countyscore
54.5
County Score
Property Tax 97.8Cost of Living 88.8Schools 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.

2040608010097.888.822.622.564.87.864.118.831.9Tax97.8Cost88.8Safety22.6Health22.5Schools64.8Income7.8Risk64.1Water18.8Weather31.954.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average5 below average

Franklin Parish DNA

Foverall

How Franklin Parish compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Franklin Parish is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (97.8/100) but notably weak in Income (7.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97.8+45.8
Cost
88.8+40.8
Safety
22.6-32.4
Health
22.5-27.5
Schools
64.8+10.799999999999997
Income
7.8-43.2
Risk
64.1+17.099999999999994
Water
18.8-39.2
Weather
31.9-24.1
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Compare mortgage rates in Franklin Parish

Whether buying or refinancing in Franklin Parish, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$113,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$721/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$113,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,020/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.

Deep Dives

Franklin Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Franklin Parish's county score?
Franklin Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 54.5 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 #30 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 $351, with an effective tax rate of 0.31%. This earns Franklin Parish a tax score of 97.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Franklin Parish?
The median household income in Franklin Parish, Louisiana is $47,020 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Franklin Parish earns an income score of 7.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Franklin Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Franklin Parish scores 54.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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