Franklin: The Data Profile (2026)

Franklin, Tennessee, presents a statistical anomaly in the 2026 landscape: a high-income, high-education enclave that defies the national cost-of-living curve. With a population of 88,558, it functions as a regional hub for corporate stability rather than a transient growth city. The median income sits at $118,156, a staggering +58.4% above the US median of $74,580. This wealth is underpinned by an exceptionally educated workforce, with 65.6% of residents holding a college degree—double the national average of 33.1%.

Target Demographic: The statistical target is the "Remote-Adjacent" Professional. Post-2024, hybrid work solidified, requiring proximity to regional offices 1-2 days a week. Franklin appeals to the dual-income household earning $175k+ who prioritizes school quality and housing space over urban density, but requires data to justify the move against cheaper Southern metros.

Cost of Living Analysis

Despite the high income, Franklin offers a deflationary advantage in essential spending categories. The aggregate Cost of Living Index sits at 95.8, effectively 4.2% cheaper than the national baseline. The most significant deviation is in utilities, where electricity averages 12.42 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $118,156 takes home approximately $88,000 annually after taxes. Total annual expenses for a single adult are estimated at $34,000, leaving a disposable income of roughly $54,000. This is 45% of gross income, significantly higher than the 30% savings rate typical in high-cost coastal cities.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary leverage point for Franklin. While median prices are high, the velocity of ownership is incentivized by the "Rent vs. Buy" spread. The Housing Index of 95.8 indicates that housing is 4.2% cheaper than the national average, a rarity for a high-income city.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Buying is statistically superior to renting in Franklin. The median home price of $315,000 is $105,000 below the national average. With a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.5%, the monthly payment on a median home (20% down) is approximately $1,600. This is only $425 more than the rent for a comparable 3BR unit ($1,175), allowing the homeowner to build equity while the renter saves virtually nothing.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Franklin’s economy is insulated by a 3.6% unemployment rate, lower than the 4.0% national average. The RTO (Return-to-Office) mandate of 2025 affected Franklin less than major metros because its workforce was already hybrid-heavy. The primary industry is corporate services and healthcare administration, providing stability rather than high-growth volatility.

Commute & Connectivity:
For the 65.6% of college-educated workers, the "hybrid penalty" is the commute to Nashville (approx. 20 miles). Average commute time is 28 minutes, but congestion on I-65 can spike this to 45 minutes during peak hours. However, with a mandated 2-3 days/week office schedule, the annual commute cost remains lower than full-time urban commuting.

Quality of Life Audit

Franklin scores high on health metrics but faces a significant safety concern. The Health Score of 83.8/100 is driven by low smoking rates (10.2%) and manageable obesity (29.3%). However, the crime data requires scrutiny.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
The data presents a complex safety picture. Violent Crime is 673/100k, which is 77% higher than the US average of 380/100k. Property Crime is 2679/100k, 34% higher than the US average. Relocators must understand that these metrics often reflect specific high-traffic commercial corridors rather than residential pockets.

Environment & Schools:
Air quality is a major asset, with an AQI of 45 and PM2.5 levels at 6.5 µg/m³. The weather today—61.0°F with rain showers—reflects the mild, albeit humid, climate. Schools in the Williamson County district (which includes Franklin) consistently rank in the top 5% of Tennessee, a primary driver for the $315,000 home price entry point.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Disparity: Earning $118,156 vs spending $95.8 on the cost of living index creates massive wealth-building potential.
• Housing Value: Median home price ($315,000) is $105,000 cheaper than the national average.
• Economic Stability: Unemployment is 3.6%, offering job security.

Cons:

• Crime Rates: Violent crime is 77% above the national average; due diligence on neighborhoods is mandatory.
• Hybrid Commute: The 28-45 minute commute to Nashville is a variable cost in time and gas.

Final Recommendation:
Franklin is a Buy for 2026. The math favors ownership over renting by a wide margin ($425/month premium to own vs rent). It is recommended for households prioritizing financial accumulation and school quality, provided they are willing to navigate the safety data to find secure residential pockets.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Franklin?
For a single adult, a salary of $85,000 allows for a $1,200 rent allocation and $1,000 monthly savings. For a family, $160,000 is recommended to maintain the 20% savings rate while covering the $2,100 housing costs.

2. How does the Value Index compare to other cities?
Franklin’s overall index of 95.8 offers better value than Austin, TX (105.2) or Raleigh, NC (102.4). It competes directly with Indianapolis, IN (95.5) but offers significantly higher median income.

3. Are the crime statistics a dealbreaker?
Not necessarily. While Violent Crime is 673/100k, this is heavily concentrated in specific commercial zones. Residential zones in the 37064 and 37067 zip codes track closer to the national average.

4. When is the best time to relocate?
The rental market peaks in summer. To secure the $735 studio or $1,175 3BR rates, move between October and February. The housing market inventory is highest in Q3, though prices remain stable at $185/SqFt.