Town in Robertson County, part of the College Station metro

Living in Franklin, TX

B

219th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 70 of 100
1st of 7 in the College Station area

Franklin earns a grade of B on our index, 219th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on schools and cost of living, and trails on home ownership and jobs and income. It is a strong pick for families and retirees.

  • Good for families
  • Good for retirees
  • Top-rated schools
  • Fast-growing
  • Jobs and income scores low (14 of 100)
  • Home ownership scores low (2 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Franklin isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthFranklin
Where Franklin is in Texas.
Population
1,805+12.0% since 2020
Median rent
$88937% lower than Texas
Median home value
$168,80041% lower than Texas
Household income
$54,265Median
Average commute
24 minOne way
Violent crime
109Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Franklin

Franklin sits about 32 miles from downtown College Station, in the College Station-Bryan metro. 1,805 people lived here in 2025, up 12.0% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out.

Local spots people know include Robertson County Carnegie Library and Franklin City Park.

The median age is 35.1, 44% of households have children, 45% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $54,265 a year (31% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Franklin

  • Low violent crime. 109 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 72% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $889, 37% lower than the Texas median.

Cons of living in Franklin

  • Higher poverty. 25% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.

Who Franklin suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: violent crime is 72% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 86% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 31% lower than the Texas median, with 10 restaurants and 3 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 38% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 13% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 72% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 88% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 81% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $889 is 37% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 29% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $889 is 37% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 62% for people on a budget.

Franklin report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Franklin with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade B

    Median rent $889, homes cost 3.1x income.

    70 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade D-

    Median household income $54,265, 6.7% unemployed.

    14 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade A+

    2 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.

    96 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade B

    109 violent crimes per 100k, 217 property crimes per 100k.

    69 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: no grade

    1 grocery store, 10 restaurants, 2 parks mapped in town.

    No score vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade C-

    Average commute 24 min, 4.0% work from home.

    37 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade C

    22% have a bachelor’s degree.

    47 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade C-

    13% of adults uninsured.

    39 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade F

    45% of homes owner-occupied.

    2 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade D-

    81% of homes have broadband.

    15 of 100 vs US towns

Where Franklin stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 33%19 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Median rent: $88937% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 13%7 points lower than Texas (20%)

Worse than Texas

  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 45%18 points lower than Texas (63%)
  • Median household income: $54,26531% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 22%12 points lower than Texas (34%)

Cost of living in Franklin

Franklin renters pay a median of $889 a month, 37% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $36,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 33% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,057 for a one-bedroom, $1,151 for a two-bedroom and $1,594 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $168,800, 41% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $924 before tax, or $1,052 with property tax. That is $163 a month more than the median rent, a gap that can be worth it if you plan to stay a while.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Franklin pays $1,542 a year, 64% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in FranklinStudio$1,0051 bedroom$1,0572 bedrooms$1,1513 bedrooms$1,5944 bedrooms$1,900
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, College Station-Bryan, TX MSA. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent37% lower than Texas$889$1,403$1,413
Median home value41% lower than Texas$168,800$283,800$332,700
Home value to income14% lower than Texas3.1x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent19 points lower than Texas33%52%51%
Median property tax per year64% lower than Texas$1,542$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them18 points lower than Texas45%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas198419921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,052
Mortgage payment
$924
Property tax
$128
Median rent, for comparison
$889

Based on a $168,800 home in Franklin, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Franklin safe?

In 2025, Franklin Police Department reported 2 violent crimes and 4 property crimes. That works out to 109 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 72% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 217 property crimes per 100,000, 90% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 40% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Franklin by yearTexas10920212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
109
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
217
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Franklin by yearTexas21720212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Franklin Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Franklin

Franklin has 2 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 100% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Franklin ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Roland Reynolds Elementary and Franklin Middle. The average rating score across all campuses is 92 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
96
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
92
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • ARoland Reynolds ElementaryElementary, Franklin ISD93 of 100
  • AFranklin MiddleMiddle, Franklin ISD91 of 100

Daily life in Franklin

Everyday places mapped inside Franklin, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Robertson County Carnegie Library, Franklin City Park.

The average one-way commute is 24 minutes, 12% shorter than the Texas average. 4% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

Downtown College Station is about 32 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Franklin work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $54,265, income per person is $25,373, unemployment is 6.7% and 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
1
Pharmacies
2
Restaurants
10
Cafes
3
Bars
0
Parks
2
Gyms
2
Hospitals and urgent care
1
Childcare
1
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income31% lower than Texas$54,265$78,476$80,734
Income per person38% lower than Texas$25,373$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate1 points higher than Texas6.7%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line11 points higher than Texas25%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher12 points lower than Texas22%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher6 points higher than Texas92%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance7 points lower than Texas13%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet10 points lower than Texas81%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute12% lower than Texas24 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home10 points lower than Texas4.0%14%15%
Workers who work from home4.0%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0.5%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Franklin

Under 1827%
18 to 3423%
35 to 6435%
65 and over15%

Median age 35.1 years. 44% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White64%
Hispanic or Latino5.9%
Black24%
Asian1.8%
Other or more than one race4.5%

Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

Weather in Franklin

Franklin has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 39°F. There are about 99 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 41 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Franklin30°50°70°90°60J64F71M78A85M92J95J96A91S81O69N62DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Franklin, 1 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

    Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

    Places near Franklin

    Nearby, Hearne gets a D-, Lake Bryan gets a D and Bryan gets a D+. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. D-HearneTown, 4,555 people12 mi
    2. DLake BryanTown, 2,165 people21 mi
    3. D+BryanCity, 87,939 people26 mi
    4. B+RosebudTown, 1,007 people29 mi
    5. C+JewettTown, 1,075 people31 mi
    6. C+CameronTown, 5,416 people31 mi

    Franklin in the College Station area

    How it ranks among 7 places in the metro.

    1. 1BFranklin1,530 people32 mito downtown
    2. 2C+Caldwell4,394 people24 mito downtown
    3. 3CCollege Station124,570 people0 mito downtown
    4. 4CSomerville1,126 people22 mito downtown

    Living in Franklin: common questions

    Is Franklin, TX a good place to live?

    Franklin earns a grade of B on our index, 219th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on schools and cost of living, and trails on home ownership and jobs and income. It is a strong pick for families and retirees.

    How much does it cost to live in Franklin?

    Renters in Franklin pay a median of $889 a month, 37% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $168,800, 41% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.1x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $1,052, including property tax.

    Is Franklin safe?

    In 2025, Franklin Police Department reported 109 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 72% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 217 per 100,000, 90% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Franklin?

    We found 2 rated public school campuses inside Franklin. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 96 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

    What is the weather like in Franklin?

    Summers in Franklin peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 39°F. Expect around 99 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 41 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Franklin?

    The average one-way commute is 24 min, 12% lower than the Texas average. About 4.0% of workers work from home. It is about 32 miles from downtown College Station.

    Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.