countyscore
34.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.5Water Quality 58.1Property Tax 56.3

County Report Card

About Franklin County, Washington

Trailing the National Livability Median

Franklin County posts a composite score of 34.3, falling below the national median of 50.0. This suggests the county faces more significant livability hurdles than the average American county.

Below the Washington State Average

The county's 34.3 score sits nearly 10 points below the Washington state average of 44.1. Residents here experience different economic and social trade-offs compared to the state's top-tier performers.

High Income Potential and Tax Benefits

Economic opportunity is a bright spot, with an income score of 86.5 and a median household income of $82,755. A tax score of 56.3 indicates a relatively moderate burden for residents.

Safety and Cost Obstacles

Safety is a primary concern with a score of only 8.0, while high housing costs result in a cost score of 13.7. Finding affordable, secure housing is a challenge in this high-income hub.

Best for Ambitious Career Seekers

Franklin County suits individuals focused on high earnings and career advancement in specific industries. It is a pragmatic choice for those who prioritize income growth over community safety metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax56.3Cost13.7Safety8Health41.9Schools45Income86.5Risk27.5Water58.1Weather45.7
🏛56.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠13.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼86.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨33.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.1
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

Walla Walla County
Washington
37
Adams County
Washington
37.4
Benton County
Washington
36.8
Columbia County
Washington
44.8
Grant County
Washington
32.8
Whitman County
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Umatilla County
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Garfield County
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54.4

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 County tracks near national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin County

via CostByCounty

Franklin strikes national-level balance

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin strongly exceeds national median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Franklin County Safety Faces National Challenges

Franklin County holds a safety score of 95.3, which falls below the national average. The total crime rate of 2,983.7 per 100,000 residents is higher than the U.S. benchmark of 2,385.5.

Below the Washington State Safety Average

Franklin's total crime rate of 2,983.7 exceeds the Washington state average of 2,377.2. The county's safety score of 95.3 is also lower than the state's typical score of 96.2.

Franklin vs. Neighboring Grant and Douglas

While Franklin County has a high crime rate, it is lower than Grant County's 3,770.3. However, it experiences nearly double the crime rate of Douglas County to the north.

Property Crime Drives Franklin's High Rates

Property crime is the primary concern at 2,670.3 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime remains relatively frequent at 313.4, which sits above the Washington state average of 249.6.

Prioritizing Home Protection in Franklin

High property crime rates suggest that residents should invest in robust home security systems. Visible cameras and deadbolt locks are effective tools for deterring theft in more active areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Franklin County

via HealthByCounty

Franklin County struggles with health outcomes

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Franklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Growing School Infrastructure

Franklin County supports a robust network of 41 public schools serving a total of 20,822 students. This infrastructure includes 23 elementary schools and 8 high schools managed by five different districts. It is a major educational hub for the Tri-Cities region.

Stable Funding and Steady Results

The county's graduation rate is 80.0%, which is nearly on par with the state average of 81.4%. Per-pupil expenditure is $9,148, closely matching the Washington state median investment. These metrics result in a composite school score of 52.9, reflecting a consistent educational standard across the county.

The Pasco School District Powerhouse

Pasco School District dominates the local landscape, overseeing 29 schools and 18,515 students. North Franklin School District also serves the northern reaches with 9 schools and 2,037 students. The county does not currently host any charter schools, focusing resources on these large, traditional districts.

Suburban Schools with Significant Scale

Education here feels distinctly suburban, with 27 schools located in suburb locales and an average school size of 548 students. The county is home to massive campuses, such as Chiawana Senior High School, which enrolls 2,999 students. This scale allows for extensive extracurricular programs and diverse academic tracks.

Join a Growing Suburban Community

Franklin County offers high-capacity schools and a bustling suburban atmosphere perfect for active families. Proximity to the Pasco School District is a major draw for homebuyers looking for modern facilities and competitive sports programs. Let school quality guide your search for the perfect home in this thriving region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin County

via RiskByCounty

Franklin County's Natural Disaster Risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid Heat in the Basin

Franklin County averages 52.2°F, placing it closer to the national median than many of its northern neighbors. Its arid climate is defined by sparse rainfall, totaling just 9.5 inches annually.

Warmer and Drier Than Washington

It is one of the warmer spots in Washington, exceeding the state average of 49.9°F by over two degrees. It receives only a fraction of the state's 38.5-inch average precipitation, making it exceptionally dry.

Driest in the Region

Franklin is warmer and drier than neighboring Garfield County, which averages 49.8°F. While Garfield sees 17.6 inches of rain, Franklin struggles to reach even 10 inches.

Intense Heat and Low Snow

Summer heat is intense here, with 37 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 73.0°F. Winters are relatively mild for the region, seeing 13.5 inches of snow and a 34.7°F average.

Managing the Summer Sizzle

Irrigation is vital for any landscaping due to the extremely low 9.5 inches of annual rain. Homeowners should prioritize cooling systems to manage the frequent extreme heat days during the peak of summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the Columbia Basin

Franklin County soils have an average pH of 7.21, making them more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is significantly higher than the Washington state average of 6.20.

Fine Texture and Low Clay

The soil features a balanced mix of 48.1% sand and 42.4% silt, providing a stable structure for irrigation. With a very low clay content of 7.2%, the soil stays loose and resists the heavy crusting found in other regions.

Resource Management for Arid Land

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.11%, trailing the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.159 in/in, this soil requires careful organic amendments and managed watering to reach its full potential.

Free-Draining Agricultural Land

Although specific drainage classes are not listed, the high sand and silt content ensures that water moves freely through the profile. This characteristic prevents root rot and makes the land ideal for precision-irrigated crops.

Abundant Growth in Zone 7a

This county is a powerhouse for potatoes, onions, and grapes thanks to its long growing season. Use the workable, alkaline soil to your advantage and plant a vegetable garden that loves the summer heat.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin County

via LawnByCounty

Arid Challenges in Franklin County

Franklin County earns a 39.1 lawn difficulty score, which is slightly better than the Washington average of 36.9. Despite this, the zone 7a climate remains more difficult than the national median of 50.0. Success here depends heavily on managing extreme heat and very low natural rainfall.

Intense Heat and Low Rainfall

At just 9.5 inches of rain per year, Franklin is one of the driest counties in the state for lawn care. A high count of 37 extreme heat days means grass faces significant stress during the peak of summer. You will need a robust irrigation plan to compensate for the lack of consistent precipitation.

Slightly Alkaline Sandy Grounds

The soil pH of 7.21 is slightly alkaline, sitting just above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turf species. With 48.1% sand, the ground drains relatively quickly and may require more frequent, light watering to keep surface roots moist. Consider adding sulfur if your grass shows signs of nutrient deficiency from the high pH.

Managing Water During 35-Week Droughts

The county has faced 35 weeks of drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently in abnormally dry conditions. Efficient water use is critical; using smart irrigation controllers can help you adjust to the high evaporation rates. Keeping your grass at a taller height helps shade the soil and reduce water loss.

Seeding for the Franklin Summer

Drought-tolerant blends including Tall Fescue or hybrid Bluegrass are excellent for this hot 7a zone. Start your seeding projects after the last spring frost on April 27 to maximize the spring growing window. Be sure to have your lawn settled before the first fall frost arrives on October 15.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin County's county score?
Franklin County, Washington has a composite county score of 34.4 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 Washington?
Franklin County ranks #36 among all counties in Washington 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, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Franklin County is $2,638, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Franklin County a tax score of 56.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin County?
The median household income in Franklin County, Washington is $82,755 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin County earns an income score of 86.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin County, Washington a good place to live?
Franklin County scores 34.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Washington. 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.

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🏛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.