CountyScore

Franklin County

Vermont · VT

#5 in Vermont
65.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Vermont

Strong Livability Score Nationally

Franklin County scores 65.3, well above the national median of 50.0. This places it firmly in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability.

Outpacing Vermont's Average

At 65.3, Franklin ranks above Vermont's state average of 64.0, solidifying its position as one of the state's most livable counties. The margin is healthy and consistent.

Best Tax Environment in Vermont

Franklin County leads the state with the lowest effective tax rate at 1.486% (tax score 60.5). Health outcomes are solid at 80.3, and resilience is strong at 70.8.

Income Potential Below Potential

The income score of 35.0 lags the county's overall strength, with median household income at $79,078. Growth opportunities for higher earners are limited.

Great for Tax-Conscious Middle-Income Families

Franklin appeals to families earning $75,000–$90,000 annually who prioritize low taxes and balanced community life. The county offers solid schools, health services, and resilience without the lifestyle compromises of remote areas.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax60.5Cost64SafetyComing SoonHealth80.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome35Risk70.8WaterComing Soon
🏛60.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡70.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Franklin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Ware County
Georgia
65.3
Median income: $44,833
LaGrange County
Indiana
65.3
Median income: $83,741
Vigo County
Indiana
65.3
Median income: $52,525
Des Moines County
Iowa
65.3
Median income: $60,662
Lee County
Iowa
65.3
Median income: $59,803

Deep Dives

Franklin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Franklin County

via TaxByCounty

Franklin offers Vermont's most affordable rates

At 1.486%, Franklin County's effective tax rate is the lowest in Vermont and still exceeds the national median of 1.099% by 35%, landing around the 66th percentile nationally. The median tax of $4,244 sits just below the national median of $2,690 despite a home value right at the national average.

Lowest effective rate in Vermont

Franklin County's 1.486% effective tax rate is the most favorable among Vermont's 14 counties, running 0.232 percentage points below the state average of 1.718%. The median tax of $4,244 sits comfortably below the state average of $4,648.

Beats Addison, trails Grand Isle

Franklin's 1.486% rate substantially undercuts Addison County's 1.693% and Chittenden's 1.614% to the east. Only Grand Isle County's 1.355% offers lower tax rates, making Franklin a relatively affordable option in northwestern Vermont.

Median home costs $4,244 per year in taxes

On Franklin County's median home value of $285,500, a 1.486% effective rate equals roughly $4,244 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay approximately $4,404, while those without pay around $3,878.

Assessments still warrant periodic review

Even in low-tax Franklin County, approximately one-third of homeowners may be over-assessed, leaving money on the table through excessive tax payments. Regular assessment reviews and appeals when values diverge from market sales can preserve the county's affordability advantage.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Solid incomes, modest housing costs

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% sits just below Vermont's state average of 17.8%, while its median household income of $79,078 exceeds the national average of $74,755 by 5%. This positions Franklin as an above-average earner with typical Vermont-level housing burdens, offering a balanced cost-of-living profile.

Middle-ground affordability in Vermont

Franklin ranks squarely in Vermont's middle tier with a 17.7% rent-to-income ratio matching the state average and a median income of $79,078 that's solid statewide. Its median home value of $285,500 reflects middle-market pricing, making Franklin a steady choice without extreme affordability or cost pressures.

Higher income offsets slightly higher rents

Franklin's median rent of $1,164 is higher than Addison ($1,201) but lower than Chittenden ($1,590), while its median home value of $285,500 aligns with Lamoille ($285,200) and trails Addison ($333,700). With stronger incomes than most neighbors, Franklin's housing burden feels lighter despite mid-range absolute costs.

Balanced costs and wages throughout

Renters spend $1,164 monthly and homeowners $1,525 against a median household income of $79,078, consuming just 17.7% for housing. This leaves the typical Franklin family with roughly 82% of income available for other expenses—well above the financially recommended threshold.

The Vermont sweet spot for most relocators

Franklin delivers strong incomes relative to Vermont's standard without Chittenden's premium rents or Essex's wage challenges, making it ideal for families seeking balanced affordability. Compare to Addison for slightly better affordability or Chittenden for stronger career prospects before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin slightly above national average

Franklin County's median household income of $79,078 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 6%. The county's diverse economy—combining agriculture, manufacturing, and services—supports solid middle-class earnings.

Fourth-ranked among Vermont counties

Franklin ranks 4th of 14 Vermont counties, running $4,035 above the state average of $75,043. The county's per capita income of $38,447 sits slightly below the state mean, indicating less extreme income inequality.

Between Addison and Lamoille

Franklin's $79,078 median sits $9,400 below Addison County ($88,478) but $9,181 above Lamoille County ($69,897). The county's position reflects its role as a bridge between wealthier west-side communities and more modest northeast counties.

Housing costs remain reasonable

Franklin's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% stays comfortably within the 20% affordability range, giving residents genuine housing flexibility. The median home value of $285,500 aligns well with median household income, supporting both rental and ownership pathways.

Franklin's steady income fuels saving

With median household income near $79,000, Franklin families have meaningful capacity to save and invest regularly. Establish automatic monthly transfers to a savings account, take full advantage of employer retirement matching, and consider index funds for long-term growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

Franklin's health slightly above average

Franklin County's 77.6-year life expectancy sits 1.5 years above the U.S. average of 76.1 years, a modest advantage. At 12.6% poor or fair health compared to the national 17.9%, Franklin shows healthier outcomes than the nation overall.

Below Vermont's health standards

Franklin's 77.6-year life expectancy falls 0.6 years short of Vermont's 78.2-year average, placing it in the lower half of state rankings. Its 12.6% poor/fair health rate aligns with statewide patterns but leaves room for improvement.

Mid-range health outcomes

Franklin's 77.6-year life expectancy ranks above Essex (77.4) and Caledonia (76.7) but well below Addison (80.7) and Chittenden (80.8). Its 12.6% poor/fair health rate places it near Bennington (12.9%), reflecting shared regional challenges.

Limited primary care, lower uninsured

Franklin has 68 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below state capacity—but only 4.9% uninsured, better than the state average of 5.1%. Mental health access is moderate at 302 providers per 100,000, creating uneven care availability.

Secure coverage in Franklin County

Franklin's nearly 5% uninsured rate means one in twenty residents lack health protection despite access constraints. Check Vermont's marketplace to find affordable plans and identify in-county providers before you need urgent care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin maintains well-below-average risk

Franklin County's composite risk score of 29.20 with a "Very Low" rating places it comfortably below the national average. Its position in northwestern Vermont provides natural protection against most major hazard types.

Third-safest county in Vermont

Franklin County ranks third from the bottom statewide with a score of 29.20, well below Vermont's average of 36.44. Only Essex County (3.21) and Grand Isle County (1.91) register lower overall risk.

Comparable safety to Addison County

Franklin County's risk profile aligns closely with Addison County (26.78), positioning both as relatively safe communities in western Vermont. The county's modest flood risk (52.10) reflects its distance from major river systems.

Earthquakes and hurricanes lead concerns

Franklin County's primary hazard exposures come from earthquake risk (60.05) and hurricane risk (59.12), both moderately elevated for the region. Flood risk (52.10) presents a secondary but manageable concern along river valleys.

Standard coverage with flood consideration

Franklin County residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with particular attention to wind and hail coverage. Those in mapped flood zones or near river valleys should consider NFIP flood insurance as a prudent addition.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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