Franklin County, NY
46,373 residents · 1,629 sq mi · 28.5/sq mi · 70% rural
About Franklin County
Franklin County is a county on the northern border of the U.S. state of New York. To the north across the Canada–United States border are the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario, from east to west. As of the 2020 census, the county population was 47,555. Its county seat is Malone. The county is named in honor of the United States Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. The county is part of the North Country region of the state.
Prepper Assessment
The county features a predominantly rural landscape with 70% of its 1,629 square miles being open space. The climate is classified as humid with an annual mean temperature of 42.1°F, which supports a growing season typical for USDA zone 6b. Annual precipitation averages 42.9 inches, providing sufficient water for self-sufficient living. However, the winter lows can drop to 5.8°F, potentially limiting year-round outdoor activities and crop production during the cold months.
Natural hazards in this area include ice storms (FEMA rank 80) and earthquakes (rank 79), which could pose significant challenges for residents. The county's violence percentile is notably low at 1/100, indicating a safer environment. The median home price of $131,600 is relatively affordable, but the effective property tax rate of 1.80% could impact long-term financial planning. Broadband access is at 69%, which may be a consideration for those relying on remote work or online resources.
This county may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a low population density. Those who thrive here will likely be self-sufficient and adaptable to seasonal changes. However, the harsh winters and potential natural hazards may deter those unprepared for such conditions or reliant on year-round farming. The hidden gem here is the area's affordability, while the dealbreaker could be the risk of ice storms and limited broadband access.