Union
RANK #16 / 996 NAT · #3 / 22 MO · POP 104,858
1YR FORECAST: +3.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +44%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| 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 ranks #16 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 98/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.2% and a median household income of $70,111 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in Franklin County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $201,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.35, with rents averaging $831/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Franklin County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.5% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.2% clip. Home values shifted +2.6% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.09% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Franklin County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.