RANK #500 / 996 · POP 69,680 · NC
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.7%
Louisburg College, the oldest junior college in the United States, is a notable landmark in Franklin County, North Carolina, founded in 1805. Located in the Piedmont region, Franklin County sits about 30 minutes from Raleigh, offering a balance of rural charm and access to urban amenities. Commuters often travel to the nearby Research Triangle region for work, with an average commute time of 33.3 minutes. The community maintains a close-knit feel, characterized by rolling hills and forests, and offers outdoor recreation opportunities along the Tar River for kayaking and canoeing, as well as parks like Owens Park.
Life in Franklin County often appeals to families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle, with a high homeownership rate. The public school system serves nearly 8,000 students across 16 schools and is considered above average. The economy is experiencing growth, attracting investment in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and clean technology. This growth is partly driven by its proximity to the Research Triangle region, providing a blend of local opportunities and access to a larger economic hub.
Above national median (4.7x)
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 6.6x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Taylors Creek Mega Site
Franklin County Economic Development
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Diamond Solar Farm and Hexagon Energy, LLC
Hexagon Energy, LLC and Diamond Solar LLC
|
$72M | Proposed |
|
Fox Creek Solar
John Laing US Solar Corp.
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Multiple Residential Subdivisions (e.g., Tarborough Ridge, Capital Meadows)
Various Developers
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Highest Power Solar, LLC
Highest Power Solar, LLC
|
$49M | Operating |
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 50/100, ranking #500 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.2% and a median household income of $70,493, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Franklin County is $209,500 with median rent at $971/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3365, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +3.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.2%. Home values changed -0.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.14% of Franklin County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.