RANK #530 / 1001 NAT · #30 / 44 PA · POP 157,379
1YR FORECAST: +1.7%
5YR OUTLOOK: +28%
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.
Franklin County's data profile doesn't fit any single market profile cleanly — its housing, labor, and demographic signals pull in different directions (home prices +3.5% YoY, population +0.5%, wages +2.7%). About 414 U.S. counties show this kind of mixed-signal pattern.
See all 414 Idiosyncratic Markets counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 11.2x — home prices are high 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
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 →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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 1001 counties.
Franklin County scores 47/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 1001 U.S. counties (#530). Median household income is $77,003 and job growth is running at +2.0%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Franklin County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $249,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $1,093/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Franklin County are hiring — job growth of +2.0% — but the population is close to flat (+0.5% YoY). Home values moved +3.5% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
Not particularly — 1.9% of Franklin County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.