Median Income
$54,500
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,800
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
93/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.8%
65% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.8%
84% higher than US avg
How Franklin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population242
Median Age36.3 yrs
Density114/mi²
Male / Female65% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
C+
Median Income$54,500
Per Capita$34,551
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty22.8%
County GDP$390M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,800
Ownership97.9%
Zillow$160,064
Housing Units94
Rent Burden26.8%
Crime
F
Violent93/100K
Property2,239/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured11.7%
Smoking20.2%
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain51.5 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation570 ft (174 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.8%
High School+81.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.58
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute21 min
Broadband94.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Franklin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Franklin receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Franklin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Franklin is $54,500, 27% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 22.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Franklin is $78,800, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Franklin is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 93 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,239 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
11.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Franklin enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.5 inches, including 6.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Franklin has a population of 242 with a density of 114 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 36.3 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.5% female and 64.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93%), with 3.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 32.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.3yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Franklin is $54,500, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,551 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $800, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 256 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,500 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,551 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $800 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,927 |
| Gini Index | 0.491 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.8% |
| 84% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 256 |
| County GDP | $390M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,567 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.3% |
The median home value in Franklin is $78,800, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,064, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $671 for a one-bedroom to $880 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 94 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $2,567 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,800 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,064 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $666 |
| 1 Bedroom | $671 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $880 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,094 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,476 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.1% |
| Housing Units | 94 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,567 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.26% |
In Franklin, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 38.9% have high blood pressure. 20.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 33.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 11.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,478. The dentist ratio is 1:4,683. 53.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Franklin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.9% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.6% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.8% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,478 |
| Dentists | 1:4,683 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,181 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 45.3% |
| Premature Death | 11,978/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Franklin has a violent crime rate of 93 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,239 per 100,000, 14% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Franklin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Franklin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 93.3/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,238.8/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Franklin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 299 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 51.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 570 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.0°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 570 ft (174 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 114/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.1727°N, 91.7697°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Izard County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sharp County Regional (CKK)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.5"
35% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
293 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.7 |
114 km |
| May 4, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Holland, Arkansas |
M4.3 |
114 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
144 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
114 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
149 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
80 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
69 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
60 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
115 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
3 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
115 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
129 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
113 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
79 km |
| Apr 7, 2011 |
2 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
116 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
71 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
125 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
57 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
112 km |
| Feb 20, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
115 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
420 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 93 fatalities, 1,124 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 14, 1996 |
EF4 |
65 km |
7 |
| Mar 15, 1984 |
EF4 |
92 km |
5 |
| Mar 15, 1984 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| Dec 24, 1982 |
EF4 |
14 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF4 |
60 km |
2 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
64 km |
7 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
72 km |
35 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 2010 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 1996 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1985 |
EF3 |
81 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
139 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HANDY (12,818 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HANDY |
12,818 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD HORSE |
10,389 |
63 km |
| 2004 |
LOWER WILD |
10,034 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
9,641 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
CEDAR BLUFF |
9,617 |
93 km |
| 2013 |
LOWER WILDERNESS RX |
8,699 |
63 km |
| 2020 |
BIG BARREN CREEK |
8,150 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
SYL BIRMINGHAM |
6,803 |
51 km |
| 2021 |
ROCK PILE |
5,067 |
86 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,873 |
52 km |
| 2024 |
BRIDGES RX |
4,781 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
4,493 |
38 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,337 |
40 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
3,807 |
52 km |
| 2024 |
RX BAD BRANCH 2 |
3,591 |
42 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
3,542 |
52 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
3,441 |
46 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,404 |
49 km |
| 2020 |
RORIE NORTH |
3,180 |
44 km |
| 2024 |
WOLF MOUNTAIN RX |
3,140 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
71°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
38°F (4°C) |
4.1 in |
|
Franklin has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 35°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.7 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Franklin. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$217 ($130–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$304 ($174–$478) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$304) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,912 ($695–$4,345) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$217 ($130–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($43–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$521 ($348–$869) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$304) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$130) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($43–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($130–$695) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,083 ($3,476–$10,428) |
| Roof Repair |
$869 ($348–$1,738) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,821 ($4,780–$13,035) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,304 ($435–$3,042) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,035 ($4,345–$26,070) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,345 ($1,738–$8,690) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,304 ($695–$2,607) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$869) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,173 ($869–$4,345) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$130 ($65–$217) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$56) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($43–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.56 ($2.61–$4.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.04 ($2.17–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.30 ($2.17–$4.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.91 ($2.61–$5.65) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.78 ($3.48–$6.52) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.56) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$217) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$130) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$56 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($43–$130) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,738 ($1,043–$3,042) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.95–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$217) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,043 ($521–$2,173) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$869 ($435–$1,738) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$608) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$43 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$869 ($348–$2,173) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,863 ($4,345–$26,070) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($43–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin
What is the population of Franklin?
Franklin has a population of 242 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 114 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 35.5% female and 64.5% male.
Is Franklin expensive to live in?
Franklin is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,500, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,800 (72% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Franklin safe?
Franklin is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 93 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,239 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Franklin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Franklin?
Franklin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.5 inches, with 6.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Franklin?
Franklin has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $800. There are 256 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 16.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Franklin?
The median home value in Franklin is $78,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,064. The homeownership rate is 97.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,567.
How are the schools in Franklin?
Schools in Franklin score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.8% of adults in Franklin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Franklin?
The obesity rate in Franklin is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.2% of adults are smokers. 33.6% are physically inactive. 28.2% of residents report depression. 11.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 53.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,478.
What is transportation like in Franklin?
The average commute in Franklin is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Franklin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Franklin is 93% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 32.6% of residents have a disability. 83.7% have health insurance coverage.
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