Franklin County
MS · Pop. 7,655 · Rural County
Franklin County sits in Mississippi across 564 square miles, home to 7,655 people at 13.6 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, soybeans. The median home price is $95,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.64%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 244-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.7°F and average winter lows of 37.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 60 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Franklin County Memorial Hospital is 0.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 84% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 244-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.64% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $95,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Franklin County Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 0.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 13.6 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- A poverty rate of 23.3% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
At a glance
Franklin County, MS is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 100/100
- Median home price
- $95k
- Property tax
- 0.64%
- Growing season
- 244 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 60"
- Broadband
- 84%
- Nearest hospital
- Franklin County Memorial Hospital, 0.7 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 8b with a 244-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.7°F, and average winter lows of 37.8°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $95,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.64%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 84% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Franklin County Memorial Hospital is 0.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Mississippi 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 Mississippi
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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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