Franklin County
LA · Pop. 19,590 · Suburban County
Franklin Parish, Louisiana covers 624 square miles with a population of 19,590 and a density of 31.4 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, cotton. The median home price is $117,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.32%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 249-day growing season, average summer highs of 92.9°F and average winter lows of 36.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 58 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Franklin Medical Center is 2.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 82.6% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 249-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.32% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $117,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Franklin Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 2.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, cotton means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A poverty rate of 25.6% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Franklin County, LA is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 86/100
- Median home price
- $117k
- Property tax
- 0.32%
- Growing season
- 249 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 58"
- Broadband
- 82.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Franklin Medical Center, 2.4 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 Parish?
- Franklin Parish is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 249-day growing season, average summer highs of 92.9°F, and average winter lows of 36.7°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, cotton.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $117,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.32%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 82.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Franklin Medical Center is 2.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Louisiana Resources
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LandWatch
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More counties in Louisiana
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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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