Median Income
$14,738
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.0%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$245
79% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
79.1%
538% higher than US avg
How Franklin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population356
Median Age55.2 yrs
Density1,271/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
C
Median Income$14,738
Per Capita$9,718
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty79.1%
County GDP$1,790M
Housing
A+
Rent$245
Ownership39.5%
Zillow$85,487
Housing Units83
Rent Burden19.5%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking21.2%
Depression27.6%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation1,105 ft (337 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.0%
High School+68.6%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Broadband83.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
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, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include 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 $14,738, 80% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 79.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $245 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
5.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 68.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Franklin experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.4 inches, including 33.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Franklin has a population of 356 with a density of 1,271 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 55.2 years, 42% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.6% female and 60.4% male. The city is predominantly White (97.5%), with 2.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 86.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.2yrs
Median Age
42% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Franklin is $14,738, which is 80% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $9,718 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $933, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 79.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,168 business establishments, including 85 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. 45.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $14,738 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $9,718 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $933 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,304 |
| Gini Index | 0.490 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 79.1% |
| 538% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,168 |
| County GDP | $1,790M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 85 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 138 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,909 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 54.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 45.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $85,487. Monthly rent averages $245 (79% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,400 for a one-bedroom to $1,648 for a two-bedroom apartment. 39.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 83 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $4,909 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $245 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,312 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,648 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 39.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 39.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 60.5% |
| Housing Units | 83 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,909 |
| 40% above US avg |
In Franklin, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 36.5% have high blood pressure. 21.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 32.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,050. The dentist ratio is 1:2,041. 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Franklin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.5% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.2% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.1% |
| Depression | 27.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 43.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,050 |
| Dentists | 1:2,041 |
| Mental Health | 1:369 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 52.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,314/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
Franklin has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes.
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 | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Franklin experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 293 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 41.4 inches. The area receives 33.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,105 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.5°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,105 ft (337 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,271/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4989°N, 79.0516°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Garrett County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.4"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0427 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 2.1 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.22 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.13 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 16.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 57.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 11, 2024.
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
144 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
107 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
139 km |
| Aug 15, 2010 |
19 km ESE of Burnsville, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Aug 21, 2010 |
19 km WNW of Helvetia, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
167 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 114 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
28 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1975 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WAITES RUN (5,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
65 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,460 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
81 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
58 km |
| 2024 |
DOVE HOLLOW |
1,634 |
67 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
74 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
74 km |
| 2019 |
DRY HOLLOW |
1,327 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
GAULEY RIDGE RX |
1,263 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
POINT 2 |
1,126 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. |
1,055 |
71 km |
| 2018 |
GATE MOUNTAIN |
972 |
97 km |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
50 km |
| 2024 |
SERENITY RIDGE FIRE |
877 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
SPRING RUN |
847 |
65 km |
| 2019 |
KENNEDY PEAK |
769 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
GRACE MOUNTAIN |
760 |
79 km |
| 2012 |
WOLF GAP |
710 |
72 km |
| 1994 |
ELKHORN TOWER |
696 |
65 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
696 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Franklin has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 30°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.6").
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) |
$263 ($158–$420) |
| Specialist Visit |
$368 ($210–$578) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$210 ($105–$368) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,310 ($840–$5,250) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$137 ($79–$210) |
| Dental Filling |
$263 ($158–$420) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$79) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$79 ($53–$126) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$630 ($420–$1,050) |
| Battery Replacement |
$210 ($105–$368) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$105 ($63–$158) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$95 ($53–$147) |
| HVAC Repair |
$420 ($158–$840) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,350 ($4,200–$12,600) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,050 ($420–$2,100) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,450 ($5,775–$15,750) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,575 ($525–$3,675) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,750 ($5,250–$31,500) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,250 ($2,100–$10,500) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,575 ($840–$3,150) |
| Will Preparation |
$525 ($210–$1,050) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,625 ($1,050–$5,250) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$58 ($32–$105) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$158 ($79–$263) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$84 ($53–$137) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.31 ($3.15–$5.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.68 ($2.63–$5.25) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.99 ($2.63–$5.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.73 ($3.15–$6.83) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.78 ($4.20–$7.88) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.05 ($0.63–$1.89) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$147 ($84–$263) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$158) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$126) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$105) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($32–$105) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($53–$158) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$210 ($79–$525) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,100 ($1,260–$3,675) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$137) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.40–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$105 ($32–$263) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$79) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,260 ($630–$2,625) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,050 ($525–$2,100) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$420 ($210–$735) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$53 ($26–$105) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,050 ($420–$2,625) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,125 ($5,250–$31,500) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$105 ($53–$210) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$210 ($105–$420) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,069 |
| Toddler | $722 |
| Preschool | $722 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $651 |
| Toddler | $591 |
| Preschool | $591 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin
What is the population of Franklin?
Franklin has a population of 356 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 1,271 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.6% female and 60.4% male.
Is Franklin expensive to live in?
Franklin has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $14,738, 80% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $245 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Franklin?
Franklin has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.4 inches, with 33.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Franklin?
The job market in Franklin is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $933. There are 1,168 business establishments in the area, including 85 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Franklin?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $245. Fair market rent is $1,400 for a 1-bedroom and $1,648 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 39.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,909.
How are the schools in Franklin?
Schools in Franklin score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.0% of adults in Franklin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 68.6% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Franklin?
The obesity rate in Franklin is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.2% of adults are smokers. 32.1% are physically inactive. 27.6% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,050.
What are the demographics of Franklin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Franklin is 97.5% White, 2.5% Black or African American. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 86.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.