Median Income
$55,552
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$170,400
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
232/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.4%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,034
11% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.0%
11% lower than US avg
How Franklin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,254
Median Age34.4 yrs
Density680/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,552
Per Capita$24,651
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty11.0%
County GDP$1,226M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$170,400
Rent$1,034
Ownership53.2%
Zillow$243,755
Housing Units3,973
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent232/100K
Property2,767/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault100/100K
Burglary221/100K
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain54.3 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation689 ft (210 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.4%
High School+87.0%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score5.21
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute19 min
Broadband89.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Franklin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Franklin receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Franklin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Franklin is $55,552, 26% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Franklin is $170,400, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,034 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Franklin is below the national average at 232 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,767 per 100,000, 41% above the national average.
Education
13.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Franklin enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 54.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Franklin has a population of 10,254 with a density of 680 people per square mile, spread across 11.1 square miles. The median age is 34.4 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (80%), with 4.9% Hispanic, 9.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 89.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.4yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Franklin is $55,552, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,651 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,002, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 706 business establishments, including 56 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,552 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,651 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,002 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,499 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.0% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 706 |
| County GDP | $1,226M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,297 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Franklin is $170,400, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,755, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,034 (11% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $859 for a one-bedroom to $1,083 for a two-bedroom apartment. 53.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,973 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $2,297 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $170,400 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $243,755 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,034 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $747 |
| 1 Bedroom | $859 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,083 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 53.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.8% |
| Housing Units | 3,973 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,297 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.35% |
In Franklin, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,944. The dentist ratio is 1:1,995. 53.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
3.9
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
4.2
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
5.2
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.2
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
145.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Franklin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.6% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:3,944 |
| Dentists | 1:1,995 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,010 |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,055/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Franklin has a violent crime rate of 232 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 99.6 per 100,000, robbery at 33.2, rape at 99.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,767 per 100,000, 41% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,346, burglary at 221, vehicle theft at 199 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 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 | 232.4/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 99.6/100K |
| Robbery | 33.2/100K |
| Assault | 99.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,766.7/100K |
| 41% above US avg |
| Burglary | 221.3/100K |
| Theft | 2,346.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 199.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Franklin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 79°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 54.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 689 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.3°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 689 ft (210 m) |
| Area | 11.1 sq mi (28.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 680/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7180°N, 86.5576°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Simpson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bowling Green-Warren County Regional (BWG) 19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.3"
43% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.12"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jun 3, 2023.
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
6 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| Nov 28, 1998 |
6 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
91 km |
| Jan 28, 1991 |
9 km SW of Sacramento, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
98 km |
| Jan 16, 2019 |
5 km SSE of Wartrace, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Aug 15, 2001 |
5 km SSE of Spottsville, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
142 km |
| Feb 27, 2020 |
5 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
92 km |
| Sep 12, 2015 |
5 km SE of Corydon, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
Kentucky |
M2.6 |
83 km |
| Jul 8, 2001 |
7 km SE of Franklin, Tennessee |
M2.6 |
96 km |
| Mar 22, 1990 |
9 km E of Rochester, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
57 km |
| Dec 8, 1997 |
6 km NE of Murfreesboro, Tennessee |
M2.6 |
95 km |
| Jun 1, 2019 |
4 km ESE of Manchester, Tennessee |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Jun 3, 2023 |
7 km N of Nebo, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
127 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
7 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
114 km |
| May 2, 1998 |
6 km WNW of Nebo, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
87 km |
| Apr 18, 2012 |
13 km W of Owensboro, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
132 km |
| Mar 8, 1990 |
4 km SW of Oak Grove, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
512 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 89 fatalities, 1,199 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 24, 1988 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1970 |
EF4 |
59 km |
3 |
| Dec 9, 2023 |
EF3 |
83 km |
4 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
23 km |
16 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
70 km |
5 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
41 km |
4 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
42 km |
22 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
77 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 2006 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2006 |
EF3 |
48 km |
7 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
15 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLOATING MILL HOLLOW (2,422 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FLOATING MILL HOLLOW |
2,422 |
69 km |
| 2008 |
BROOKS KNOB |
2,225 |
61 km |
| 2012 |
FY2012 CRYSTAL CAVE BROADCAST BURN |
2,221 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
JOPPA CHURCH |
2,037 |
63 km |
| 2004 |
JIM LEE |
1,770 |
64 km |
| 2009 |
TEMPLE HILL |
1,628 |
63 km |
| 2009 |
JIM LEE |
1,613 |
64 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD DEER |
1,557 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
Big Woods |
1,500 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
GOBLIN KNOB |
1,445 |
71 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,039 |
70 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
848 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
DENNISON FERRY RX |
655 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
641 |
70 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
576 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
4.9 in |
|
Franklin has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 36°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.8 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.1") and October the driest (3.0").
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) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $586 |
| Toddler | $554 |
| Preschool | $554 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $529 |
| Toddler | $451 |
| Preschool | $451 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin
What is the population of Franklin?
Franklin has a population of 10,254 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 680 people per square mile, spread across 11.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is Franklin expensive to live in?
Franklin is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $55,552, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $170,400 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,034 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Franklin safe?
Franklin is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 232 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,767 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 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 54.3 inches, with 2.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Franklin?
Franklin has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,002. There are 706 business establishments in the area, including 56 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Franklin?
The median home value in Franklin is $170,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,755. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,034. Fair market rent is $859 for a 1-bedroom and $1,083 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 53.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,297.
How are the schools in Franklin?
Schools in Franklin score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.4% of adults in Franklin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Franklin?
The obesity rate in Franklin is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 53.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,944.
What is transportation like in Franklin?
The average commute in Franklin is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Franklin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Franklin is 80% White, 9.1% Black or African American, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 89.6% have health insurance coverage.