Living in Franklin, TN
Franklin is the 395th-largest city in the US, home to about 90,000 people in 2025. It is growing fast: up 8% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (96.3 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 90,226+8% since 2020
- Median home value
- $705,4005.9 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,923/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $119,528median, per year
- Price level
- 96.3US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 49° / 91°lows 29° / 69°
- Average commute
- 24 min30% work from home
- State income tax
- Noneon wages
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County: Williamson County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 643 ft
Metro area: Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Cost of living in Franklin
The median home in Franklin is worth $705,400 and the median household earns $119,528 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.9 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,923 a month, about 19% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro area at 96.3, with housing at 104.6 and goods at 96.2 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $72,300 here. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages. The average combined state and local sales tax in Tennessee is 9.61%.
What would my salary be worth in Franklin?
Franklin weather
Average highs run from 49°F in January to 91°F in July, and January nights average 29°F. It gets 54 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 2 inches of snow. Expect about 45 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 84 times a year. The most comfortable months are September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Franklin
People and work
The median resident is 38.6 years old, and 64% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 64% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 24 minutes; 30% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 38.6407th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 65%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 64%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,02544.5 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 0%1% walk, 0.1% bike
- Unemployment
- 2.2%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 4.6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 2002median year
Who moves to Franklin, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Anaheim (Orange County), Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and San Diego (San Diego County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Knoxville (Knox County), Chattanooga (Hamilton County) and Los Angeles (Los Angeles County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Williamson County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: strong wind, ice storm, cold wave.
Home prices
+1.6% in a year
Up 46% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
51% good days
1 day unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Franklin
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Vanderbilt University 16 miles
- Middle Tennessee State University 29 miles
- Belmont University 15 miles
- Nashville State Community College 15 miles
- Tennessee State University 17 miles
- Columbia State Community College 25 miles
- Lipscomb University 13 miles
- Trevecca Nazarene University 16 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Franklin
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville International Airport BNA | 18 mi | 12,058,688 |
| Huntsville International Airport HSV | 89 mi | 804,665 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Franklin
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University | 16 mi | 7,208 | $15,497 | 93% |
| Belmont University | 15 mi | 7,137 | $32,648 | 71% |
| Nashville State Community College | 15 mi | 5,653 | $7,979 | 20% |
| Tennessee State University | 17 mi | 4,848 | $12,154 | 34% |
| Columbia State Community College | 25 mi | 3,897 | $6,793 | 36% |
| Lipscomb University | 13 mi | 2,997 | $23,178 | 71% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Franklin
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 3, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 22 and the first frost comes around October 31.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Franklin Sewage Plt, TN, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Franklin.
Wildfire smoke in Franklin
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Franklin on about 136 days a year, including about 21 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Franklin
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 33,998 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Franklin
Downtown Franklin is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Special School District | Pre-K to 8 | 3,161 | 8 | n/a |
Other districts within 10 miles: Metropolitan Nashville Public School District (81,021 students), Williamson County School District (41,593 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Franklin's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Franklin's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Apex, NC79% matchCompare
- Cary, NC77% matchCompare
- Raleigh, NC67% matchCompare
- Concord, NC66% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Franklin
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Pros and cons of living in Franklin
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Tennessee has no state income tax on wages.
- Data The city is growing fast (+8% since 2020), a sign of jobs and new housing.
- Data A highly educated city: 64% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.61% on average with local taxes.
Franklin report card from locals
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Franklin through locals' eyes
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Cities near Franklin
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | 18 mi | 721,074 | $413,600 | 96.3 | Compare |
| Murfreesboro, TN | 26 mi | 171,178 | $402,100 | 96.3 | Compare |
| Clarksville, TN | 49 mi | 188,829 | $263,600 | 90.9 | Compare |
| Bowling Green, KY | 77 mi | 78,505 | $241,900 | 90.2 | Compare |
| Huntsville, AL | 84 mi | 233,627 | $293,600 | 93.1 | Compare |
| Chattanooga, TN | 107 mi | 194,144 | $283,200 | 91.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Franklin ranks 6th of 19 in our best suburbs of Nashville ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Franklin with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Franklin a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population, no state income tax on wages. Compare Franklin side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Franklin?
The Census Bureau estimates Franklin had 90,226 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 83,556 in April 2020 (+8%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Franklin?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $72,300 in the Franklin area. The median household here earns $119,528.
When is the best time to visit Franklin?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 91°F and January 49°F for daytime highs.
What county is Franklin in?
Franklin is in Williamson County, Tennessee. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Franklin in?
Franklin is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Franklin?
About 643 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Tennessee have a state income tax?
No. Tennessee does not tax wage income.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Franklin. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Franklin Sewage Plt, TN station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.