countyscore
53.1
County Score
Safety 74.4Health 71.3Soil Quality 66.5

County Report Card

About Franklin County, New York

Above the National Median

Franklin County outpaces the national median composite score of 50.0 with its solid 53.1 rating. This indicates a quality of life that stands above the middle of the pack for American counties.

Outperforming the State Average

With a score of 53.1, Franklin performs significantly better than the New York state average of 47.0. It ranks as a high-performing rural option within the state's diverse geography.

Safe and Healthy Living

The county excels in safety with a score of 74.4 and health with a score of 71.3. These ratings are supported by affordable living, with a median gross rent of just $819 per month.

Tax and Water Hurdles

Franklin faces significant challenges in water quality with a score of 14.3 and tax burden with a low 4.4 score. The effective tax rate of 1.880% remains a point of friction for local homeowners.

Ideal for Nature-Loving Families

This county suits outdoor-oriented families who prioritize safety and low housing costs over low taxes. It is a great fit for those looking for a secure, healthy environment at a reasonable price point.

Score breakdown

Tax4.4Cost53.6Safety74.4Health71.3Schools64Income50.1Risk51.2Water14.3Weather50.8
🏛4.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡74.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤71.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧14.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.2
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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Nearby counties

Clinton County
New York
51.9
St. Lawrence County
New York
51.3
Essex County
New York
59.1
Grand Isle County
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Chittenden County
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Franklin County
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Hamilton County
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Addison 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's tax rate beats national average

At 1.88%, Franklin County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 2.13%, placing it in the lower third nationally. This means Franklin homeowners pay less in property taxes relative to home value than most Americans—a significant advantage for affordability.

Below average among New York counties

Franklin ranks among the lower-taxed counties in New York, with an effective rate of 1.88% compared to the state average of 2.046%. This positions Franklin favorably within a state known for relatively high property taxes.

More affordable than most regional peers

Franklin's 1.88% rate outperforms neighboring Fulton County (2.13%) and Genesee County (2.51%), making it one of the region's more tax-friendly options. Only Hamilton County (0.98%) beats Franklin's rate in the immediate area.

Typical homeowner pays $2,418 annually

The median home in Franklin County costs $128,600 and carries an estimated annual property tax of $2,418. With mortgage-related exemptions, some homeowners pay closer to $2,134, while others may pay $2,780.

Your assessment may be too high

Many homeowners in Franklin County are paying more than they should due to inaccurate assessments. Reviewing your assessment and filing an appeal if your home's value has declined is a straightforward way to reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin County's rental sweet spot

Franklin County residents spend just 15.4% of their income on rent, well below the national norm and even better than New York's state average of 17.6%. With a median household income of $63,747 and median rent of $819 monthly, the county offers genuine affordability for renters compared to most of America.

Among New York's most affordable

Franklin County ranks among the state's most livable counties on the housing affordability scale, significantly outperforming New York's median rent of $1,133. The county's $819 median rent and favorable rent-to-income ratio position it as an accessible option within a state where housing costs typically demand a larger share of household earnings.

Upstate advantage over neighbors

Franklin County's $819 rent undercuts nearby Fulton County ($883) and matches Hamilton County's value while costing substantially less than Greene County ($993). When paired with Franklin's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio, the county emerges as the region's most balanced option for renters.

Rent and income align here

A Franklin County renter earning the median $63,747 annually spends $819 monthly on rent, leaving roughly 85% of income for other expenses. For homebuyers, the median monthly owner cost of $838 and median home value of $128,600 provide comparable affordability, making the county competitive across both rental and ownership markets.

Consider Franklin for affordability

If you're weighing upstate relocation, Franklin County delivers one of New York's best rent-to-income ratios at 15.4%, significantly undercutting state and national averages. The county's median home value of $128,600 and accessible rental market make it worth serious consideration for anyone prioritizing housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin income trails national median

Franklin County's median household income of $63,747 sits 14.7% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-earning tier across the U.S. This gap means households here earn roughly $11,000 less annually than the typical American family.

Ranked 53rd among New York counties

Within New York State, Franklin County ranks 53rd out of 62 counties for median household income, falling $12,686 short of the state average of $76,433. The county's per capita income of $31,801 also trails the state average of $41,133 by nearly 23%.

Below regional income peers

Compared to neighboring upstate counties, Franklin's $63,747 median lags behind Genesee County ($72,055) by $8,308 and Hamilton County ($68,950) by $5,203. The county ranks among the lowest earners in its North Country region.

Housing costs remain manageable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.4%, Franklin County households spend well below the national affordability threshold of 30%, suggesting rental housing is accessible relative to earnings. The median home value of $128,600 aligns with regional affordability, requiring roughly 2 years of median household income to purchase.

Build financial stability here

Franklin County's lower housing costs create an opportunity: households can allocate savings toward retirement accounts, emergency funds, and investments that build long-term wealth. Starting an employer 401(k) or IRA now compounds significantly over time, even with modest starting contributions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Franklin County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

With a total crime rate of 606.8 per 100K residents, Franklin County is significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an impressive safety score of 99.0 out of 100. Local law enforcement maintains a high standard of security compared to much of the country.

A Top Performer in New York State

Franklin County’s crime rate sits well below the New York state average of 1,074.4 per 100K. Its safety score of 99.0 exceeds the state average of 98.3, marking it as one of the more secure regions in the state. Residents enjoy a level of safety that many neighboring counties strive to achieve.

Leading the Way Among Regional Neighbors

While neighboring Hamilton County reports a lower rate of 117.9, Franklin County remains far safer than Jefferson County’s 1,228.7 per 100K. The 606.8 total crime rate represents a middle ground for the North Country, providing a stable environment for families. It remains a regional leader in keeping crime rates manageable.

Property Concerns Far Outweigh Violent Crimes

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 65.3 per 100K, which is nearly six times lower than the national average. Property crime accounts for the vast majority of incidents at 541.5 per 100K. Most residents will find that their primary safety focus involves securing personal belongings.

Simple Steps to Secure Your Franklin Property

Since property crime is the primary concern, basic home security can make a significant difference. Install outdoor lighting and ensure all entry points are locked to deter opportunistic theft. Staying proactive helps maintain the county's reputation for peace and security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

Franklin County's life expectancy slightly trails nation

At 77.3 years, Franklin County residents live about 0.9 years less than the U.S. average of 78.2 years. The county's 18.1% poor or fair health rate is above the national median, suggesting more residents experience chronic health challenges.

Slightly below New York state average

Franklin County's 77.3-year life expectancy is 0.6 years below New York's 77.9-year state average. This ranks the county in the middle band of New York's 62 counties for longevity.

Competitive with peers in upstate region

Franklin County's 77.3-year life expectancy matches Jefferson County but trails Hamilton County's 78.4 years and slightly exceeds Fulton County's 75.0 years. The county's primary care provider rate of 53 per 100K is the strongest among its immediate neighbors.

Insurance access and provider availability

Franklin County's 6.1% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 5.3%, meaning about 1 in 16 residents lack coverage. The county offers 53 primary care providers and 353 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, providing decent access despite its rural character.

Find coverage that works for you

If you're among Franklin County's uninsured, the New York State of Health marketplace makes enrollment simple. Navigate to nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777 to explore plans and subsidies available to you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of Nine School Districts

Franklin County supports 6,895 students across 21 public schools, including nine elementary and seven high schools. These facilities operate within nine distinct school districts to serve the region's widely dispersed student population.

High Investment Yields Above-Average School Scores

The county earns a strong school score of 70.1, outperforming the state average of 67.7. While the 86.1% graduation rate sits slightly below the national benchmark, officials invest $15,625 per pupil, which significantly exceeds national spending levels.

Malone Central Leads the County Infrastructure

Malone Central School District stands as the largest provider, managing five schools and 2,189 students. Traditional public education remains the exclusive model here, as the county currently hosts zero charter schools.

Small School Settings in Town and Country

Education in Franklin County takes place exclusively in rural and town settings, with schools averaging a modest 328 students. Franklin Academy High School is the largest campus with 719 students, while many elementary schools offer much smaller, intimate classrooms.

Find a Home Near Top-Performing Rural Schools

Families looking for high per-pupil investment and small class sizes should explore housing within the Malone or Salmon River districts. Choosing a home here means joining a community that prioritizes its local educational infrastructure.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin County's risk sits well below the nation

With a composite risk score of 48.85, Franklin County ranks as relatively low risk—significantly safer than the typical U.S. county. This score reflects moderate exposure to specific hazards like earthquakes and hurricanes, but substantially lower tornado and wildfire threats than many American communities.

Among New York's safer upstate counties

Franklin County's 48.85 score places it well below New York's state average of 69.42, ranking it among the lower-risk counties in the state. Only a handful of New York counties present fewer natural disaster risks than Franklin County does.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Franklin County outperforms its regional peers: it scores lower than Hamilton County's 15.11 (the state's safest), but significantly better than Fulton County (48.63) and Genesee County (56.11). The county's earthquake risk of 79.20 is notably higher than neighbors, reflecting its location near seismic zones.

Watch for earthquakes and hurricanes

Earthquake risk dominates Franklin County's hazard profile at 79.20, while hurricane risk ranks second at 57.74—both reflecting the county's northern location and geological setting. Flooding poses moderate concern at 67.14, particularly during spring snowmelt and heavy rain events, though tornado risk remains quite low at 18.92.

Secure earthquake and flood coverage now

Franklin County residents should prioritize earthquake insurance given the county's 79.20 risk score—a protection most standard homeowner policies exclude. Adding flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is equally critical, especially for properties in flood-prone areas, since 67.14% exposure suggests significant seasonal vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold Northern Climate in Franklin

Franklin's 41.3°F average annual temperature is significantly cooler than the national median, reflecting its position along the Canadian border. It experiences a humid continental climate where cold air masses dominate much of the year.

Well Below the State Average

At 41.3°F, Franklin ranks as one of the coldest counties in New York, sitting more than 6 degrees below the state average of 47.4°F. This makes it a standout for those seeking a true northern winter experience.

Colder than Northern Neighbors

Franklin's 41.3°F average is slightly warmer than neighboring Hamilton County (41.0°F) but remains much colder than Jefferson County to the west (45.8°F). It shares the snowy, rugged characteristics typical of the northern Adirondack region.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

The county sees a massive 98.1 inches of snow annually and a frigid January average of 14.4°F. Summers are incredibly mild, with a July average of 65.8°F and only 1 day reaching 90°F.

Winter Readiness is Key

Invest in high-grade home insulation and heavy-duty snow removal equipment to manage nearly 100 inches of snowfall. Air conditioning is rarely needed, as the region virtually never experiences prolonged extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

Franklin's Extremely Acidic Soil Foundation

Franklin County soils feature an average pH of 3.70, significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This high acidity levels influence the chemical availability of nutrients and define the local landscape. While specific taxonomic orders are not documented for this area, the low pH suggests a unique chemical profile.

Sandy Mix with Low Clay Content

The soil contains 42.1% sand, 14.9% silt, and only 4.9% clay. This sand-heavy composition allows for rapid movement of water through the soil profile. The low clay percentage limits the soil's natural ability to store nutrients, making consistent management essential.

Extraordinary Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter reaches a massive 59.13%, dwarfing the state average of 17.01%. This high concentration boosts the available water capacity to 0.275 in/in, well above the New York average of 0.182 in/in. These factors create an incredibly rich environment for plants that thrive in moist, organic-heavy conditions.

Managing Unlisted Drainage and Hydrology Profiles

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unmapped for this region. However, the high sand content generally suggests efficient water movement, while the high organic matter holds moisture near the surface. Gardeners should monitor local runoff patterns until more granular data becomes available.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 4a

In the cool climate of zone 4a, cold-hardy perennials and acid-loving blueberries flourish. Franklin's high organic content provides a perfect start for a productive home garden. You can successfully grow short-season vegetables and robust northern varieties here.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Northern Lawns in Franklin County

Franklin County earns a lawn difficulty score of 58.2, making it slightly more challenging than the New York state average of 61.1. While maintaining grass here is easier than the national median of 50.0, the USDA Hardiness Zone 4a climate requires cold-hardy species. Homeowners face a shorter, cooler window for growth compared to their southern neighbors.

Cool Summers and Ample Rain

The county receives 40.5 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal range for healthy turf. With only 1 extreme heat day per year and 1,736 growing degree days, grass rarely suffers from heat stress. This cool climate minimizes the need for heavy summer irrigation but limits the overall speed of turf recovery.

Addressing Intense Soil Acidity

The soil pH in Franklin County is exceptionally low at 3.70, far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. The ground is composed of 42.1% sand and only 4.9% clay, suggesting fast drainage but poor nutrient retention. Significant lime applications are necessary to balance the pH and help the lawn absorb essential minerals.

Full Coverage Abnormally Dry Conditions

Currently, 100.0% of the county is classified as abnormally dry, following 14 weeks of drought conditions over the past year. Since the sandy soil drains quickly, supplemental watering is vital during these dry spells to prevent dormancy. Focus on deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize moisture penetration.

Planting for Success in Zone 4a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are the best choices for the local climate and hardiness zone. Plan to seed after the last spring frost on May 16 or before the first fall frost on September 28 to ensure establishment. These cold-tolerant varieties handle the harsh 41.3°F average annual temperature with ease.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, New York has a composite county score of 53.1 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 New York?
Franklin County ranks #13 among all counties in New York 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, New York?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $2,418, with an effective tax rate of 1.88%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 4.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, New York is $63,747 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 50.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, New York a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 53.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in New York. 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.