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.

2040608010011.912.276.757.441.173.61.968.859.9Tax11.9Cost12.2Safety76.7Health57.4Schools41.1Income73.6Risk1.9Water68.8Weather59.941.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Franklin County DNA

Foverall

How Franklin County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Franklin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (73.6/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (1.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
11.9-40.1
Cost
12.2-35.8
Safety
76.7+21.700000000000003
Health
57.4
Schools
41.1-12.899999999999999
Income
73.6+22.599999999999994
Risk
1.9-45.1
Water
68.8+10.799999999999997
Weather
59.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Franklin County?

Many homeowners in Franklin County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$288,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,302/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$288,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$52,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $75,176/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Colusa County
California
Median income: $75,672
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Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
Median income: $86,586
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St. John the Baptist Parish
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Middlesex County
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Median income: $111,549
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Cleveland County
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Median income: $58,534
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Craig County
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Georgetown County
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Kershaw County
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Median income: $68,231
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Nearby counties

Delaware County
Ohio
38.2
Fairfield County
Ohio
39.9
Madison County
Ohio
48.3
Licking County
Ohio
37.6
Pickaway County
Ohio
41.1
Union County
Ohio
50.1
Morrow County
Ohio
51.8
Knox County
Ohio
52.9

Deep Dives

Franklin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 $4,244, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 11.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Ohio is $75,176 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 73.6/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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