Franklin County scores 77.3 on the CountyScore index, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This top-tier national ranking positions the county among America's more livable communities.
2 / 5
Exceeds Virginia's State Standards
With a composite score of 77.3, Franklin County outperforms Virginia's state average of 70.3 by a notable margin. The county ranks among Virginia's stronger overall livability profiles.
3 / 5
Maximum Affordability with Minimal Taxes
Franklin County delivers exceptional value with a cost score of 82.2 and tax score of 87.3, featuring median home values of $222,800 and rents at just $797 monthly. The effective tax rate of 0.533% ranks among the state's lowest, maximizing household purchasing power.
4 / 5
Lower Incomes Limit Economic Growth
The county's income score of 28.0 with median household earnings of $68,348 indicates limited local wage opportunities. Residents seeking higher incomes may face constraints within the local job market.
5 / 5
Perfect for Affordability-First Lifestyles
Franklin County excels for retirees, remote workers, and cost-conscious families who can earn income independently of local employment. The combination of exceptional housing affordability and minimal tax burden makes it one of Virginia's best values for budget-focused living.
Franklin County scores 77.3 on the CountyScore index, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This top-tier national ranking positions the county among America's more livable communities.
Exceeds Virginia's State Standards
With a composite score of 77.3, Franklin County outperforms Virginia's state average of 70.3 by a notable margin. The county ranks among Virginia's stronger overall livability profiles.
Maximum Affordability with Minimal Taxes
Franklin County delivers exceptional value with a cost score of 82.2 and tax score of 87.3, featuring median home values of $222,800 and rents at just $797 monthly. The effective tax rate of 0.533% ranks among the state's lowest, maximizing household purchasing power.
Lower Incomes Limit Economic Growth
The county's income score of 28.0 with median household earnings of $68,348 indicates limited local wage opportunities. Residents seeking higher incomes may face constraints within the local job market.
Perfect for Affordability-First Lifestyles
Franklin County excels for retirees, remote workers, and cost-conscious families who can earn income independently of local employment. The combination of exceptional housing affordability and minimal tax burden makes it one of Virginia's best values for budget-focused living.
Score breakdown
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🏛87.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.533%, Franklin County's effective tax rate sits 8% below the national median of 0.579%, placing it in the 40th percentile nationally. Median property taxes of $1,188 represent less than half the national median of $2,690, making this a tax-friendly jurisdiction.
Franklin County ranks among state's lowest
Franklin County's 0.533% effective rate sits 20% below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, ranking it among the commonwealth's most affordable counties for property tax burden. Annual median taxes of $1,188 are 39% below the state median, offering genuine savings.
Franklin County offers low-tax alternative
Franklin County's 0.533% rate undercuts neighboring Fluvanna County (0.651%) and dramatically beats Franklin city (0.738%) just miles away. This municipal-versus-county distinction means choosing Franklin County over the city saves hundreds annually on equivalent properties.
Franklin County residents pay $1,188 yearly
With a median home value of $222,800 and a 0.533% effective rate, typical Franklin County homeowners pay around $1,188 in annual property taxes. This modest burden reflects both lower property values and light tax policy throughout the county.
Franklin County homeowners should verify value
Even with low tax rates, properties may still be overassessed relative to recent market comparables—especially in changing markets. A reassessment appeal is a simple, no-cost first step to ensure your valuation reflects current conditions.
Franklin County residents spend just 14.0% of income on rent—among Virginia's lowest and well below the national norm. With low rents of $797 monthly and respectable median income of $68,348, housing is genuinely affordable for working families.
Virginia's Best Housing Value
Franklin County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's most affordable, beating the Virginia average of 18.6% by a significant margin. This rural county delivers exceptional housing value without the isolation costs of other regions.
Cheapest in the Piedmont
Franklin County's $797 monthly rent rivals Floyd County ($826) as the region's most affordable, while median incomes ($68,348) exceed both Floyd and Galax. This combination makes Franklin County a standout value option in south-central Virginia.
Costs Barely Dent Income
Renters in Franklin County spend just $797 monthly while homeowners pay $786—incredibly low housing costs that consume only 14.0% of median income. Families here enjoy substantial financial breathing room after covering shelter needs.
Franklin County Rewards Flexibility
If you have remote work or flexible employment, Franklin County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio and $797 monthly rents offer unbeatable value. Move here and potentially cut housing costs in half while accessing a supportive rural community.
Franklin County's median household income of $68,348 trails the national median of $74,755 by 8.6%. The county reflects income patterns typical of rural southern communities with limited access to high-wage employers.
Franklin County underperforms statewide
Franklin County's median household income of $68,348 falls 8.8% below Virginia's state average of $74,957, placing it in the lower half of Virginia counties. Per capita income of $38,202 is roughly at the state average of $39,155.
Franklin County ranks mid-pack regionally
Franklin County households earn $3,223 more annually than Franklin city ($65,125) but $27,255 less than Frederick County ($95,603). The county's modest income levels reflect its primarily rural character and manufacturing-based economy.
Housing costs remain manageable
At 14.0%, Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio is one of the lowest in Virginia, well below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $222,800 remain attainable for most local households.
Start small with consistent savings
Franklin County residents earning $68,348 can build wealth through automatic payroll deductions into savings or retirement accounts, even at modest amounts. Combining an emergency fund with employer 401(k) matching creates a foundation for long-term financial security.
Franklin County slightly below national health standards
Franklin County residents have a life expectancy of 75.7 years, slightly below the U.S. average of approximately 78 years, reflecting moderate health challenges across the county. With 15.9% reporting poor or fair health, outcomes align with typical rural county experience.
Middle-of-pack performance within Virginia
Franklin County's 75.7-year life expectancy is just slightly above Virginia's state average of 75.1 years, placing it squarely in the state's middle tier for health outcomes. The 15.9% poor/fair health rate tracks closely to statewide patterns.
Outpaced by neighboring health leaders
Franklin County's 75.7-year life expectancy trails nearby Fluvanna County (79.7 years) and Fauquier County (79.0 years), though it slightly outperforms Floyd County (76.4 years). With 35 primary care providers per 100K residents, Franklin County falls below the provider density of its healthier neighbors.
Coverage and access near state baseline
Franklin County's 7.9% uninsured rate exactly matches Virginia's state average, meaning roughly 1 in 13 residents lack health coverage. With 35 primary care providers per 100K residents, access is adequate but not exceptional compared to neighboring counties.
Don't skip health insurance enrollment
At 7.9% uninsured, Franklin County residents should review their options. Head to healthcare.gov to find a plan that works for your family.
Franklin County's composite risk score of 42.72 exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the very low-to-relatively-low range nationally. The county's exposure to floods (62.15), hurricanes (69.21), and earthquakes (55.15) drives this elevated profile.
Franklin County ranks above state average
At 42.72 compared to Virginia's 33.27 average, Franklin County sits in the higher-risk half of the state's jurisdiction rankings. The county's geographic position in Virginia's foothills contributes to its above-average hazard exposure.
Franklin County exceeds most nearby areas
Franklin County's 42.72 score tops neighboring Floyd (6.62) and Fluvanna (13.49), though Fauquier (47.68) and Frederick (44.72) exceed it slightly. The county faces notably higher risks than the rural counties to its west.
Floods and hurricanes create compound threats
Flood risk (62.15) and hurricane risk (69.21) are Franklin County's dominant hazards, with the latter being particularly significant for an inland county, indicating exposure to tropical moisture and heavy rainfall events. Wildfire risk (38.14) and earthquake risk (55.15) present secondary concerns.
Prioritize flood and hurricane insurance
Franklin County residents should obtain separate flood insurance—excluded from standard policies—given the county's 62.15 flood score. Hurricane coverage verification and potential earthquake insurance should also be reviewed to address the county's multi-hazard exposure.