countyscore
47.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 78.7Weather & Climate 76.7

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Tennessee

Near the National Midpoint

Franklin County earns a 47.6 composite score, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It remains a competitive locale across several key livability metrics.

A Mid-Tier Tennessee Choice

The county falls slightly under the Tennessee state average score of 51.3. It functions as a solid middle-of-the-road option for those exploring the southern part of the state.

Reliable Resources and Low Taxes

Water quality is a major highlight with a score of 86.0, ensuring a high standard for local resources. A tax score of 78.7 reflects a manageable 0.565% effective tax rate.

Safety and Health Improvements Needed

Community safety and health are areas for growth, with scores of 24.7 and 35.0 respectively. While median home values are $215,700, the cost score of 49.8 suggests a tightening housing market.

Balanced Rural-Suburban Stability

Franklin best suits families who value reliable infrastructure and a moderate tax burden over high-density urban amenities. It is a practical fit for residents with stable, mid-level incomes.

Score breakdown

Tax78.7Cost49.8Safety24.7Health35Schools45.7Income43.8Risk42.5Water86Weather76.7
🏛78.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡24.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤76.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.5
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

Moore County
Tennessee
65.9
Coffee County
Tennessee
44
Grundy County
Tennessee
47.5
Lincoln County
Tennessee
55.5
Marion County
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Bedford County
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Jackson County
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Madison 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 slightly above Tennessee average

Franklin County's effective tax rate of 0.565% exceeds Tennessee's state average of 0.511% but remains below the national median of 0.76%. The median annual property tax is $1,218, still less than half the national median of $2,690.

Franklin ranks in state's upper half

With an effective rate of 0.565%, Franklin County sits in Tennessee's top 30% for tax burden among the state's 95 counties. At $1,218 in median annual taxes, Franklin households pay about $200 more than the state median.

Franklin's rates exceed most regional peers

Franklin County's 0.565% effective rate surpasses all comparison counties except Gibson County (0.679%). Only households in Gibson face higher tax rates in this eight-county region.

What your Franklin home costs in taxes

On the county median home value of $215,700, the annual property tax bill totals approximately $1,218. Whether you have a mortgage or own your home outright, your estimated annual tax is roughly $1,220.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Many Franklin County homeowners pay taxes on inflated assessed values that don't match current market conditions. Filing a property tax appeal every two years is a straightforward way to potentially lower your bill and ensure fairness.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin County Slightly Below National Affordability

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% is competitive nationally, though renters here spend a larger share of income on housing than the national average. With a median household income of $61,553, the $863 monthly rent represents a manageable but noticeable household expense.

Middle of the Tennessee Pack

Franklin County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly better than Tennessee's 17.6% state average, showing moderate affordability within the state context. Renters pay just $3 more monthly than the state median, putting Franklin County in the sweet middle for Tennessee housing costs.

Pricier Than Rural Peers, But Stable

Franklin County's $863 median rent exceeds nearby Giles County ($836) and Gibson County ($797), reflecting its more developed character as a county seat. However, it undercuts higher-cost areas while offering better services and amenities than more remote counties.

Franklin County Housing Cost Snapshot

Renters allocate 16.8% of Franklin County's $61,553 median income to housing, while homeowners spend 16.1% on monthly costs of $827. This balanced burden means housing takes a meaningful but not overwhelming share of household budgets.

Franklin County Offers Balanced Living

If you want a mid-sized Tennessee county with reasonable housing costs and moderate services, Franklin County's $863 rent and $215,700 median home values represent fair-market pricing. Compare it against pricier urban counties and lower-cost rural areas to find your affordability sweet spot.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin County earns above state average

Franklin County's median household income of $61,553 exceeds Tennessee's state average of $58,994, yet still falls $13,202 below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the middle nationally, performing better than many rural peers but lagging wealthier urban and suburban regions.

Solid performer within Tennessee

At $61,553, Franklin County ranks above average for Tennessee counties, sitting firmly in the middle of the state's income distribution. This positions the county as moderately prosperous within its state context, driven by a mix of agriculture, small business, and light manufacturing.

Competitive with peer counties

Franklin County's $61,553 income matches Giles County ($61,476) almost exactly, placing both among the region's top earners. Both significantly outpace Fentress County ($50,865) and Grundy County ($45,573), reflecting Franklin's economic strength.

Housing costs rise with prosperity

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% is slightly elevated, reflecting higher home values averaging $215,700. While housing consumes a larger share of income here than in lower-cost counties, it remains within sustainable ranges for median households.

Leverage higher income for investing

Franklin County's above-average income provides a real opportunity to invest beyond housing equity. Building a diversified portfolio through retirement accounts and long-term investments can accelerate wealth accumulation for households earning above the state average.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Franklin County outperforms national crime stats

Franklin County's total crime rate of 1,870.7 per 100,000 is well below the national average of 2,385.5. The community maintains a safety score of 97.0, indicating a relatively secure environment.

Slightly above the state crime average

The county's crime rate of 1,870.7 is slightly higher than the Tennessee state average of 1,785.6. Its safety score of 97.0 remains competitive, trailing the state average of 97.2 by a slim margin.

Comparing safety to regional neighbors

Franklin County's total crime rate is higher than Fentress County's 1,641.4 but remains more secure than Grundy County's 2,634.7. Eight different reporting agencies collaborate to manage these regional safety levels.

The split between property and violence

Property crimes make up 1,444.9 of the 1,870.7 total crimes per 100,000 residents. Violent crime sits at 425.8, which is higher than the national average of 369.8.

Prioritize property protection today

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should consider installing smart cameras and alarm systems. Community watch programs further strengthen Franklin County's neighborhood security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

Franklin exceeds national health benchmarks

Franklin County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 73.8 years, just 2.2 years below the U.S. average of 76 years, reflecting stronger-than-average health outcomes. The county's poor or fair health rate of 22.5% is notably better than the national average, indicating a healthier population overall.

A top performer within Tennessee

Franklin County surpasses Tennessee's average life expectancy of 72.4 years by 1.4 years, placing it among the state's healthier counties. At 10.3%, its uninsured rate also beats the state average of 11.9%.

Leading the region in health metrics

Franklin County's 73.8-year life expectancy exceeds all nearby counties, including Giles (71.6 years) and Gibson (70.3 years). With 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Franklin also boasts stronger provider access than its regional neighbors.

Good access pairs with low uninsured rates

Only 10.3% of Franklin County residents lack insurance—among the lowest in the region—while 56 primary care providers and 63 mental health providers per 100,000 ensure robust care availability. This combination of coverage and access supports the county's relatively strong health outcomes.

Keep your family covered

With 90% of Franklin County already insured, maintaining coverage is key to sustaining the county's health gains. Review your current plan annually at healthcare.gov to ensure it meets your family's evolving needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling Across 12 Local Campuses

Franklin County operates 12 public schools serving a total enrollment of 5,390 students. The system features a diverse mix of seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and specialized high school facilities. This single-district infrastructure provides a streamlined educational path for families in the region.

Strong Graduation Success with Efficient Spending

Students here achieve a 94.0% graduation rate, which is seven points higher than the national average. Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,772, the county maintains a school score of 53.0, aligning closely with the state average. These metrics suggest the county efficiently translates modest funding into high student success.

Centralized Learning in Franklin County Schools

The Franklin County district manages 11 of the 12 total schools, serving over 5,000 local students. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring all public resources stay within the traditional district framework. This centralized model allows for consistent curriculum and resource allocation across the entire county.

A Balance of Rural and Town Life

The school landscape is split between seven rural campuses and five schools located in town settings. Franklin Co High School is the largest hub with 1,180 students, while Decherd Elementary offers a more intimate 442-student environment. Average school sizes hover around 449 students, offering a blend of diverse peer groups and personal attention.

Join a Community That Values Education

Franklin County offers a variety of homes near highly-rated schools that consistently beat national graduation benchmarks. Whether you prefer a rural setting or a town atmosphere, you can find a property that puts your children in a top-performing district. Start your home search today to benefit from this stable educational environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin County's risk sits near national average

Franklin County's composite risk score of 57.51 places it in the Relatively Low category, slightly above the national average for many counties. The county faces meaningful exposure to tornadoes and earthquakes despite lower wildfire risk than Tennessee's western regions.

Middle-of-pack risk for Tennessee

Franklin County's 57.51 score ranks it above the state average of 52.45, positioning it as a moderate-risk county within Tennessee. Its tornado risk (77.39) and earthquake risk (80.79) pull the overall score upward, while wildfire risk remains comparatively low at 17.27.

More at-risk than Giles, safer than Gibson

Franklin County's risk profile falls between its neighbors: slightly lower than Giles County (60.94) but considerably lower than Gibson County (85.94) to the northwest. Its composite score of 57.51 makes it representative of South-Central Tennessee's moderate hazard exposure.

Tornadoes and earthquakes are primary concerns

Tornado risk dominates at 77.39, reflecting Franklin County's location in Tennessee's tornado corridor where spring and early summer storms frequently develop. Earthquake risk (80.79) ranks nearly as high, tied to proximity to the Cumberland Plateau fault system and seismic activity in the region.

Prioritize tornado and earthquake coverage

Homeowners should ensure policies include tornado and hail damage protection, and consider a safe room or reinforced shelter for severe weather events. Earthquake coverage is often an optional add-on; review your policy to confirm whether structural damage from seismic activity is protected.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Subtropical Environment

Franklin County's average temperature of 58.3°F sits well above the national median. The region is characterized by high humidity and significant year-round rainfall totaling over 60 inches.

Aligning with Tennessee's Thermal Baseline

At 58.3°F, Franklin County closely mirrors the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. It represents the typical climatic experience for the southern portion of the state.

Wetter and Warmer than Fentress

Franklin receives 60.9 inches of rain annually, which is higher than Fentress County's 59.5 inches. Its 38.4°F January average provides a milder winter start than its neighbors to the north.

Three Weeks of Intense Heat

The county experiences 21 days per year with temperatures hitting or exceeding 90°F. Winter remains relatively open, with annual snowfall averaging only 4.1 inches.

Manage Humidity and Mid-Range Snow

Active dehumidification is essential for home comfort during the muggy 75.1°F summer months. While snowfall is light, residents should still keep basic salt and shovels ready for the occasional 4-inch winter event.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Ultisols Shape the Land

Franklin County's soil belongs to the Ultisols order, characterized by its silty clay texture and high acidity. The average pH of 5.35 matches the Tennessee state average but remains significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. Gardeners likely need lime treatments to balance the soil for most standard crops.

Balanced Mix with a Heavy Clay Touch

The soil contains 46.1% silt and 23.9% clay, creating a heavy profile that requires careful handling. With 30.0% sand, the mix offers some structural variety, though the clay content can lead to compaction if worked while wet. This composition provides decent nutrient retention but requires effort to maintain workability.

Boosting Organic Matter for Better Yields

At 1.65%, the organic matter content falls below both the state average of 2.44% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.161 in/in, which is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.171. Adding compost or cover crops will help improve these levels and increase your garden's drought resistance.

Well-Drained Fields and Hydrologic Group B

The county features well-drained soils and falls into hydrologic group B, which indicates a moderate rate of water transmission. This makes the land suitable for many farming and building applications, as it handles typical rainfall without long-term saturation. These conditions are ideal for deep-rooted crops that dislike 'wet feet.'

Vibrant Growing in Hardiness Zone 7b

Franklin County's position in USDA Zone 7b provides a long growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and beans. The well-drained soil and temperate climate support diverse agriculture from orchards to row crops. Take advantage of this reliable drainage and start your spring planting once the soil warms up.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Meeting the Tennessee Lawn Standard

Franklin County earns a lawn difficulty score of 48.5, placing it right in line with the state average of 48.0. Residents in this 7b hardiness zone face challenges similar to the national median score of 50.0.

High Rainfall and Extended Growth

The county sees 60.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is roughly five inches more than the Tennessee average. Lawns benefit from 4,316 growing degree days, but 21 extreme heat days still require careful summer hydration.

Correcting Acidic Silty Clay

The soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.35, falling below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. Because the ground consists of 23.9% clay and is well-drained, adding lime is a common necessity to balance the foundation.

Steady Hydration for Dry Spells

With 14 weeks spent in drought over the last year, 100% of the county is currently under abnormally dry conditions. Because the soil is well-drained, lawns can dry out quickly, making consistent moisture monitoring vital during the summer months.

Optimal Planting in Zone 7b

Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent warm-season choices for this climate, while tall fescue remains a popular cool-season option. Aim to seed your lawn after the last spring frost on April 6 to take full advantage of the long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 47.6 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 Tennessee?
Franklin County ranks #63 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $1,218, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 78.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Tennessee is $61,553 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 43.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 47.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Tennessee. 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

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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