Franklin County
GA · Pop. 23,840 · Suburban County
Franklin County, Georgia covers 261 square miles with a population of 23,840 and a density of 91.3 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, cotton. The median home price is $161,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.77%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 222-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.4°F and average winter lows of 33.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 50.9 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. St Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital, Inc is 7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 82.1% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 222-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.77% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $161,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- St Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital, Inc, with an emergency room, is just 7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.4% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- A poverty rate of 20.4% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Franklin County, GA is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 76/100
- Median home price
- $161k
- Property tax
- 0.77%
- Growing season
- 222 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 50.9"
- Broadband
- 82.1%
- Nearest hospital
- St Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital, Inc, 7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Franklin County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Franklin County?
- Franklin County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 222-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.4°F, and average winter lows of 33.2°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, cotton.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $161,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.77%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 82.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- St Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital, Inc is 7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
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Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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