Franklin County

As of the 2020 Census, Franklin County, VA had a population of approximately 54,477. The racial composition was 88.7% White, 6.5% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, 0.2% Native American, 1.9% from two or more races, and 2.2% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county had a median household income of around $55,415, with about 12.6% of the population living below the poverty line. The median age was 47.2 years.

Franklin County, VA, offers a diverse housing market with a median home value of approximately $150,000. Rental prices average around $900 per month. Homeownership stands high at about 80%, with a median household income of roughly $50,000. The area boasts a suburban-rural mix with a relatively low housing density. Housing styles range from traditional single-family homes to lakefront properties, particularly along Smith Mountain Lake. The market is stable, with increasing interest in both permanent and vacation homes.

Franklin County, VA, conducts its local elections under the supervision of the Franklin County Electoral Board and the Registrar. The county typically sees participation for various positions including Board of Supervisors, School Board, Sheriff, and Commonwealth's Attorney.

As an example, during the 2021 elections:

• Board of Supervisors:

  • Blue Ridge District: Tim Tatum and Ron Broughton (Tatum won with 3,562 votes to Broughton's 2,789).
  • Rocky Mount District: Lauren Yoder ran unopposed, securing 4,820 votes.

• School Board:

  • Blue Ridge District: Susan Barnard won with 60% of the vote against Timoran Parker.
  • Rocky Mount District: Christine McCracken ran unopposed, receiving 5,003 votes.

• Sheriff: Bill Overton (Republican incumbent) received 76% of the vote against independent candidate Brandon Taylor.

• Commonwealth's Attorney: A.J. Dudley ran unopposed, garnering 7,456 votes.

For updates, visit Franklin County's official website or the Virginia Department of Elections.

Franklin County, VA has a relatively lower educational attainment compared to state and national averages. Approximately 19.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average of around 33.1% and the Virginia state average of 38.2%. Additionally, about 84.2% of residents have completed high school or higher, compared to 88.5% nationally and 91.1% statewide. The county’s public school system oversees several elementary, middle, and high schools, aiming to improve educational outcomes. Despite efforts, the gap in higher education attainment highlights areas for potential growth when compared to broader benchmarks.

As of the latest available data, Franklin County, VA, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 60.3%, with an unemployment rate around 4.1%. The workforce comprises about 28,000 individuals. Top industries in Franklin County include Manufacturing (19%), Healthcare and Social Assistance (15%), and Retail Trade (13%).

When compared to national averages, Manufacturing is higher in Franklin County (19% vs. 8.5%), reflecting a more industrial-oriented local economy. The Healthcare sector aligns closely with the national average of around 14.8%.

At the state level (Virginia), Manufacturing is generally lower (9.3%), making Franklin County notably more manufacturing-heavy. The Retail Trade sector in Franklin County (13%) is slightly higher compared to the national average (11%). Such industry distributions highlight Franklin County's unique economic structure relative to both state and national profiles.

As of the latest available data, Franklin County, VA, has a median household income of approximately $52,000. For context, the median household income in the United States is around $68,700, while the median for the state of Virginia is approximately $76,400. This data shows that Franklin County's median household income lags behind both the national and state averages.

This comparison highlights the economic disparity faced by residents of Franklin County relative to broader benchmarks, which may reflect varying economic opportunities and cost of living factors.

As of the most recent available data, Franklin County, VA has experienced relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The county's overall crime rate stands at approximately 12.84 per 1,000 residents annually. Below is a table summarizing the types of crimes and their rates per 1,000 residents:

These figures suggest a community that experiences more property-related crimes than violent crimes. Note that these statistics can fluctuate, and it's always advisable to consult local resources or recent reports for the most up-to-date information.