Franklin County
ID · Pop. 14,715 · Rural County
Franklin County, Idaho covers 663 square miles with a population of 14,715 and a density of 22.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, wheat, corn. A median home price of $304,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.5% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 127-day growing season, average summer highs of 84°F and average winter lows of 15.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 17.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Franklin County Medical Center is 5.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 81.9% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.5% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Franklin County Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 5.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, wheat, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 22.2 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.2% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 127-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 17.5 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
At a glance
Franklin County, ID is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 60/100
- Median home price
- $304k
- Property tax
- 0.5%
- Growing season
- 127 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 17.5"
- Broadband
- 81.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Franklin County Medical Center, 5.8 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 6a with a 127-day growing season, average summer highs of 84°F, and average winter lows of 15.2°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $304,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.5%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 81.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Franklin County Medical Center is 5.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Idaho Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Idaho
All Idaho countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Franklin County by distance, including across state lines.
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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.