RANK #219 / 996 · POP 54,838 · VA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.0%
Franklin County, Virginia, known as the "Land Between the Lakes and the Blue Ridge Mountains," offers a blend of natural beauty and small-town character. Located in the Blue Ridge foothills, with its county seat in Rocky Mount, it is part of the broader Roanoke metropolitan area. The county is bordered by Smith Mountain Lake to the east and Philpott Lake to the south, providing extensive opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water sports. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore numerous hiking and biking trails, including those in Waid Park and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Commute options include regional ride-sharing services and a bus service connecting to Rocky Mount and Roanoke. Franklin County Public Schools serves the area with 14 schools.
Life in Franklin County often appeals to those seeking a quieter pace with access to outdoor activities. The community values its farms, forests, and cultural heritage, with agriculture historically playing a significant role. While the county has seen some economic development, including a new business park, local leaders have expressed a desire for more new businesses. There has been recent discussion regarding the potential for data centers to locate in the county, with some residents expressing concerns about their impact on local resources and infrastructure.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Prices detached from rents
Housing is fairly valued at 6.8x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Proposed Data Centers (Multiple)
Undisclosed
|
$500M | Proposed/Under Discussion |
|
Union Hall Jacks Creek Rd Solar Project
CEP Solar
|
$50M | Approved by Board of Supervisors |
|
Summit View Business Park Natural Gas Expansion
Roanoke Gas
|
$50M | Under Construction/Operating |
|
Traditional Medicinals Facility at Summit View Business Park
Traditional Medicinals
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Oak Level - Tank Hill 138 kV Solar Project
Undisclosed (Cleanview Pro)
|
$35M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Franklin County has a Boom Town Index score of 78/100, ranking #219 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.7% and a median household income of $66,275, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Franklin County is $207,700 with median rent at $809/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3191, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.7%. Home values changed +1.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.03% of Franklin County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.