RANK #411 / 996 · POP 156,084 · PA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.0%
Franklin County, Pennsylvania, is known for its distinctive blend of history and natural beauty, with locals often highlighting its access to the Appalachian Trail and numerous trout streams. Located in south-central Pennsylvania, the county is about two hours from major metropolitan areas like Washington D.C. and Baltimore, and a shorter drive to Harrisburg. This proximity allows for a balance of small-town living with access to city amenities. The community feel is rooted in its historical past, with towns like Chambersburg, Greencastle, and Mercersburg offering glimpses into early American, Underground Railroad, and Civil War history. The landscape features rolling hills, farmlands, and dense woodlands, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking.
Life in Franklin County attracts families and retirees, drawn by its quality of life and access to outdoor activities. Commute options include personal vehicles, with Harrisburg being a popular destination for work, and public transit services like rabbittransit offering shared rides and microtransit in some areas. The county's economy is diverse, with a history in agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Recent economic developments show continued investment in various sectors, including efforts to reuse existing properties for training and education, and support for agricultural growth. There is also ongoing discussion regarding new development, including data centers and solar farms. Local school districts, such as Chambersburg Area School District and Greencastle-Antrim School District, are recognized for their academic programs.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Great Cove Solar I & II
AES Clean Energy
|
$220M | Operating |
|
Aspen Road Solar
Urban Grid
|
$100M | Operating |
|
EdenView Development
Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Franklin County Bridge Infrastructure Management Plan
Franklin County
|
$50M | Planned |
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 59/100, ranking #411 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.3% and a median household income of $71,808, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Franklin County is $222,000 with median rent at $1,019/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3235, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.3%. Home values changed +3.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.23% of Franklin County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.