Median Income
$51,121
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,800
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
133/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$492
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.9%
20% lower than US avg
How Franklin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population908
Median Age48.8 yrs
Density917/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,121
Per Capita$34,156
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty9.9%
County GDP$125M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,800
Rent$492
Ownership81.7%
Zillow$134,002
Housing Units483
Rent Burden24.8%
Crime
F
Violent133/100K
Property2,032/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking18.6%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,861 ft (567 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score6.55
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute17 min
Broadband75.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Franklin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Franklin receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 below-average incomes, 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 $51,121, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 9.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Franklin is $93,800, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $492 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x 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 133 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,032 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Franklin experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 18.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Franklin has a population of 908 with a density of 917 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 48.8 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (91%), with 4.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.8yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Franklin is $51,121, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,156 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $787, 45% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 131 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,121 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,156 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $787 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,914 |
| Gini Index | 0.475 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 131 |
| County GDP | $125M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Franklin is $93,800, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $134,002, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $492 (58% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $732 for a one-bedroom to $961 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 483 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. 24.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,800 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $134,002 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $492 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $666 |
| 1 Bedroom | $732 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $961 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,187 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,284 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.3% |
| Housing Units | 483 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
In Franklin, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 33.6% have high blood pressure. 18.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.3% report binge drinking. 30.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.4% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,451. The dentist ratio is 1:2,873. 39.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Franklin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.3% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,451 |
| Dentists | 1:2,873 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,413 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 13,659/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 39.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Franklin has a violent crime rate of 133 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,032 per 100,000, 4% above the U.S. average. Overall, Franklin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Franklin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 133.2/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,032.0/100K |
| 4% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Franklin experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 308 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 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 18.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,861 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,861 ft (567 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 917/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0965°N, 98.9514°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
145 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
106 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
68 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
82 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
77 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
91 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
79 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
64 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
118 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
54 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
69 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
79 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
69 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
129 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
80 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
64 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
678 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 10 fatalities, 171 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
71 km |
4 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
4 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 739 (32,997 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
58 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
86 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
52 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
54 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
90 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
52 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
52 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
74 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
77 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
55 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
38 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Franklin has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| 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) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| 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) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
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 |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin
What is the population of Franklin?
Franklin has a population of 908 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 917 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Franklin expensive to live in?
Franklin is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $51,121, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,800 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $492 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, 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 133 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,032 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 has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches, with 18.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Franklin?
The job market in Franklin is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $787. There are 131 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Franklin?
The median home value in Franklin is $93,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $134,002. For renters, the median monthly rent is $492. Fair market rent is $732 for a 1-bedroom and $961 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.7%.
How are the schools in Franklin?
Schools in Franklin score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.9% of adults in Franklin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 7.9% 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%). 18.6% of adults are smokers. 30.3% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 39.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,451.
What is transportation like in Franklin?
The average commute in Franklin is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Franklin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Franklin is 91% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 25.2% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
