Median Income
$46,278
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,200
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
729/100K
92% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.9%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$861
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
48.6%
51% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.2%
79% higher than US avg
How Franklin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,557
Median Age40.2 yrs
Density658/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 38%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$46,278
Per Capita$24,788
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty22.2%
County GDP$3,528M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,200
Rent$861
Ownership58.1%
Zillow$95,399
Housing Units3,199
Rent Burden28.5%
Crime
F
Violent729/100K
Property4,266/100K
Murder13.5/100K
Assault621/100K
Burglary1,310/100K
Health
Obesity48.6%
Uninsured11.4%
Smoking22.6%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain65.3 in/yr
Sunny Days317/yr
Elevation3 ft (1 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.9%
High School+82.8%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score3.99
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute23 min
Broadband83.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
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 unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, 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 $46,278, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. The poverty rate of 22.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Franklin is $98,200, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $861 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 729 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,266 per 100,000, 118% above the national average.
Education
9.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.8% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Franklin enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 317 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 65.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Franklin has a population of 6,557 with a density of 658 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 40.2 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly Black (46.1%), with 37.7% White, 3.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 19.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.2yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Franklin is $46,278, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,788 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,191, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 22.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,436 business establishments, including 96 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,278 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,788 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,191 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,157 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.2% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,436 |
| County GDP | $3,528M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 96 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 175 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,530 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Franklin is $98,200, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $95,399. Homes sell for 94.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $861 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $698 for a one-bedroom to $834 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,199 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $2,530 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,200 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $95,399 |
| Median List Price | $127,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $127,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $203 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.3% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 18 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $861 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $601 |
| 1 Bedroom | $698 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $834 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,067 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,249 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.9% |
| Housing Units | 3,199 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,530 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.58% |
In Franklin, 48.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 45.6% have high blood pressure. 22.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.4% report binge drinking. 37.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,297. The dentist ratio is 1:2,655. 84.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Franklin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 48.6% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 45.6% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.6% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.5% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 22.8% |
| Physical Distress | 17.3% |
| Short Sleep | 46.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 11.4% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,297 |
| Dentists | 1:2,655 |
| Mental Health | 1:713 |
| Checkup Rate | 82.3% |
| Dental Visits | 49.8% |
| Premature Death | 13,601/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Franklin has a violent crime rate of 729 per 100,000 residents, 92% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 621.0 per 100,000, robbery at 94.5, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 13.5 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,266 per 100,000, 118% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,916, burglary at 1,310, vehicle theft at 41 per 100,000 residents. 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 | 729.0/100K |
| 92% above US avg |
| Murder | 13.5/100K |
| 114% above US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 94.5/100K |
| Assault | 621.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,266.2/100K |
| 118% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,309.6/100K |
| Theft | 2,916.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 40.5/100K |
| Arson | 13.5/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 1.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Franklin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 317 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 65.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 3 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
53°F Jan (12°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 68.8°F |
| 27% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 317 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 658/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.7849°N, 91.5096°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. Mary Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Acadiana Regional (ARA)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
65.3"
72% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
7.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 75.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 2, 2010.
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
24 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
58 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
173 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
110 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
139 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
66 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
223 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
107 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
292 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
11 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
209 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 5 |
187 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
194 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
151 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 4 |
74 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
260 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
169 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
10 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
226 km |
| 1988 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
211 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
412 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 26 fatalities, 619 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1972 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1970 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 1961 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Nov 7, 1957 |
EF3 |
91 km |
4 |
| Oct 15, 1957 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Mar 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2024 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2020 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2019 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,764 ac, 1997).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
1,764 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,365 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (12°C) |
5.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
62°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
80°F (26°C) |
6.5 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
7.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
7.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
6.0 in |
|
| October |
69°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Driest |
| November |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
55°F (13°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Franklin has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 53°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 63.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (7.7") and October the driest (3.8").
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) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $572 |
| Toddler | $572 |
| Preschool | $574 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $462 |
| Toddler | $462 |
| Preschool | $462 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin
What is the population of Franklin?
Franklin has a population of 6,557 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 658 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.2 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Franklin expensive to live in?
Franklin is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $46,278, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,200 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $861 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Franklin safe?
Public safety is a concern in Franklin, with a violent crime rate of 729 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,266 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 69°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 317 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 65.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Franklin?
The job market in Franklin is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,191. There are 1,436 business establishments in the area, including 96 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Franklin?
The median home value in Franklin is $98,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $95,399. For renters, the median monthly rent is $861. Fair market rent is $698 for a 1-bedroom and $834 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,530.
How are the schools in Franklin?
Schools in Franklin have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 9.9% of adults in Franklin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.8% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Franklin?
The obesity rate in Franklin is 48.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.6% of adults are smokers. 37.5% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 11.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 84.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,297.
What is transportation like in Franklin?
The average commute in Franklin is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Franklin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Franklin is 37.7% White, 46.1% Black or African American, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 19.6% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
