Is Franklin Safe, Pros and cons of living in Franklin

Franklin, Tennessee, offers a compelling blend of Southern charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for many. This historic city, located just south of Nashville, boasts a rich cultural heritage alongside a thriving economy and a high quality of life. Its well-preserved antebellum architecture and vibrant downtown area provide a picturesque setting, while its proximity to a major metropolitan hub ensures access to diverse opportunities and entertainment.

The city is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent school system, and strong sense of community. These factors contribute to its appeal for those seeking a stable and prosperous environment. As Franklin continues to grow and evolve, it remains a sought-after location for individuals and families looking for a balance between a relaxed pace of life and access to urban conveniences.

Is it Safe to Live in Franklin?

Franklin generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The city’s overall crime rate is notably lower than the national average, with violent crime rates also significantly below national figures (according to FBI crime data). This safety is often attributed to the city’s high median household income, which may correlate with lower crime rates (as reported by The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez).

While property crimes are more common than violent crimes, their rates are still considered relatively low when compared to national percentages (as reported by The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez). The southeast part of the city is generally considered the safest by residents. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Franklin varies by neighborhood, with the southeast offering a lower risk than central areas (according to AreaVibes).

Cost of Living in Franklin

Franklin’s cost of living is higher than the national average, with its overall index around 39% above the U.S. average (as reported by Nashville realtor). This is largely driven by housing expenses, which are significantly higher than the national median. The median home price in Franklin is in the mid-to-upper $800s, compared to a national median of mid-$400s (as reported by Nashville realtor).

Renting in Franklin also reflects this higher cost, with average rents for a two-bedroom apartment ranging from $2,000 to $2,250 per month (as reported by Nashville realtor). However, Tennessee’s lack of state income tax can provide significant savings, offsetting some of the higher living expenses (as reported by Nashville realtor).

Housing Market

The housing market in Franklin is characterized by high demand and rising prices. As of late 2025, the median home price exceeded $850,000, more than double the national average (as reported by The Agency Nashville). Renting is also costly, with two-bedroom apartments averaging between $2,200 and $2,800 monthly (as reported by The Agency Nashville).

Despite new construction, affordability remains a challenge for many newcomers due to soaring demand (as reported by The Agency Nashville). The median listing price for a home in Franklin is $1.15 million, indicating a high-value market for buyers (as reported by realtor.com).

Everyday Expenses

Beyond housing, everyday expenses in Franklin present a mixed picture compared to the national average. Grocery bills can range from $315 to $525 per month (as reported by Nashville realtor). Utility costs are generally around $200 to $370 per month (as reported by Nashville realtor), with some sources indicating they are slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Transportation costs, including gas prices, are approximately 10% lower than the national average (as reported by Nashville realtor). Healthcare costs in Franklin are also generally lower than the national average, with some sources citing savings of 5%-8% (as reported by Compass Mortgage).

Job Market and Economy

Franklin boasts a robust economy with a low unemployment rate. As of recent data, the unemployment rate in Franklin was 2.5% (as reported by ZoomProspector), which is lower than the long-term average (as reported by YCharts). This indicates a strong job market with ample opportunities for residents.

The median household income in Franklin is significantly higher than both the Nashville metro area and the state of Tennessee, standing at $118,156 (as reported by Nashville realtor). This economic prosperity contributes to the city’s overall desirability and quality of life.

Major Employers

Several major employers contribute to Franklin’s strong job market, providing diverse employment opportunities across various sectors. Nissan North America is a significant employer in the area, with a substantial number of employees (as reported by Livability.com). Other key employers include Community Health Systems, Inc., Williamson Medical Center, and UnitedHealthcare (as reported by Livability.com).

The presence of these large companies, along with a thriving business community in Williamson County, helps to create a stable and growing economic environment. More than half of the largest publicly traded companies in central Tennessee are headquartered in Williamson County, highlighting the region’s economic significance (as reported by Livability.com).

Average Salary and Income

The average annual salary in Franklin is approximately $54,753, translating to about $26.32 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher average salary for jobs in Franklin, around $64,791 per year or $31 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

The median household income is considerably higher, at $118,156 (as reported by Nashville realtor), suggesting that while individual salaries may vary, the overall economic well-being of households is strong. To live comfortably in Franklin as a single adult, a pre-tax salary of around $76,000 is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com).

Climate in Franklin

Franklin experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and muggy, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 89°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hot season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with daily highs often exceeding 81°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Winters are generally cold and wet, with average low temperatures in January around 31°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The cold season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily highs below 56°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives a considerable amount of rainfall, with an average of 53 inches annually (as reported by Livability.com).

Seasonal Temperatures and Precipitation

The hottest month in Franklin is July, with average highs of 89°F and lows of 70°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average highs of 48°F and lows of 31°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Franklin experiences significant seasonal variation in humidity, with muggier conditions prevalent from May to September (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The chance of wet days is higher from March to August, with June typically having the most days with precipitation (as reported by myPerfectWeather). October tends to be the driest month, with fewer wet days (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education in Franklin

Franklin is well-regarded for its educational system, particularly its public schools. Schools in Franklin have an average ranking of 10/10, placing them in the top 5% of Tennessee public schools (as reported by Niche). Math and reading proficiency scores in Franklin public schools are significantly higher than the state averages (as reported by Niche).

The Williamson County school system, of which Franklin is a part, is ranked highly within the state, holding a 5-star rating (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). This strong educational foundation is a significant draw for families considering a move to the area.

Public School Performance

Franklin’s public schools consistently perform at a high level, with many schools earning top rankings. Clovercroft Elementary School, Walnut Grove Elementary School, and Pearre Creek Elementary School are among the top-rated elementary schools in the state (as reported by Niche). These schools demonstrate strong student proficiency in both math and reading (as reported by Niche).

At the middle and high school levels, institutions like Fred J Page Middle School and Franklin High School also receive accolades for their academic performance and student outcomes (as reported by Niche). Franklin High School is recognized as one of the top high schools in Tennessee, with a high graduation rate and strong standardized test scores (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Franklin

Franklin is a city with a growing population, estimated at 87,142 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Franklin is 38.6 years (as reported by Data USA), indicating a balanced age distribution. The population is diverse, with White residents forming the largest ethnic group, followed by Asian and Black or African American residents (as reported by Data USA).

The racial makeup of Franklin includes approximately 75.7% Caucasian, 5.3% African American, and 8.2% Asian residents (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion of residents are US-born citizens, though there is also a notable foreign-born population (as reported by Data USA).

Income and Household Statistics

Franklin is known for its affluence, with a median household income of $118,156 (as reported by Nashville realtor). This figure is substantially higher than the median incomes for the Nashville metro area and the state of Tennessee. Households led by residents aged 25 to 44 have a median income of $123,362, while those with someone aged 45 to 64 earn approximately $144,620 (as reported by Point2Homes).

The city has 33,998 households, with an average of three members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). While the median income is high, a small percentage of families, around 2.7%, live in poverty (as reported by Point2Homes).