Franklin County
VT · Pop. 50,379 · Suburban County
Franklin County is a suburban county in Vermont, spanning 631 square miles with 50,379 residents at a density of 79.8 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on haylage, hay, corn. The median home price is $286,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.49%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 134-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.3°F and average winter lows of 5°F. Annual rainfall averages 39.4 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Northwestern Medical Center is 8.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.1% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- Northwestern Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 8.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.7% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 10.1% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- A 134-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.49% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Average winter lows of 5°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Franklin County, VT is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 53/100
- Median home price
- $286k
- Property tax
- 1.49%
- Growing season
- 134 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 39.4"
- Broadband
- 89.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Northwestern Medical Center, 8.7 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 5a with a 134-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.3°F, and average winter lows of 5°F. The established crops are haylage, hay, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $286,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.49%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Northwestern Medical Center is 8.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Vermont 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 Vermont
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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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