Franklin County
Located in South Central Pennsylvania, Franklin County provides the benefit of a relaxed rural and suburban lifestyle while only a short drive from Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and other metropolitan areas. Franklin County boasts a low crime rate, growing economy and well-balanced mix of older, established homes and neighborhoods and new homes. The 2011 Median Household Income was estimated at $49,068 and the Median Home Value at $172,500.** Franklin County is the home of Summit Health Care, parent company to Chambersburg Hospital, a 248 bed acute and critical care facility, and Waynesboro Hospital, a 62 bed hospital.
Quick Facts*
- Area: 772 sq miles (2,002 km²)
- Unemployment rate: 3% (Dec. 2021)
- Population: 151,932 (2020)
- County seat: Chambersburg
- 2019 Median Household Income: $63,379
- Median Home Value: $180,400 (2015-2019)
Recreation
Located in the scenic Cumberland Valley, Franklin County includes three state parks, Caledonia State Park, Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park and Mont Alto State Park. The county offers a variety of other cultural and recreational activities including hiking along the Appalachian Trail, several ski areas, hunting and fishing, and community theaters.
Education
Franklin County is home to several colleges and universities, including Wilson College, Penn State Mont Alto, and Franklin County Career and Technology Center as well as the well-known private Mercersburg Academy. See all 24 Private Schools in Franklin County.
Franklin County Public Schools are divided into six districts:
- Chambersburg Area School District
- Fannett-Metal
- Greencastle-Antrim
- Shippensburg Area
- Tuscarora
- Waynesboro Area
*U.S. Department of Commerce, Source: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/franklincountypennsylvania
**Unemployment rates: https://ycharts.com/indicators/franklin_county_pa_unemployment_rate