Franklin
Alabama

Where you are

You live in Franklin County, Alabama. 32,011 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -144).

Alabama's property taxes are among the lowest in the country because assessments are capped at a fraction of market value, but the state makes it up with one of the highest combined sales-tax rates, and groceries are taxed. Huntsville's aerospace and defense payroll sets it apart from the rest of the state; the Gulf coast around Mobile and Baldwin County carries real hurricane exposure and insurance costs to match.

Money

The typical household here brings in $47,359 a year, lower than 84% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,266. Unemployment runs 2.3%, lower than 88% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home.

Alabama takes 4.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,328 a year.

Home

The median home costs $181K, cheaper than 71% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $543 a month. Property tax is 0.33% of home value, roughly $396 a year on that median home, lower than 98% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.7 per 1,000 residents, higher than 88% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 35 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 72.4 years, shorter than 85% of American counties. There are 20 active physicians in the county, about 6.2 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 13.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.55 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 93% of American counties. 80% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 66 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 57% of eligible voters turned out. Under Alabama law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 62°F, highs near 72 and lows near 51, warmer than 72% of American counties. About 60 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 65 out of 100, riskier than 66% of American counties; the county has had 22 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 304 Mbps down, faster than 96% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.