region.

Wildfires and tornadoes merit preparation

Wildfire risk scores 40.62 and tornado risk reaches 32.25 in Franklin County, representing the top two hazard concerns. Flood risk (9.48) and earthquake risk (5.41) remain substantially lower than these primary threats.

Secure tornado and wildfire coverage

Franklin County homeowners should ensure policies cover tornadoes (32.25) and wildfires (40.62), the county's most significant hazards. Maintain defensible space around your property and review your wind/hail coverage annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temps with Low Snowfall

Franklin County averages 51.2°F annually, putting it in line with the national median. Its precipitation levels are typical for the Midwest at 25.8 inches per year.

Matching State Precipitation Averages

Franklin's 25.8 inches of precipitation almost perfectly matches the Nebraska state average of 25.9 inches. However, its 51.2°F annual temperature is warmer than the 49.7°F state average.

Warmer Days than Northern Neighbors

With 46 extreme heat days, Franklin is warmer than many counties to its north. It receives significantly less snow than northern Nebraska, recording only 18.5 inches annually.

Hot Summers and Dry Winters

July is hot with an average of 76.7°F and 46 days reaching at least 90°F. Winters are relatively dry and mild for the region, with a 28.1°F winter average and only 18.5 inches of snow.

Focus on Summer Heat Mitigation

Because extreme heat occurs 46 days a year, residents should prioritize air conditioning and heat-reflective home improvements. The low 18.5-inch snowfall means heavy plowing equipment is less critical than in other parts of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Stability in Franklin County

Franklin County features a pH of 6.69, nearly matching the state average and the national ideal for plant growth. This creates a stable chemical environment where most nutrients remain readily available to crops.

A Balanced Loamy Mix

The composition is 46.8% silt and 32.6% sand, providing a classic loamy feel that is prized by growers. The 17.5% clay content adds enough structure to hold nutrients without making the soil too heavy to work.

Strong Water Retention Potential

Available water capacity is 0.182 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.172 in/in. While the 2.11% organic matter is lower than the state's 3.32%, the overall soil score of 60.1 reflects high quality.

Assessing Local Water Flow

Official drainage classifications are missing for this region, but the silt-heavy mix typically provides reliable moisture. Gardeners should monitor for surface crusting, which can occur with these silt levels after heavy rain.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone allows for a wide variety of heat-loving plants like peppers and tomatoes. With its balanced soil and favorable climate, Franklin County is a great place to cultivate a home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Resilient Lawns in Franklin

Franklin County’s score of 57.8 indicates that lawn care is slightly easier here than the national average. This zone 6a county offers a balance of rainfall and heat that favors dedicated gardeners.

High Summer Heat and Average Rain

The county matches the state average for rainfall at 25.8 inches, but faces 46 extreme heat days. This combination means that mid-summer dormancy is common unless supplemental water is applied.

Great Soil for Turf Grass

A soil pH of 6.69 is nearly perfect for lawn health and nutrient availability. The soil texture features 32.6% sand and 17.5% clay, providing a good middle ground for drainage and stability.

Managing Regular Drought Cycles

With 27 weeks of drought in the past year, consistent monitoring is key to keeping grass green. Watering deeply early in the morning helps the grass withstand the 46 days of high heat it faces each year.

Ready for Spring Planting

Perennial Ryegrass and Fescue blends perform well in Franklin’s zone 6a climate. Your target date for spring projects is April 30, right after the threat of frost typically ends.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 68.2 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 Nebraska?
Franklin County ranks #16 among all counties in Nebraska 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, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $1,123, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 29/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Nebraska is $57,692 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 32.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 68.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Nebraska. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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