Franklin County
KY · Pop. 51,563 · Mixed County
Franklin County is a mixed rural-suburban county in Kentucky, spanning 208 square miles with 51,563 residents at a density of 247.9 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, soybeans, haylage. The median home price is $199,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.84%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 187-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.6°F and average winter lows of 25.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.6 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Bluegrass Community Hospital is 14.7 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 92.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 187-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.84% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $199,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 92.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Annual rainfall of 45.6 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- The nearest hospital, Bluegrass Community Hospital, is 14.7 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- At 247.9 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.
At a glance
Franklin County, KY is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 53/100
- Median home price
- $199k
- Property tax
- 0.84%
- Growing season
- 187 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 45.6"
- Broadband
- 92.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Bluegrass Community Hospital, 14.7 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 6b with a 187-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.6°F, and average winter lows of 25.4°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $199,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.84%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 92.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Bluegrass Community Hospital is 14.7 miles away, without an in-county emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Kentucky Resources
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LandWatch
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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 Kentucky
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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.
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