Vital Statistics: Franklin, Virginia

• Population: 8,346 (2000 Census)
• Physical size: 8 sq. mi.
• Median household income: $33,291 (2004 Census)
• Median age: 40 (2000 Census)
• Avg. yearly rainfall: 47 inches
• Avg. summer high temp: 77
• Avg. winter low temp: 40
• Public hospitals: 1

Franklin Public Schools

• Number of students: 1,380
• Number of full-time teachers: 119
• Raw student-teacher ratio: 12:1
• Number of Elementary schools: 2
• Number of middle/junior high schools: 1
• Number of senior high schools: 1

Franklin Real Estate

• Tax rate: $0.90 per $100 assessed value
• Median value owner-occupied housing: 105,000 (2000 Census)
• Owner-occupied housing: 48% (2000 Census)

Related Franklin Taxes/Fees

• Personal property tax: $4.50 per $100 assessed value
• Personal property tax, boat: $6.50 fee for decal for boat trailer
• Machinery and tools: $2.30 per $100 of 30% of actual cost
• Water: $12.25 a month plus $2.75 per 1,000 gallons
• Sewage: $16.58 a month plus $3.85 per 1,000 gallons
• Solid waste: $31.00 per residential unit
• Recycling: included in solid waste fee

Franklin, Virginia, Real Estate and Lifestyle

The best of two worlds is what you'll find in the quaint and historic city of Franklin, Virginia. Franklin boasts all the beauty and charm of a small rural town as well as the conveniences of modern living, including first-class public recreation facilities, schools, and business support.

Franklin residents enjoy a broad range of real estate options. Those who appreciate an unfailingly friendly small-town atmosphere and convenient access to civic amenities may choose to live in a historic home in the downtown area. Reminiscent of the Main Street of old, Franklin's downtown is characterized by independent shops and uncluttered by the strip malls and big-box stores common in urban retail areas.

Those who prefer a country lifestyle may choose another facet of Franklin's real estate: rural farmhouses surrounded by sweeping acres of arable land. With its rich coastal plain soil and favorable climate, Franklin offers its farming community perfect agricultural conditions. A long history of cotton, peanut, and hog farming continue to fuel the town's prosperity.

In fact, Franklin is consistently ranked one of the largest and most profitable farming communities in Virginia. But manufacturing becomes more important to Franklin's economy each year. Those who do not wish to farm but still want to enjoy a Franklin's quiet rural real estate will find an easy commute to work in nearby Southampton and Isle of Wight Counties. These areas house some of Franklin's biggest employers, including International Paper and Franklin Equipment Co.

When the work day is done, Franklin is a pleasant place to call home. Situated on the Blackwater River, Franklin offers recreational facilities suited to the outdoorsman, including boating, hunting, kayaking, and a good variety of fishing. The nearby Nottoway River affords Franklin residents even more opportunity for enjoying the great outdoors. For the athlete, Franklin's recreation programs also offer a wide variety of organized sports for adults and children alike.

With all its country charm, Franklin is not without a wider world view. The community's commitment to supporting business is reflected in the Paul D. Camp Community College Workforce Development Center, a technologically advanced facility with a wide variety of conferencing and communications options ideal for twenty-first century business. In addition, Franklin offers the Ruth Camp Campbell Memorial Library, a public facility boasting more than 40,000 volumes.

It's plain to see why the motto of Franklin, Virginia, is "Growth. Community. Spirit." The town's geography, attitude, and real estate alike reflect these ideals.