Median Income
$66,250
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$103,300
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.4%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$915
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.2%
26% lower than US avg
How Franklin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population554
Median Age36.3 yrs
Density667/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,250
Per Capita$46,316
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty9.2%
County GDP$2,062M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$103,300
Rent$915
Ownership68.8%
Zillow$140,164
Housing Units265
Rent Burden19.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property393/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking17.0%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation687 ft (209 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.4%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score4.64
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute27 min
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Franklin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Franklin receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Franklin offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Franklin is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. 9.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Franklin is $103,300, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $915 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x 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 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 393 per 100,000, 80% below the national average.
Education
23.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Franklin experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches, including 16.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Franklin has a population of 554 with a density of 667 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 36.3 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.6% female and 59.4% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.3yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
The median household income in Franklin is $66,250, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,316 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,023, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 714 business establishments, including 90 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 12.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,250 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,316 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,023 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,102 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.2% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 714 |
| County GDP | $2,062M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 90 |
| Healthcare | 97 |
| Retail | 127 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,007 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.4% |
The median home value in Franklin is $103,300, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $140,164, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $915 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $698 for a one-bedroom to $916 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 265 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $5,007 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $103,300 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $140,164 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $915 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $632 |
| 1 Bedroom | $698 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $916 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,181 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,329 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.2% |
| Housing Units | 265 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,007 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.85% |
In Franklin, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.4% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,174. The dentist ratio is 1:2,147. 72.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Franklin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,174 |
| Dentists | 1:2,147 |
| Mental Health | 1:765 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,190/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 97 |
Franklin has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 393 per 100,000, 80% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Franklin receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Franklin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 393.4/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Franklin experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 302 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 39.3 inches. The area receives 16.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 687 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.7°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 687 ft (209 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 667/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6205°N, 90.0477°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Morgan County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN) 50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
114 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
109 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
128 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
138 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
99 km |
| Jan 15, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.5 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
647 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 589 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
33 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
96 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Franklin has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 27°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.6").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $977 |
| Toddler | $743 |
| Preschool | $684 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $787 |
| Toddler | $711 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin
What is the population of Franklin?
Franklin has a population of 554 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 667 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 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 40.6% female and 59.4% male.
Is Franklin expensive to live in?
Franklin has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $103,300 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $915 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, 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 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 393 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Franklin receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Franklin?
Franklin has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches, with 16.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Franklin?
The job market in Franklin is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,023. There are 714 business establishments in the area, including 90 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 12.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Franklin?
The median home value in Franklin is $103,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $140,164. For renters, the median monthly rent is $915. Fair market rent is $698 for a 1-bedroom and $916 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,007.
How are the schools in Franklin?
Schools in Franklin have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 23.4% of adults in Franklin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Franklin?
The obesity rate in Franklin is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 72.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,174.
What is transportation like in Franklin?
The average commute in Franklin is 27 minutes. 83.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Franklin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Franklin is 97.8% White. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.