Franklin County
IN · Pop. 22,929 · Suburban County
Franklin County sits in Indiana across 384 square miles, home to 22,929 people at 59.7 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, corn, hay. The median home price is $237,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.62%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 179-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.6°F and average winter lows of 22.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 43.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Margaret Mary Health is 11 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.5% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.62% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.3% reflects a stable local job base.
- Annual rainfall of 43.2 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
- A low poverty rate of 8.5% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- The nearest hospital, Margaret Mary Health, is 11 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Franklin County, IN is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 69/100
- Median home price
- $237k
- Property tax
- 0.62%
- Growing season
- 179 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 43.2"
- Broadband
- 89.5%
- Nearest hospital
- Margaret Mary Health, 11 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 179-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.6°F, and average winter lows of 22.4°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $237,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.62%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.5% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Margaret Mary Health is 11 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Indiana 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 Indiana
All Indiana 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.