Franklin County
NE · Pop. 2,868 · Rural County
Franklin County sits in Nebraska across 576 square miles, home to 2,868 people at 5 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. The median home price is $99,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.13%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 162-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.8°F and average winter lows of 15.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 26.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Franklin County is 5.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 90% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $99,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 90% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Franklin County, with an emergency room, is just 5.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 5 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A 162-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
At a glance
Franklin County, NE is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 81/100
- Median home price
- $99k
- Property tax
- 1.13%
- Growing season
- 162 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 26.2"
- Broadband
- 90%
- Nearest hospital
- Franklin County, 5.6 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 162-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.8°F, and average winter lows of 15.5°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $99,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.13%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 90% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Franklin County is 5.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Nebraska 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 Nebraska
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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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