Franklin County's composite score of 67.7 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it 36% above typical U.S. county livability. It ranks in the upper-middle tier nationally for overall quality of life.
2 / 5
Just shy of Washington average
Franklin County scores 67.7 against Washington's state average of 68.1, placing it just barely below the median among the state's counties. It represents solid, mid-tier livability within Washington.
3 / 5
Strong tax and income profile
Franklin County boasts a tax score of 80.8 with an effective rate of 0.763%, keeping resident burden low, while median household income of $82,755 demonstrates solid earning power. The cost score of 65.5 offers moderate housing affordability at median home value of $345,700.
4 / 5
Earnings growth potential constrained
The income score of 37.4 suggests limited upward mobility and income growth compared to peer counties, despite decent current wages. Complete data on safety, health, and schools remains unavailable, leaving important livability factors unmeasured.
5 / 5
Right-fit for practical professionals
Franklin County appeals to professionals and families seeking straightforward livability with good tax incentives and fair housing costs. It's neither cutting-edge nor economically booming, but rather a steady, dependable choice for those prioritizing stability over growth.
Franklin County's composite score of 67.7 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it 36% above typical U.S. county livability. It ranks in the upper-middle tier nationally for overall quality of life.
Just shy of Washington average
Franklin County scores 67.7 against Washington's state average of 68.1, placing it just barely below the median among the state's counties. It represents solid, mid-tier livability within Washington.
Strong tax and income profile
Franklin County boasts a tax score of 80.8 with an effective rate of 0.763%, keeping resident burden low, while median household income of $82,755 demonstrates solid earning power. The cost score of 65.5 offers moderate housing affordability at median home value of $345,700.
Earnings growth potential constrained
The income score of 37.4 suggests limited upward mobility and income growth compared to peer counties, despite decent current wages. Complete data on safety, health, and schools remains unavailable, leaving important livability factors unmeasured.
Right-fit for practical professionals
Franklin County appeals to professionals and families seeking straightforward livability with good tax incentives and fair housing costs. It's neither cutting-edge nor economically booming, but rather a steady, dependable choice for those prioritizing stability over growth.
Score breakdown
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🏛80.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Franklin County's effective tax rate of 0.763% slightly exceeds the national median of 0.67%, placing it near the 52nd percentile nationally. Its median property tax of $2,638 sits just below the national median of $2,690, reflecting a below-average home value of $345,700.
Virtually matches Washington's tax average
Franklin County ranks 19th among Washington's 39 counties with an effective rate of 0.763%, nearly identical to the state average of 0.761%. Its median tax of $2,638 runs $390 below the state median, making it a fairly typical county for tax burden in Washington.
Middle ground between low and high-rate counties
Franklin County's rate of 0.763% sits comfortably between Ferry County's 0.653% (lowest in the region) and Grant County's 0.823% (highest). With a median home value of $345,700, Franklin offers a moderate tax experience compared to its regional peers.
Median annual bill: $2,638 in Franklin County
A homeowner with Franklin County's median-valued property of $345,700 pays approximately $2,638 in annual property taxes. Mortgage-related deductions increase the effective bill to $2,701, while outright owners pay $2,495.
Franklin homeowners can challenge assessments
Property tax appeals in Franklin County are open to any homeowner who believes their assessed value is inflated. A formal written objection to the county assessor costs nothing and can result in meaningful tax reductions if successful.
Franklin County renters dedicate 17.0% of income to housing—comfortably below the national average of roughly 28–30% for typical renters. With a median household income of $82,755, residents earn above the national median of $74,755, providing strong financial footing for housing decisions.
One of Washington's better affordability plays
Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% ranks well below Washington's state average of 18.8%, making it one of the state's more balanced markets. The combination of solid incomes and moderate rents creates a favorable environment for both renters and buyers.
Undercuts nearby counties on rent
Franklin County's $1,171 rent is notably lower than Douglas ($1,234) and Grant ($1,059), positioning it as the cheapest rental option among central Washington peers. Its median home value of $345,700 sits in the middle of the regional range, offering moderate entry costs for homebuyers.
Homeownership carries slightly higher costs
Renters pay $1,171 monthly, while homeowners face $1,417—a $246 gap that reflects higher property-related expenses beyond mortgage principal. Both groups keep housing costs under 20% of household income, maintaining healthy financial flexibility.
Franklin offers solid middle ground
If you seek balance between affordability and regional opportunity, Franklin County delivers reasonable rents and moderate home values. Match your household income against the $82,755 median to assess whether this central Washington location fits your relocation goals.
Franklin County's median household income of $82,755 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $8,000, placing it solidly in the upper-earning tier nationally. This 11% premium reflects robust economic activity in this south-central Washington region.
One of Washington's top earners
Franklin County ranks among Washington's highest-income counties at $82,755, outpacing the state average of $76,363 by about 8%. However, its per capita income of $32,752 lags the state average, suggesting household size may affect individual earnings.
Franklin leads regional income scale
Franklin County's $82,755 median income exceeds Grant County ($71,115) and Garfield County ($62,411), ranking it among the region's economic leaders. This earning power reflects Franklin's agricultural and industrial economic base.
Reasonable housing affordability
Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% indicates strong housing affordability, well below the 30% threshold. A median home value of $345,700 is attainable for households earning the county median income.
Maximize earnings with strategic growth
Franklin County's strong median income creates an excellent foundation for wealth building through retirement accounts, home equity, and diversified investments. Take advantage of the county's economic momentum by meeting with a financial planner to align savings goals with your income trajectory.
Franklin County's 78.9-year life expectancy slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 77.8 years, but nearly one in four residents (24.4%) report poor or fair health—the highest rate nationally. This gap between lifespan and perceived health suggests chronic disease, mental health challenges, or healthcare barriers affecting daily quality of life.
Washington's poorest perceived health
With 24.4% reporting poor or fair health, Franklin County leads Washington State in this concerning metric, well above the state average. The county's 78.9-year life expectancy is near the state average of 78.1 years, but the high poor/fair health rate signals acute health challenges affecting residents' daily wellbeing.
Health crisis in rural Southeast Washington
Franklin County's 24.4% poor/fair health rate far exceeds neighboring Grant County (21.9%) and significantly outpaces healthier peers like Garfield County (15.7%). The county's 78.9-year life expectancy is slightly better than Grant County's 76.8 years, but the extreme perceived health burden stands out as a regional outlier.
Uninsured plus provider shortage
Franklin County has the highest uninsured rate (13.4%) among its peers and among the worst in the state, while primary care access is critically low at just 20 providers per 100,000 residents. Mental health providers number 155 per 100,000, but the combination of coverage gaps and primary care scarcity creates barriers to preventive care and disease management.
Act now on health coverage
Over one in eight Franklin County residents go uninsured, blocking access to care that could ease chronic suffering reflected in the county's high poor/fair health rate. Check the Washington Health Plan Finder immediately—Medicaid, subsidies, and low-cost plans may be available to you at no or minimal cost.
Franklin County scores 72.49 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting slightly above Washington's state average of 70.01. The county's risk profile reflects moderate exposure across multiple hazard types.
Where Franklin Ranks in Washington
Franklin County ranks in the mid-range among Washington's 39 counties, with a score of 72.49 that places it near the state average. The county faces more cumulative risk than Ferry or Garfield counties, but less than high-risk coastal areas.
Compared to Your Neighbors
Franklin County's risk (72.49) falls between lower-risk Ferry County (51.65) and higher-risk Grant County (76.94) in the Columbia Basin region. The county shares similar flood and wildfire vulnerabilities with neighboring Benton County, driven by agricultural and sagebrush landscapes.
Your Top Threats: Flood and Wildfire
Flood risk ranks highest at 83.52, reflecting the county's position near the Snake and Columbia rivers and seasonal irrigation infrastructure. Wildfire exposure is substantial at 84.61, while earthquake risk at 80.69 exceeds the state average, though tornado risk remains low at 12.53.
Secure Flood and Fire Coverage
Franklin County residents in floodplain areas should obtain flood insurance separate from homeowners policies through the National Flood Insurance Program. Ensure your policy covers both flood and wildfire damage, and clear vegetation near structures during fire season.