countyscore
54
County Score
Property Tax 97.4Cost of Living 86.8Schools 64.8

County Report Card

About Franklin Parish, Louisiana

Above the National Midpoint

Franklin Parish earns a composite score of 54.0, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a better-than-average livability profile on the national stage.

Surpassing the Louisiana Average

The parish edges out the Louisiana state average of 53.0. It provides a more balanced lifestyle than several of its immediate neighbors in the northern part of the state.

Low Tax Burden and Moderate Risk

A tax score of 97.4 and a risk score of 64.1 make this parish financially and environmentally attractive. The local school system also performs well, earning a respectable score of 64.8.

Low Incomes and Health Scores

Earning potential is a challenge with an income score of 6.2 and a median income of $44,103. The health score of 22.5 also suggests limited access to medical facilities or wellness outcomes.

Suited for Families Seeking Stability

This parish is an excellent choice for families who want decent schools and low taxes without high environmental risk. It is ideal for those who prioritize a stable, affordable community over high local wages.

2040608010097.486.822.622.564.86.264.118.831.9Tax97.4Cost86.8Safety22.6Health22.5Schools64.8Income6.2Risk64.1Water18.8Weather31.954/100
This county
National avg
4 above average5 below average

Franklin Parish DNA

Foverall

How Franklin Parish compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Franklin Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (97.4/100) but notably weak in Income (6.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97.4+45.400000000000006
Cost
86.8+38.8
Safety
22.6-32.4
Health
22.5-27.5
Schools
64.8+10.799999999999997
Income
6.2-44.8
Risk
64.1+17.099999999999994
Water
18.8-39.2
Weather
31.9-24.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$117,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$719/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$117,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $44,103/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.2

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

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58.8
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Deep Dives

Franklin Parish across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Franklin Parish

via TaxByCounty

Franklin Parish stays below national average

At 0.323%, Franklin Parish's effective property tax rate ranks below the national median of 0.420%, placing it in the nation's bottom 40%. The median annual tax of $378 is just 14% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting modest home values at $117,200.

Below Louisiana's state average

Franklin Parish's 0.323% effective rate falls short of Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, making it a relatively affordable option statewide. The median tax bill of $378 undercuts the state median of $732 by nearly half.

Competitive among regional parishes

Franklin Parish's 0.323% rate slightly exceeds nearby East Carroll Parish (0.287%) but undercuts Evangeline Parish (0.273%). Residents benefit from a middle-ground tax burden in the northeast Louisiana region.

Modest tax bill for homeowners

On the median home value of $117,200, Franklin residents pay approximately $378 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, this figure climbs to $492 when other assessments apply.

Challenge your assessment if needed

Franklin Parish homeowners should verify their property assessments are accurate. Filing an appeal with the parish assessor can correct overvalued properties and reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Franklin Parish

via CostByCounty

Right at the national affordability line

Franklin Parish renters spend 19.6% of income on rent, just above the national affordability benchmark of 18%, with a median household income of $44,103 sitting 41% below the U.S. average. This parish hovers near the tipping point where housing costs become genuinely stressful.

Slightly above state affordability average

Franklin's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio edges above Louisiana's state average of 19.5%, essentially tracking the state norm. The median rent of $719 runs 18% below the state average of $873, helping offset the parish's below-average income.

Competitive rents among rural peers

Franklin's $719 monthly rent sits between Evangeline ($663) and Grant Parish ($806), with income of $44,103 slightly above Evangeline ($42,273) but well below Grant ($61,112). The parish occupies the middle ground for rural affordability.

Renters and owners split fairly

Renters paying $719 monthly dedicate 19.6% of the $44,103 income to housing, while owners paying $541 (14.7%) enjoy more breathing room. Both housing types remain manageable relative to local earning power.

Balanced affordability for rural seekers

Franklin Parish offers reasonable rents ($719) and home prices ($117,200) for those seeking rural life, though median income of $44,103 suggests you should verify local job prospects. This parish works best for remote workers or those with secured outside income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Franklin Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Franklin falls short nationally

Franklin Parish households earn $44,103 annually, trailing the national median of $74,755 by 41%. The parish ranks among lower-income regions nationwide, reflecting limited job diversity and wage growth in this northeast Louisiana community.

Slightly below state average

Franklin's $44,103 falls 20% short of Louisiana's state average of $55,250, placing it in the lower third of parishes. The parish remains dependent on agriculture, forestry, and declining manufacturing sectors.

Moderate earner in region

Franklin's $44,103 edges ahead of East Carroll Parish ($28,321) but trails Grant Parish ($61,112) to the west. The variance reflects Franklin's geographic isolation from major economic hubs like Shreveport and Jackson.

Rent demands significant share

At 19.6%, Franklin's rent-to-income ratio remains below the 30% affordability threshold but demands nearly one-fifth of household income. The median home value of $117,200 offers homeowners an affordable alternative to renting.

Prioritize emergency savings first

With moderate household income, Franklin residents should focus on building a three-to-six-month emergency fund before aggressive investing. Once stabilized, explore low-cost index funds and employer retirement plans to build lasting wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Franklin Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Franklin Below National Crime Averages

Franklin Parish records a total crime rate of 1,979.6 per 100K, lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a safety score of 96.9 out of 100.

Near the State Safety Average

At 96.9, the parish is just below the Louisiana average safety score of 97.1. Because data comes from a single reporting agency, residents should interpret these figures with caution.

Higher Crime Than Eastern Neighbors

The crime rate of 1,979.6 per 100K is higher than East Carroll's rate of 1,031.1. It represents a middle ground for safety in the northeastern part of the state.

Property Crime Most Prevalent

Property crime stands at 1,498.6 per 100K, while violent crime is reported at 481.0. These figures are lower than those found in larger urban parishes across Louisiana.

Focus on Home Deterrence

Install motion-sensor lighting and deadbolt locks to enhance your home's security. Staying aware of local trends helps residents mitigate property crime risks effectively.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Franklin Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Fabric of Franklin Parish

Franklin Parish maintains 6 public schools that provide education for 2,850 students. The infrastructure is primarily focused on early education, featuring five elementary schools and one centralized high school. A single district manages the entire county, ensuring a streamlined curriculum for all local residents.

Strong Graduation Rates and Steady Investment

Franklin Parish excels in graduation metrics, with 92% of students earning diplomas—beating both the state and national averages. The county spends $7,959 per pupil, slightly exceeding the Louisiana state average of $7,881. This investment yields a composite school score of 56.7, which is comfortably above the national median.

Consolidated Parish Management

The Franklin Parish school district serves as the sole educational authority for the county's 2,850 students. There are no charter schools in the area, meaning all public funding remains within the traditional parish system. The district's flagship, Franklin Parish High School, serves nearly 800 students as the county's only secondary school.

Mid-Sized Schools in a Rural Setting

Four of the parish's schools are located in rural areas, while two serve town centers like Winnsboro. The average school size is 475 students, providing a balanced atmosphere that is neither too crowded nor too isolated. Franklin Parish High School is the largest campus, while specialized elementary schools like Fort Necessity serve about 320 students.

Find Home in a High-Performing District

With graduation rates exceeding national benchmarks, Franklin Parish is a strong choice for families prioritizing academic outcomes. The community-centric schools in Winnsboro and Crowville make local neighborhoods attractive for long-term residency. Look for homes in this parish to enjoy high school performance and a stable, single-district environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Franklin Parish

via RiskByCounty

Franklin Parish ranks among nation's safest

With a composite risk score of 35.91 and very-low rating, Franklin Parish sits well below the national average, placing it in the safest tier of American counties. Low flood risk (30.63) and minimal wildfire exposure (21.18) define the parish's protective profile, though tornado (64.85) and hurricane (73.59) risks remain moderate. For most natural disasters, Franklin residents enjoy substantially lower exposure than typical Americans.

Franklin Parish is among Louisiana's safest

At 35.91, Franklin Parish scores 26.5 points below Louisiana's state average of 62.37, making it one of the state's lowest-risk regions. This significant advantage reflects the parish's distance from coastal hurricane paths and relative geographic stability. Franklin ranks firmly in Louisiana's safest tier alongside only a handful of comparable parishes.

Safest in its region, rivaled only by Grant

Franklin Parish (35.91) competes with Grant Parish (29.61) as the region's two safest communities, with Grant holding a slight edge. Both are substantially safer than East Carroll (21.60) and far safer than Evangeline (75.92) and East Feliciana (56.42). Franklin's protective geography creates a clear safety advantage within its region.

Tornado risk exceeds all other hazards

Tornadoes rank as Franklin Parish's primary threat at 64.85, though even this score falls below many Louisiana parishes. Hurricanes (73.59) present a secondary concern, while earthquake risk (54.10) rounds out the notable hazards. Flooding and wildfire pose minimal threat compared to these three hazards.

Standard homeowners policy provides solid foundation

A quality homeowners insurance policy with tornado and windstorm coverage provides adequate protection for Franklin Parish's moderate threat profile. Flood insurance is recommended only if your home sits in a designated floodplain, and hurricane coverage, while sensible, is less critical than in coastal parishes. Review your tornado preparedness annually and maintain a basic emergency kit.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Franklin Parish

via WaterByCounty

Significant Drinking Water Challenges in Franklin

Franklin Parish holds an 'F' grade due to 37 health violations recorded over a five-year lookback period. The violation rate stands at 143.7 per 100,000 people, roughly one-third of the state average of 407.2.

Oxygen and Turbidity Issues in Parish Waters

The 2022 assessment shows that 96.6% of 29 water bodies are impaired and fail to meet Clean Water Act goals. Top concerns for the parish include low dissolved oxygen, excessive turbidity, and fecal coliform.

Diverse Monitoring Coverage Across 15 Sites

Local monitoring efforts involve 15 sites that have collected 1,666 measurements over the last five years. Technicians focus on inorganic compounds, major non-metals, and organic physical characteristics.

Compliance Signals Lead in Gauge Absence

No active USGS streamgage is currently reporting live data within Franklin Parish. Community water health is best gauged through the 143.7 per 100,000 violation rate and the high percentage of impaired waterways.

Focus on Turbidity and Runoff Protection

High turbidity and fecal coliform in 96.6% of assessed waters indicate that runoff is a primary pollutant source. Residents should monitor local utility reports for updates on the 37 recent health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Franklin Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Intense Heat in a Subtropical Zone

Franklin Parish averages 66.0°F annually, staying well above national medians. It receives 58.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly lower than the Louisiana state average of 60.8 inches.

Standard Louisiana Warmth and High Heat

The parish average of 66.0°F is close to the state mean of 67.0°F. However, it stands out for its high frequency of extreme weather, including 104 days per year over 90°F.

More Extreme Heat Than Its Neighbors

Franklin’s 104 extreme heat days significantly outpace East Carroll’s 79 days. While its 58.3 inches of rain is lower than East Baton Rouge’s 64.8 inches, the summer heat is much more persistent here.

Over 100 Days of Extreme Summer Heat

Summers are grueling with a July average of 83.1°F and 104 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are relatively cool for the state, with a January average of 47.0°F and 0.3 inches of annual snow.

Heavy-Duty Cooling and Winter Layers

Prepare for a long cooling season, as 104 days of extreme heat will stress any HVAC system. The January average of 47.0°F also necessitates a reliable heating system for the shorter but distinct winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Franklin Parish

via SoilByCounty

Sharp acidity in Franklin soils

With a pH of 5.43, Franklin Parish soils are notably more acidic than both the state average and the 6.5 national median. This low pH level is a key factor in determining which crops will succeed without significant soil amendments.

Silt-heavy mix limits air pockets

The soil contains 60.7% silt and 24.4% clay, making it one of the siltier regions in the state. Only 14.9% sand is present, which can lead to compaction and limited aeration for deep-rooted plants.

Excellent water capacity despite low organic matter

The available water capacity of 0.197 in/in is well above the Louisiana average, providing a great buffer against drought. Organic matter remains low at 1.82%, suggesting a need for compost to improve soil health.

Surface water management is key

While specific drainage data is unavailable, the high silt and clay levels suggest water moves slowly through the profile. Proper grading is essential in this parish to prevent water from standing in fields or around foundations.

Hardy growth in Zone 8b

Zone 8b offers a perfect climate for sweet potatoes and peppers, which thrive in Franklin's moisture-holding soils. With a little lime to raise the pH, your backyard garden can become a high-yielding oasis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Franklin Parish

via LawnByCounty

One of Louisiana’s Toughest Areas

With a low difficulty score of 27.8, Franklin Parish is one of the hardest places in the nation to grow a perfect lawn. The Zone 8b climate presents a combination of extreme heat and high acidity that tests any gardener.

Extreme Heat Defines the Summer

Franklin Parish experiences 104 days of extreme heat annually, which is significantly higher than the Louisiana average of 84 days. This heat, combined with 58.3 inches of rain, creates a high-stress environment where grass can easily scorch.

Acidic Clay Bases Require Care

The soil pH of 5.43 is far below the ideal 6.0 target, meaning nutrients are often unavailable to the grass roots. A clay content of 24.4% can lead to drainage issues, making regular aeration a necessary chore for a healthy lawn.

Severe Drought Conditions are Present

The parish is currently under significant moisture stress, with 78.2% of the land in severe drought. After 17 weeks of drought over the last year, homeowners should prioritize deep watering during the early morning hours to keep turf alive.

Timing for the Franklin Climate

Plan your lawn start for mid-March after the final frost on March 10 has passed. Tough, sun-loving varieties like Bermuda are the most likely to survive the 104 days of intense summer heat characteristic of this region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin Parish's county score?
Franklin Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 54 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 Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Franklin Parish ranks #32 among all counties in Louisiana 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 Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Franklin Parish is $378, with an effective tax rate of 0.32%. This earns Franklin Parish a tax score of 97.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin Parish?
The median household income in Franklin Parish, Louisiana is $44,103 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin Parish earns an income score of 6.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Franklin Parish scores 54/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Franklin Parish 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 Parish with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.