RANK #256 / 996 · POP 104,858 · MO
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.7%
Washington, Missouri, known as the "Corncob Pipe Capital of the World," offers a glimpse into Franklin County's distinctive character. Located along the Missouri River, approximately an hour west of St. Louis, the county blends rural landscapes with suburban amenities. Commuting to St. Louis is feasible, with options including Amtrak service from Washington. The community feel varies from the historic charm of towns like Washington and New Haven to more rural areas. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with Meramec State Park and Shaw Nature Reserve providing extensive trails for hiking, fishing, and camping amidst forests and river bluffs.
Life in Franklin County often appeals to families and those seeking a balance between country living and access to urban centers. The public school system is generally rated above average. The local economy, historically rooted in manufacturing and agriculture, is experiencing shifts. While manufacturing remains a significant employer, the healthcare sector is expanding. Additionally, the county is seeing investment in technology infrastructure, including data centers, contributing to economic development.
Below national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.2x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Provident Data Center Campus (Diamond Farms)
Provident Data Centers
|
$1,000M | Proposed |
|
Beltline Data Center Development (Crooked Creek Farm)
Beltline
|
$750M | Proposed |
|
Highway 47 Widening Project
Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Union Rail Transfer Station
Missouri Eastern Railroad (Jaguar Transport Holdings)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
WEG Transformers USA Expansion & Ameren Substation Project
WEG Transformers USA / Ameren Missouri
|
$50M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Franklin County has a Boom Town Index score of 74/100, ranking #256 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.2% and a median household income of $70,111, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Franklin County is $201,700 with median rent at $831/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3476, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.2%. Home values changed +2.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.09% of Franklin County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.