countyscore
41.9
County Score
Lawn Care 86.8Soil Quality 79.2Safety 76.7

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Ohio

A Major Urban Hub Below Median

Franklin County earns a composite score of 41.9, which sits below the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects the complex infrastructure and environmental challenges common in large metropolitan centers.

Trailing the Ohio Average

The county lags behind the Ohio state average score of 48.6. It struggles to match the overall livability scores of its more affordable or suburban neighbors.

High Earnings and Public Safety

Franklin County excels in safety and income, with scores of 76.7 and 75.2 respectively. Residents benefit from a robust median household income of $73,795.

Environmental Risks and High Taxes

The county faces significant environmental risk with a score of only 1.9. Additionally, an effective tax rate of 1.547% creates a heavy financial burden for many households.

The Professional's Metropolitan Choice

This county is best for high-earning professionals who value safety and career opportunities. It suits those willing to trade tax affordability for a dynamic urban environment.

Score breakdown

Tax10.9Cost12.3Safety76.7Health57.4Schools41.1Income75.2Risk1.9Water68.8Weather59.9
🏛10.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼75.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧68.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨79.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱86.8
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

Delaware County
Ohio
38.6
Fairfield County
Ohio
39.9
Madison County
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47.8
Licking County
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Pickaway County
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Union County
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Morrow County
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Knox 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 run 53% above national median

Franklin County homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 1.547%, compared to the national median of 0.95%. The median annual property tax here is $4,110—well above the national median of $2,690—placing Franklin in the upper tier of property tax burden nationally.

Among the highest-taxed in Ohio

Franklin's effective rate of 1.547% exceeds Ohio's state average of 1.148%, ranking it in the top third of Ohio counties. The median tax bill of $4,110 is nearly double the state median of $2,145.

Costs more than most nearby counties

Franklin County's $4,110 median tax significantly outpaces rural neighbors like Gallia ($1,351) and Guernsey ($1,561), though it's comparable to affluent suburban Geauga ($4,533). The difference reflects Franklin's urban concentration around Columbus and higher home values.

Median home costs $4,110 yearly in taxes

A typical Franklin County home valued at $265,700 generates an annual property tax bill of roughly $4,110. For mortgaged homes, add mortgage-related taxes bringing the total closer to $4,201 annually.

Assessment accuracy matters here

With tax bills this substantial, even a 5% overassessment error costs homeowners hundreds annually. Many Franklin County residents qualify for tax appeals or exemptions—checking your property's assessed value against recent market sales is a smart first step.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin County rents rank higher nationally

Franklin County residents spend 20.1% of their income on rent, significantly above the national average of 15.6%. This means a typical household here dedicates roughly one-fifth of earnings to housing costs, compared to the national norm.

Among Ohio's least affordable counties

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% ranks it among Ohio's least affordable counties, well above the state average of 15.6%. The median rent of $1,233 per month exceeds the Ohio median of $873 by 41%.

Pricier than rural neighbors, less than suburbs

Franklin County's median rent of $1,233 significantly exceeds nearby Fulton County ($832) and Hancock County ($926), reflecting Columbus's urban pull. However, it remains more affordable than wealthy suburban Geauga County, where median rent climbs to $1,018 despite higher home values.

Homeownership costs bite harder here

Monthly housing costs break down to $1,233 for renters and $1,423 for homeowners against a median income of $73,795. This means the typical household dedicates over 20% of income to rent alone, or nearly 23% for mortgage-paying owners.

Columbus offers urban life—with a price

If you're considering a move to Franklin County, weigh the urban amenities and job market against above-average housing costs. Exploring nearby Fulton, Hancock, or Greene counties could yield comparable income opportunities with significantly lower rent burdens.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin keeps pace with nation

Franklin County's median household income of $73,795 sits just $960 below the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the middle of American prosperity. This positioning reflects a county economy that mirrors national earning patterns, neither outpacing nor trailing the broader U.S. workforce.

Above average across Ohio

At $73,795, Franklin County's median income runs $5,694 above Ohio's state average of $68,101, ranking it solidly in the upper half of the state's 88 counties. The county's per capita income of $42,855 also exceeds the state average of $35,642 by 20%, signaling stronger individual earning power.

Balanced among regional peers

Franklin County earns modestly more than Hamilton County ($70,816) and Hancock County ($69,699), but considerably less than its affluent neighbor Geauga County ($100,783). Against Fulton County ($72,866) to the north, Franklin holds a slight income edge of less than $1,000.

Housing costs demand 20% of income

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% means a typical household dedicates one-fifth of earnings to housing, pushing against the 30% affordability threshold many financial experts recommend. With a median home value of $265,700, homeownership remains accessible but requires careful budgeting alongside other living expenses.

Build wealth beyond the paycheck

Franklin County households earning $73,795 have the income floor to pursue investment and retirement planning—yet many don't maximize these opportunities. Starting with automated retirement contributions or a diversified investment account now compounds into significant long-term wealth, especially when paired with the county's modest housing cost burden.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Franklin County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Franklin County reports a total crime rate of 557.7 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This strong performance earns the county an impressive safety score of 99.1 out of 100. Residents here experience a much higher level of security than the typical American community.

A Leader in Ohio Public Safety

With a safety score of 99.1, Franklin County exceeds the Ohio state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 557.7 per 100,000 is also well below the state average of 1,412.3. The county stands as one of the more secure major metropolitan areas in the state.

Franklin County vs. Regional Neighbors

Franklin County's crime rate of 557.7 per 100,000 is remarkably lower than neighboring Hamilton County, which sees 2,809.9 crimes per 100,000. It also maintains a higher safety score than nearby Greene County. This data positions Franklin as a regional anchor for public safety.

Low Violent Crime Defines Local Landscape

Violent crime in Franklin County is notably low at just 51.9 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 505.8 incidents per 100,000, representing the bulk of local law enforcement activity. These figures suggest that while property concerns exist, personal safety remains very high.

Securing Your Franklin County Property

Since property crime makes up the vast majority of local incidents, home security is a smart investment. Consider installing smart cameras or motion lighting to deter opportunistic theft. Simple precautions can help maintain the county's high safety standards for your household.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

Franklin County's life expectancy tops U.S. average

At 75.5 years, Franklin County residents live nearly 1.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, though they match the national median closely. The county's 17.7% poor/fair health rate sits below the national average, reflecting a relatively healthy population despite urban healthcare challenges.

Franklin leads Ohio's life expectancy race

Franklin County's 75.5-year life expectancy exceeds Ohio's state average of 74.8 years, placing it among the state's healthier counties. With 17.7% reporting poor or fair health—better than the state's typical outcomes—the county shows strength in overall population health metrics.

Urban advantage: Franklin vs. surrounding counties

Franklin County's 75.5-year life expectancy outpaces most neighbors, including Hamilton County (75.5 years) and Hancock County (76.1 years), though it lags slightly behind Fulton County's 76.4 years. The county provides stronger primary care density (102 per 100K) than many rural neighbors, supporting its urban healthcare infrastructure.

Uninsured rate rising in Franklin County

Franklin County's 8.2% uninsured rate exceeds Ohio's state average of 7.5%, meaning roughly 1 in 12 county residents lack health coverage. The county does maintain solid mental health provider access at 464 per 100K, though primary care availability at 102 per 100K leaves room for expansion.

Check your coverage options in Franklin County

With 8.2% of Franklin County residents uninsured, now is the time to explore available health insurance plans through the healthcare marketplace or county programs. Contact your local health department or visit healthcare.gov to find affordable coverage options tailored to your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban and Suburban Education Hub

Franklin County operates a vast network of 388 public schools, including 214 elementary and 72 high schools. With 185,933 students enrolled across 98 districts, this is one of the most complex education infrastructures in Ohio.

Evaluating Performance and Spending in the Capital

The county's graduation rate of 80.9% trails both the state average of 88.3% and the national mark of 87.0%. Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $8,411, which exceeds the state average, the composite school score of 51.8 sits just below the state median.

Columbus City Schools and a Robust Charter Presence

Columbus City Schools dominates the landscape with 45,337 students across 118 different buildings. Charter schools play a significant role here, with 79 institutions making up over 20% of the total school count.

Diverse Learning Environments from City to Suburb

The county offers a mix of 219 city schools and 157 suburban settings, with an average school size of 488 students. Large campuses like Lincoln High School serve over 2,300 students, while smaller specialized facilities provide more intimate settings.

Find Your Home Near Top-Tier Schools

With a wide range of academic environments, Franklin County offers diverse options for families prioritizing education. Explore homes in districts like Hilliard or Gahanna-Jefferson to find the perfect fit for your student's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin County faces elevated disaster risk

Franklin County scores 98.06 on the national composite risk scale, placing it well above the typical U.S. county profile. This relatively high rating means residents face meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, from flooding to tornadoes, compared to most American counties.

Most at-risk county in Ohio

Franklin County's composite risk score of 98.06 far exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03, making it the highest-risk county in the state. This significantly elevated profile reflects concentrated vulnerability across several major hazard categories.

Substantially riskier than surrounding counties

Franklin County's score of 98.06 dwarfs neighboring Delaware County and surrounding areas, which typically score in the 40–70 range. The county's central location and urban density amplify its exposure to flood, earthquake, and tornado risks compared to less populated Ohio neighbors.

Flooding and tornadoes pose greatest threats

Franklin County faces a flood risk score of 98.79 and tornado risk of 98.44—among the highest in the nation. Earthquake risk also registers significantly at 93.32, making structural resilience and emergency preparedness critical for residents and businesses.

Comprehensive coverage essential for Franklin residents

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood or earthquake damage; Franklin County residents should strongly consider separate flood and earthquake policies given the county's exceptional exposure to both hazards. Ensuring your home meets current building codes and maintaining an emergency preparedness plan can significantly reduce losses from tornadoes and severe weather.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm central Ohio climate

Franklin County averages 53.2°F annually, making it warmer than the national median and many surrounding regions. It features a humid continental climate with a notable urban heat island effect.

Among the state's warmest counties

At 53.2°F, Franklin County is significantly warmer than the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. It frequently records some of the highest temperatures in the central part of the state.

Leading the region in heat

Franklin is warmer than neighboring Fairfield County, which averages 52.7°F. Its 41.3 inches of annual precipitation perfectly mirrors the Ohio state average of 41.2 inches.

Frequent heat and moderate snow

Summers are hot with 19 extreme heat days above 90°F and a July average of 75.1°F. Winters bring 23.6 inches of snow, which is modest compared to the state's northern reaches.

Invest in high-efficiency cooling

With 19 days of extreme heat per year, residents should prioritize air conditioning and energy-efficient windows. Winter gear is still necessary for the 29.2°F January lows and 23.6 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

Franklin County's Balanced Soil Profile

Franklin County features an average pH of 6.34, sitting much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the Ohio state average of 5.97. While broader taxonomic classifications are not recorded for this profile, the pH suggests a versatile environment for most residential and agricultural plants.

Heavy Silt for Nutrient Retention

The soil contains 53.4% silt and 21.5% clay, which creates a substantial body capable of holding onto nutrients. With 23.7% sand, it maintains enough structure for root growth, though the high silt content requires care to prevent surface crusting.

Superior Water Capacity for Growing

The organic matter content is 3.54%, which exceeds the national average of 2.0% but trails the state average of 4.85%. Crucially, the available water capacity of 0.208 in/in is higher than the state average, providing plants with a significant reservoir during dry spells.

Consistent Performance Across the County

While specific drainage classes are not locally assigned in this data, the overall soil score of 79.2 is significantly higher than the state average of 66.0. This score reflects a highly productive landscape that supports both urban development and healthy gardens.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6b

Franklin County's Zone 6b climate is ideal for growing tomatoes, peppers, and various fruit trees in this capable soil. With a soil score near the top of the state rankings, it is a perfect time to start your backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Franklin County Leads in Ohio Lawn Ease

With a lawn difficulty score of 86.8, Franklin County is significantly easier to manage than the national median of 50.0 and exceeds the Ohio average of 76.0. This Hardiness Zone 6b region offers a temperate environment where grass thrives with relatively low intervention.

Ample Rainfall Meets Warm Summer Growth

The county receives 41.3 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal range for healthy turf. While 3,551 growing degree days promote steady development, the 19 extreme heat days each year require careful monitoring to prevent summer scorch.

Near-Perfect Soil Chemistry for Turf

A soil pH of 6.34 sits right in the 6.0 to 7.0 sweet spot for nutrient uptake in most grass species. The soil contains 21.5% clay and 23.7% sand, providing a balanced texture that generally supports stable root systems.

Stable Moisture Levels Maintain Greenery

The county experienced only 5 weeks of drought over the past year and currently reports 0% abnormal dryness. You can maintain this resilience by watering deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth during the few dry spells.

Start Seeding After the April Frost

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are excellent choices for this 6b zone. Aim to seed after the last spring frost on April 22 or in the early fall once the summer heat breaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Ohio has a composite county score of 41.9 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 Ohio?
Franklin County ranks #65 among all counties in Ohio 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, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $4,110, with an effective tax rate of 1.55%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 10.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Ohio is $73,795 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 75.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Ohio a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 41.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Ohio. 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

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