CountyScore

Franklin County

Nebraska · NE

#38 in Nebraska
72.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Nebraska

Franklin outpaces the national livability median

Franklin County's composite score of 72.6 is 45% above the national median of 50.0, placing it firmly in the upper half of U.S. counties. This solid standing reflects strength across its measured quality-of-life dimensions.

Slightly above Nebraska's statewide average

At 72.6, Franklin County ranks above Nebraska's state average of 71.2, making it a reliable performer within the state's county hierarchy. It holds its ground among peer rural counties.

Exceptional affordability across all housing measures

Franklin County shines with a cost score of 89.1—the highest in this group—with median rents at just $613/month and median home values at $99,100. The tax score of 70.4 and effective rate of 1.133% further enhance its affordability profile, making it one of the region's most cost-effective options.

Income potential lags among peer counties

The income score of 21.1 is among the lowest, with median household income at $57,692, limiting earning power in the county. Health score at 71.4 and risk score at 67.8 are also on the lower end of this group, suggesting areas needing attention.

Ideal for cost-first, income-flexible households

Franklin County is made for budget-conscious families, retirees on fixed incomes, and remote workers who can earn elsewhere while enjoying rock-bottom housing costs. It sacrifices income potential for maximum affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70.4Cost89.1SafetyComing SoonHealth71.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.1Risk67.8WaterComing Soon
🏛70.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡67.8
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

Greene County
Alabama
72.6
Median income: $31,495
Macon County
Alabama
72.6
Median income: $45,951
Columbia County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $47,363
Lincoln County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $51,667
Little River County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $52,241

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 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

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

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

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.