Franklin County
ME · Pop. 30,145 · Rural County
Franklin County, Maine covers 1,697 square miles with a population of 30,145 and a density of 17.8 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $177,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.07%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 121-day growing season, average summer highs of 73.9°F and average winter lows of 2.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 46.2 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Franklin Memorial Hospital is 27.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 82.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $177,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 17.8 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 4% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 11.8% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- A 121-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- The nearest hospital, Franklin Memorial Hospital, is 27.2 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Average winter lows of 2.4°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Franklin County, ME is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 58/100
- Median home price
- $177k
- Property tax
- 1.07%
- Growing season
- 121 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 46.2"
- Broadband
- 82.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Franklin Memorial Hospital, 27.2 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 5a with a 121-day growing season, average summer highs of 73.9°F, and average winter lows of 2.4°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $177,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.07%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 82.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Franklin Memorial Hospital is 27.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Maine Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Maine
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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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