countyscore

Franklin County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#52 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
46.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 77.2Schools 61.9Health 61.4

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Pennsylvania

Near the National Livability Median

Franklin County scores a 46.9, trailing the national median of 50.0 by only a small margin. It represents a fairly standard profile for a mid-sized American county.

Chasing the Pennsylvania State Average

The county sits slightly below the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. While it struggles in certain areas, it maintains high performance in the income and education pillars.

Economic Vitality and Strong Schools

Economic health is a standout, with an income score of 77.2 and a healthy median household income of $74,946. Schools and health both score above 61, indicating robust social infrastructure.

Navigating Higher Housing Costs

Housing affordability is the main drawback, as the cost score of 21.1 reflects rising prices like the $236,300 median home value. Environmental risk also remains a concern with a score of 23.6.

Best for Higher-Income Professional Families

Franklin is ideal for professional families who earn above-average incomes and value high-quality schools. The trade-off is a tighter housing market and higher entry costs than neighboring counties.

Score breakdown

Tax30.2Cost21.1Safety59.2Health61.4Schools61.9Income77.2Risk23.6Water40.2Weather61.3
🏛30.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡23.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧40.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨48.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.8
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

Fulton County
Pennsylvania
56
Washington County
Maryland
44.6
Adams County
Pennsylvania
53.4
Cumberland County
Pennsylvania
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Perry County
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Huntingdon County
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Berkeley County
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Frederick 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 matches national norms but with lower values

Franklin's effective tax rate of 1.115% sits just below the national median of 1.317%, positioning it near the national 45th percentile. The median tax bill of $2,634 closely mirrors the national median of $2,690, despite Franklin homes being worth roughly $45,600 less.

Franklin ranks in the middle of Pennsylvania

Franklin's 1.115% effective rate falls slightly below the state average of 1.317%, making it a moderate-tax county by Pennsylvania standards. The median tax of $2,634 is about $23 below the state median, reflecting a good balance of home values and tax rates.

Franklin taxes are competitive with the region

Franklin's 1.115% rate is lower than Erie (1.625%), Greene (1.295%), and Fayette (1.195%), placing it squarely in the middle-to-lower range regionally. Franklin homeowners enjoy comparable tax burdens to neighboring Fulton County while financing homes worth roughly $30,000 more.

Median Franklin home costs about $2,634 yearly

A typical Franklin home worth $236,300 carries an annual property tax bill of $2,634. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $2,732; without one, it drops to $2,445.

Franklin homeowners should verify their assessment values

With median home values near $236,000, an inflated assessment can cost hundreds per year in property taxes. Filing an appeal with your township or county assessor is free and could significantly reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin County Mirrors National Housing Costs

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% slightly exceeds the national average of 15.8%, reflecting higher housing costs paired with above-average local incomes of $74,946—nearly identical to the national median of $74,755. This county represents a market where national-level affordability pressures are taking hold.

Franklin Ranks Among PA's Pricier Markets

At 17.1%, Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio sits above Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, and its median rent of $1,071 is the highest among these eight counties and 12% above the state median. Franklin represents the region's premium housing market.

Franklin Leads the Region in Housing Costs

Franklin County's $1,071 monthly rent significantly outpaces every peer here, with median home values of $236,300 representing the region's steepest entry price for ownership. Franklin's higher income base ($74,946) supports these costs, but renters still face above-average burden.

Premium Rents and Mortgages for Higher Earners

Franklin County residents earning $74,946 medially pay $1,071 for rent or $1,169 for mortgage—the region's highest housing costs—consuming 17.1% and 18.8% of income respectively. The county's strong income base absorbs these costs more comfortably than lower-income peers, but affordability remains compressed.

Franklin Suits Higher Earners and Families

Franklin County's premium pricing—$1,071 rent, $236,300 median home values—makes sense if your income approaches or exceeds the county median of $74,946. Budget accordingly and compare against more affordable options like Fayette ($771 rent) or Greene ($754 rent) to ensure Franklin's higher costs align with your financial plan.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin matches the national standard

Franklin County's median household income of $74,946 essentially matches the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the American middle class. This alignment signals a healthy, stable economy relative to national benchmarks.

Above average for Pennsylvania

Franklin's $74,946 income exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by $5,332, positioning it in the upper half of the state's 67 counties. The county ranks among Pennsylvania's more prosperous regions.

Franklin leads this regional cluster

Franklin County's $74,946 substantially outpaces all seven comparison counties, with the nearest competitor (Erie at $61,476) trailing by $13,470. This income premium reflects Franklin's stronger job market and economic diversity.

Housing affordable despite higher values

Franklin's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% remains at the comfort threshold, and median home values of $236,300 remain achievable for middle-income households. The county balances higher property values with corresponding higher incomes.

Leverage income advantage strategically

Franklin County households earning $74,946 can accelerate wealth building through diversified investments, homeownership, and retirement account maximization. With income tracking national norms, focus on investment discipline and long-term compounding to build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Franklin County is Safer than National Average

Franklin County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 941.1 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Franklin County Aligns with Pennsylvania Standards

The county's crime rate of 941.1 per 100K is almost exactly the same as the state average of 932.4. Its 98.5 safety score also mirrors the statewide average score.

Franklin and Fulton County Comparison

Franklin County's crime rate of 941.1 is lower than neighboring Fulton County's 1327.0. This suggests Franklin is one of the more secure hubs in its immediate regional vicinity.

The Local Balance of Property and Violence

Violent crime in Franklin is low at 137.7 per 100K, beating the state average of 142.2. Property crime sits at 803.4 per 100K, which is the primary driver of police activity across the 14 agencies.

Staying Safe in Franklin County

Residents can help keep property crime low by ensuring their homes are well-lit at night. Active monitoring and community watch programs further strengthen the county's already high safety profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

Franklin leads Pennsylvania in life expectancy

Franklin County residents live 77.2 years on average—1.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—placing the county among America's healthier communities. Just 18.3% report poor or fair health, below the 17.9% national average, reflecting strong preventive care and chronic disease management.

Franklin ranks among state's healthiest

At 77.2 years, Franklin's life expectancy tops Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average by 0.8 years, ranking it among the state's health leaders. This advantage suggests effective primary care, engaged residents, and lower poverty rates that support better health outcomes across the lifespan.

Franklin outpaces all comparison counties

Franklin County's 77.2-year life expectancy is the highest among all eight counties in this analysis, topping the next-best peer (Huntingdon at 77.0 years) by two months. With 61 primary care providers per 100K and 138 mental health providers per 100K, Franklin offers solid healthcare infrastructure that supports its superior health profile.

Good coverage, but higher uninsured rate

Franklin's 8.5% uninsured rate is the highest among the eight counties and exceeds Pennsylvania's 7.0% average, despite the county's overall health strength. With 61 primary care providers per 100K, the county has decent—though not exceptional—routine care capacity, suggesting some residents may face access challenges.

Franklin residents: close that coverage gap

Even in a healthy county, uninsured residents miss preventive care and face bankruptcy from medical bills; Franklin's 8.5% uninsured rate (roughly 14,000 people) deserves attention. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid, Marketplace, and employer options—your covered status could mean better health tomorrow.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Franklin County’s Expansive School System

Franklin County is home to 41 public schools across seven districts, serving a total enrollment of 21,636 students. The system includes 25 elementary schools, seven middle schools, and nine high schools, along with one alternative school. This infrastructure supports a growing population with a strong emphasis on primary education.

Leading Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county boasts a 90.6% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 90.3% and the national average of 87%. Remarkably, these results are achieved with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $8,277, well below state and national benchmarks. While the school score of 56.6 is slightly below the state average, it remains above the national median.

Chambersburg Area Leads the Way

Chambersburg Area School District dominates the landscape with 17 schools and 9,274 students, representing nearly half the county’s enrollment. Waynesboro Area and Tuscarora districts also play major roles, serving 4,303 and 2,263 students respectively. No charter schools are currently active, keeping the focus on these established public districts.

A Versatile Mix of School Environments

The county offers a diverse mix of locales, from 17 rural campuses to six city schools and 10 suburban sites. Chambersburg Area Senior High is a major center of activity with 2,348 students, while the county average school size is 528. This range allows families to choose between large-scale urban high schools and smaller rural elementary programs.

High Graduation Rates Await in Franklin

Franklin County's high graduation rates make it an attractive spot for families focusing on academic success. Look for homes in the Waynesboro or Greencastle-Antrim areas to find strong community ties and proven educational outcomes. Your next home purchase here is an investment in a district that consistently beats national benchmarks.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin faces above-average disaster exposure

Franklin County's composite risk score of 76.40 exceeds the national median, rating as "Relatively Low" but still elevated. Hurricane risk (85.57) and earthquake risk (75.38) are particularly pronounced, reflecting the county's geographic position in south-central Pennsylvania.

Fifth-riskiest county in Pennsylvania

At 76.40, Franklin ranks in the upper half of Pennsylvania's at-risk counties, above the state average of 67.45. Only four counties statewide carry demonstrably higher composite risk.

Higher exposure than Adams and Cumberland

Franklin's 76.40 score exceeds neighboring Adams County and Cumberland County to the southeast. This position places Franklin as a relative risk concentration zone in the Appalachian foothills region.

Hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding converge

Franklin's three largest hazards are hurricane risk (85.57), earthquake risk (75.38), and flood risk (84.32), creating a tripled vulnerability profile. The county sits near active seismic zones and remains within the reach of Atlantic hurricane systems.

Secure earthquake and flood coverage

Franklin County homeowners should add earthquake insurance to their policies, as standard homeowner's plans exclude seismic damage. Flood insurance is equally critical given the 84.32 flood risk; review coverage annually before hurricane season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

Approaching National Medians

With an annual average of 51.5°F, Franklin County sits closer to the national median than many of its northern neighbors. This reflects a transition toward the warmer humid subtropical influences of the south.

One of the State's Warmest

Franklin is one of Pennsylvania's warmer counties, exceeding the state average of 49.9°F by 1.6 degrees. Its 46.0 inches of precipitation remains very close to the state-wide norms.

Regional Heat Leader

Franklin shares its 51.5°F average with Greene County, making them some of the warmest spots in the region. It stays much milder than Jefferson, which is nearly 4 degrees colder on average.

Warm Summers and Light Snow

Summers are notably warm with 11 days exceeding 90°F and a July average of 72.9°F. Winters are relatively light, seeing only 31.9 inches of snow compared to the state's northern averages.

Cooling for Humid Summers

Prioritize energy-efficient air conditioning to manage the double-digit extreme heat days. Standard winter kits suffice for the moderate snowfall, but residents should prepare for high summer humidity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Sweeter Soils in Franklin

Franklin County's average pH of 5.36 is one of the higher readings in the state, exceeding the Pennsylvania average of 5.22. However, it still remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

A Balanced Silt and Sand Blend

The soil contains 43.1% silt and 30.8% sand, which provides a versatile texture for agriculture. A clay content of 16.6% adds enough body to retain nutrients without causing severe drainage issues.

Productive Ground with High Water Storage

With an available water capacity of 0.154 in/in, Franklin's soil holds more moisture than the state average. The organic matter content of 6.75% is triple the national average, fueling healthy plant growth.

Stable Moisture for Local Farms

The soil score of 48.8 indicates above-average quality for the state. This stability is driven by a texture that balances drainage and retention, making it ideal for both gardening and building.

Extended Growing in Zone 7a

As one of the warmer spots in the state, Zone 7a allows Franklin residents to grow long-season crops like peppers and tomatoes. Use this extra warmth to experiment with varieties that might struggle in cooler northern counties.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Franklin County's Lawn Care Challenges

Franklin County has a difficulty score of 55.8, making it one of the more challenging spots in the state for lawn care. This Zone 7a rating reflects a warmer, more volatile environment than the Pennsylvania average of 59.2.

High Heat Days Drive Watering Needs

With 11 extreme heat days and 3053 growing degree days, lawns here grow rapidly but face significant stress. The 46.0 inches of precipitation is ample, but the heat often evaporates surface moisture before it reaches deep roots.

Balancing Clay and Sand for Better Roots

A soil pH of 5.36 indicates an acidic foundation that needs regular attention to support nutrient uptake. The mix of 16.6% clay and 30.8% sand requires aeration to prevent compaction and improve water infiltration.

Severe Drought Conditions Limit Water Use

The county has spent 35 weeks in drought over the past year, with 58.6% of the area currently in severe drought. Water conservation is critical here, and dormant-seeding may be more effective than high-summer watering.

Zone 7a Grasses for Warmer Climates

The late spring frost on April 27th marks the start of the primary growing season. Tall Fescue is a great choice for Franklin's heat, especially since the first fall frost doesn't arrive until October 25th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 46.9 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 Pennsylvania?
Franklin County ranks #52 among all counties in Pennsylvania 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, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $2,634, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 30.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Pennsylvania is $74,946 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 77.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 46.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in Pennsylvania. 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.