CountyScore

Franklin County

Ohio · OH

#87 in Ohio
56.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Ohio

Franklin County scores above national average

Franklin County's composite score of 58.1 outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationally. This shows the county offers livability advantages compared to typical American counties, though there's room for improvement on the broader scale.

Below average among Ohio counties

Franklin County ranks in the middle of Ohio's county standings with a score of 58.1, compared to the state average of 68.8. The county lags about 10 points behind the typical Ohio county, suggesting stronger options exist within the state.

Balanced cost and tax profile

Franklin County shines with a cost score of 64.2, reflecting affordable housing options with a median home value of $265,700 and rent at $1,233 monthly. The county's effective tax rate of 1.547% keeps the overall tax burden reasonable for residents managing household finances.

Income levels need strengthening

The county's income score of 31.6 stands out as a clear weakness, with a median household income of $73,795 falling below regional and state expectations. Data on safety, health, schools, environmental risk, and water quality remain unavailable, limiting the full livability picture.

Suits budget-conscious urban residents

Franklin County works best for families and professionals seeking urban conveniences with manageable housing costs and moderate tax rates. The lower income profile suggests it appeals to those prioritizing affordability over higher wage opportunities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax58.8Cost64.2SafetyComing SoonHealth70.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.6Risk1.9WaterComing Soon
🏛58.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡1.9
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

Palm Beach County
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56.6
Median income: $81,115
Suffolk County
Massachusetts
56.6
Median income: $92,859
Todd County
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56.6
Median income: $39,148
Johnson County
Texas
56.6
Median income: $81,826
Parker County
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56.6
Median income: $102,099

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 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

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

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

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.