countyscore
44
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 75.2Schools 61.6

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Texas

Franklin County Trails National Median

Franklin County earns a 44.0 composite score, placing it below the 50.0 national median. It reflects a standard rural East Texas profile with specific local strengths.

Beating the Texas State Average

With a score of 44.0, Franklin County remains above the Texas state average of 41.9. It offers a more attractive overall profile than many of its neighbors.

Pristine Water and Low Risk

Water quality is a major highlight with a score of 86.0. The county also performs well in environmental risk and school quality, scoring 75.2 and 61.6 respectively.

Safety and Housing Cost Challenges

The safety score is a point of concern at 21.5. Housing affordability is also moderate, with a cost score of 35.6 and a median rent of $948 per month.

Suited for Families Loving Nature

Franklin County is a great match for families who value clean water and good schools. It provides a scenic and stable environment for those looking for a balanced East Texas life.

2040608010044.435.621.546.161.658.775.28640.3Tax44.4Cost35.6Safety21.5Health46.1Schools61.6Income58.7Risk75.2Water86Weather40.344/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Franklin County DNA

Foverall

How Franklin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Franklin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (75.2/100) but notably weak in Safety (21.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
44.4
Cost
35.6-12.399999999999999
Safety
21.5-33.5
Health
46.1
Schools
61.6
Income
58.7
Risk
75.2+28.200000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
40.3-15.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$213,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$948/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$213,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,800/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

38.0

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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Nearby counties

Titus County
Texas
40.7
Camp County
Texas
44.5
Hopkins County
Texas
45.9
Delta County
Texas
47.4
Morris County
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47.6
Wood County
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Red River County
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Upshur County
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Deep Dives

Franklin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Franklin County

via TaxByCounty

Franklin County taxes: Among America's lowest

Franklin County's effective tax rate of 0.912% is notably below the national median of 1.026%, making it one of the most tax-friendly counties in the United States. The median property tax of $1,944 is less than 73% of the national median of $2,690, offering exceptional affordability for homeowners.

Texas's most tax-efficient county

Franklin County's 0.912% effective rate is the lowest among all counties examined and well below Texas's state average of 1.276%, placing it at the very bottom of the state's tax burden rankings. The median property tax of $1,944 is below the state average of $2,193, reflecting both favorable tax policy and moderate home values.

Franklin County leads in tax affordability

Franklin County's 0.912% rate is lower than every peer examined, including Fayette County (1.008%), Floyd County (1.079%), and Foard County (1.182%). It offers the region's best tax-to-value ratio for homeowners seeking maximum affordability.

Annual tax on typical home: $1,944

A homeowner with the median home value of $213,200 in Franklin County pays approximately $1,944 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes rise to around $2,488; without one, they drop to about $1,643.

Low rate doesn't mean no appeal opportunity

Franklin County's exceptional effective rate shouldn't prevent homeowners from reviewing their assessments. If comparable sales suggest overvaluation, a free appeal to the county appraisal district could yield additional savings on an already favorable tax situation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin County near national housing norms

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% sits marginally above the national average, with renters dedicating roughly one-sixth of their income to housing costs. The $948 median rent runs 27% below Texas's state average of $963, offering moderate relief in a tightening rental market.

Slightly below Texas affordability average

Franklin County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio edges below Texas's state average of 18.1%, placing it in the better-than-average tier for Texas housing affordability. This modest advantage combines moderate rents with reasonable household incomes of $66,800.

Mid-range costs among rural counties

Franklin County's $948 median rent sits between Fayette County ($909) and Fannin County ($994), pricing it as a moderate option among comparables. Home values of $213,200 fall between Fannin County ($213,500) and Fayette County ($271,100), marking Franklin as a balanced community.

Balanced housing costs and incomes

Franklin County renters pay $948 monthly from a median household income of $66,800, consuming 17.0% of earnings, while homeowners spend $943 on homes valued at $213,200. This alignment between rent, ownership costs, and income creates relatively stable housing economics.

Franklin County for stability and value

If you earn near $67,000 and seek balance between rural charm and accessible housing, Franklin County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio benchmarks favorably against the Texas state average. Compare your current housing burden to Franklin's 17.0% to gauge whether this Northeast Texas county offers meaningful financial improvement.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin County holds steady near national median

Franklin County's median household income of $66,800 sits roughly 11% below the national median of $74,755, placing the county slightly below the U.S. middle. Residents earn more than approximately 45% of American households, reflecting a solid middle-income position.

Above Texas average by modest margin

At $66,800, Franklin County's median household income exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by $2,063 per household. The per capita income of $39,633 also surpasses the state average of $33,197 by 19%, indicating balanced above-average prosperity.

Upper-middle tier of F-county rankings

Franklin County's $66,800 income places it above Falls ($55,372), Floyd ($55,461), Fisher ($64,700), and Foard ($42,212), but below Fannin ($68,377) and Fayette ($76,541). Franklin ranks solidly in the county's upper-middle tier economically.

Housing costs rise with market value

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% indicates manageable housing costs, though the median home value of $213,200 requires 3.2 years of median income. The county shows characteristics of a growing, moderately affluent market with rising property values.

Balance real estate and investment growth

With above-average income and manageable housing costs, Franklin County residents should build diversified portfolios beyond homeownership: maximize 401(k)s, invest in index funds, and consider tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs. The county's economic trajectory supports long-term wealth accumulation across multiple asset classes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Franklin County mirrors national crime trends

Franklin County holds a safety score of 96.8, indicating it is slightly safer than the national average. Its total crime rate of 2,029.7 per 100,000 residents is lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

A perfect match for Texas average

Franklin County’s safety score of 96.8 exactly matches the Texas state average. Four reporting agencies track crime here, revealing a total rate that aligns closely with the statewide average of 2,052.5.

Higher activity than most rural neighbors

Franklin County's crime rate of 2,029.7 is significantly higher than Fannin County's 685.1 and Falls County's 1,005.1. It represents a pocket of higher activity compared to these nearby rural areas.

Property crime drives local statistics

The property crime rate of 1,761.6 makes up the vast majority of local incidents. Violent crime is relatively low at 268.1 per 100,000, which is well under the national average of 369.8.

Focus on protecting your property

With property crime being the primary issue, residents should secure valuables and install visible security cameras. These deterrents are effective in communities that follow state-average crime patterns.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Streamlined Single-District System

Franklin County organizes its 1,571 students into three public schools, all managed by Mount Vernon ISD. The system provides a clear pathway from one elementary school to one middle school and one high school.

Premier Graduation Rates

Franklin County boasts an exceptional 97.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region and 10 points above the national average. This success is achieved with an efficient $6,524 per-pupil expenditure.

Centering on Mount Vernon ISD

Mount Vernon ISD serves the entire county with no charter school competition. The district is balanced, with Mount Vernon Elementary being the largest campus, enrolling 610 students.

The Essence of Town Education

All three schools are located in a town setting, offering a consistent community feel for every student. Average school size is 524, which is large enough for diverse programs but small enough to remain personal.

Join the Mount Vernon Community

With a near-perfect graduation rate, Mount Vernon is an ideal location for families seeking academic excellence. Explore homes within this single-district county to secure a spot in a top-performing Texas school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin County carries low national risk

Franklin County's composite risk score of 24.81 falls well below the national average, placing it in the very low risk category. Residents experience significantly less natural disaster threat than typical Americans across most hazard types.

Below-average risk for Texas

At 24.81, Franklin County's composite score substantially underperforms Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking it among the state's safer jurisdictions. This favorable standing reflects geographic advantages that shield residents from the extreme weather affecting many Texas areas.

Safer than Fannin, similar to Falls

Franklin County's risk score of 24.81 closely matches Falls County (26.24) and dramatically underperforms Fannin County (68.13) to the north. The county's tornado (72.30) and hurricane (55.53) risks remain elevated compared to wildfire and flood concerns.

Tornadoes rank as primary hazard

Tornado risk (72.30) represents Franklin County's most serious threat, followed by hurricane risk (55.53) and wildfire risk (58.84). Flood risk (17.05) and earthquake risk (31.93) pose secondary concerns for residents.

Prioritize wind and tornado coverage

Franklin County residents should ensure comprehensive wind and hail protection in homeowners policies given the 72.30 tornado score. Consider a safe room or interior shelter investment, and maintain an updated emergency preparedness plan that includes severe storm procedures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Franklin County

via WaterByCounty

Franklin County achieves perfect 'A' grade

The county recorded zero health violations over the last five years, earning a flawless 0.0 violation rate. This performance is far superior to the Texas state average of 581.9 and national benchmarks. Local water utilities are successfully meeting all Safe Drinking Water Act health standards.

Watershed health assessments remain pending

Federal Section 303(d) assessments are not available for the water bodies within Franklin County at this time. This means the EPA has not yet categorized the county's streams or lakes as impaired or attaining standards. The lack of data highlights a need for future inclusion in federal reporting cycles.

Five sites actively monitor nutrient levels

Five monitoring sites have generated 5,142 measurements over the past five years, a high volume for a smaller county. Data collection focuses on physical properties, inorganics, and nutrients. This provides a strong baseline for understanding how agricultural and environmental factors affect local water.

Sulphur River running at 43% of average

The USGS gauge on the Sulphur River near Talco reports a discharge of 502 cfs, which is 43% of the long-term mean. While the river is below its typical 1,179 cfs average, it continues to provide a steady supply of surface water. Decreased flows may slightly alter nutrient concentrations measured by local monitoring sites.

Support local systems and monitor river flows

Residents are served by top-tier water systems with no recorded violations, which is an excellent baseline for health. However, because the Sulphur River is below its average flow, it is important to stay aware of potential water usage restrictions. Since watershed data is unavailable, local conservation efforts remain the best tool for protecting water quality.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Northeast Texas Climate

Franklin County features an annual average temperature of 64.6°F and a high annual precipitation of 46.3 inches. This humid subtropical climate is much wetter and warmer than the typical United States county.

A Rainier Corner of Texas

While its 64.6°F temperature is close to the Texas average of 65.5°F, the county is much wetter. It receives 14.4 inches more annual rain than the state average of 31.9 inches.

The Piney Woods Influence

Similar to its East Texas neighbors, Franklin enjoys more rain and slightly cooler summers than Central Texas counties. Its 46.3 inches of rain puts it on par with the lush, forested regions of the Ark-La-Tex border.

Wet Summers and Brisk Winters

Extreme heat is less frequent here than in South Texas, with 84 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are relatively cool, averaging 46.9°F and seeing an occasional inch of snowfall.

Prepare for Rainy Seasons

Excellent rain gear and moisture-resistant building materials are a must for the frequent 46.3 inches of annual precipitation. Gardeners can take advantage of the generous rainfall, but should protect plants from the 84 days of summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

The Hidden Soils of Franklin County

Specific data for Franklin County's soil pH and taxonomic order is currently limited in the central database. However, the region typically sits near the state pH average of 7.09. Local testing is recommended to determine your specific soil identity.

A Texture Awaiting Discovery

While exact percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable, East Texas soils often lean toward sandy loams. These textures generally offer good drainage and are easy to till for home gardens. Understanding your specific site's mix is the first step toward successful land management.

Potential for High Productivity

Though the exact available water capacity is not recorded here, the surrounding region averages 0.133 in/in. Residents should aim to build organic matter above the state average of 1.66% to ensure peak fertility. Adding local mulch and compost can bridge any data gaps on your own property.

Managing Local Water Flow

In the absence of a specific hydrologic group, observing how water moves after a heavy rain is vital. Most of this region requires clear drainage paths to prevent water from pooling near building foundations. Active management of surface water will protect your landscape during the rainy season.

Start Growing in Hardiness Zone 8b

Franklin County sits in Zone 8b, providing a long, warm season perfect for tomatoes, peppers, and berries. Despite limited technical data, the climate is highly favorable for both ornamental and edible gardening. Dig in and discover the potential of your own backyard soil this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Maintenance in Franklin County

Franklin County scores a 39.0 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it slightly more difficult than its neighbor Fannin but still better than the state average. This Zone 8b region offers a climate that is well-suited for several popular grass varieties. Success here requires a balance of proper irrigation and heat management.

High Rainfall and Steady Warmth

At 46.3 inches of annual precipitation, Franklin County receives plenty of natural water to support a healthy lawn. The 84 extreme heat days are lower than the Texas average, but 6,021 growing degree days still provide plenty of heat for summer grass. This combination typically results in a vigorous growing season for local turf.

Optimizing Local Soil Conditions

While specific soil texture and pH data are currently limited for this county, regional trends suggest a mix of sandy loams. Homeowners should conduct a local soil test to determine if lime or sulfur is needed to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range. Ensuring good drainage is a priority given the high annual rainfall totals.

Adapting to Severe Dry Spells

The entire county is currently under severe drought conditions, having faced 17 weeks of drought in the past year. Water conservation remains a top priority; use mulching and proper mowing heights to protect the soil from the sun. Even with high annual rain, these intense dry periods can quickly brown a lawn if not managed.

Your Franklin County Growth Plan

Zoysia and Bermudagrass are excellent choices for the 8b climate, offering great heat resistance and recovery. The optimal time to start seeding is after the final spring frost on March 15. Your lawn will stay active through the long summer until the first frost arrives on November 16.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Texas has a composite county score of 44 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 Texas?
Franklin County ranks #111 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $1,944, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 44.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Texas is $66,800 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 58.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Texas a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 44/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #111 in Texas. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.