Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Franklin County, AL, had a population of 32,113. The median age was 40.2 years. Gender distribution was nearly balanced, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female. The racial/ethnic makeup was 75.7% White, 3.6% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 18.2% Hispanic or Latino, with 2.1% identifying as two or more races.

Elections

Franklin County, AL, has over 17,000 registered voters. The Board of Registrars oversees voter registration, while the Probate Judge administers elections, including primary, general, and special elections. In the 2022 general election, turnout was about 48%. Major parties include Republican and Democratic, with Republicans dominating recent results (e.g., 75% GOP in the 2022 governor’s race). There are 19 polling locations across the county. Ongoing local issues include school funding and infrastructure improvements. Voters can check registration at alabamavotes.gov; absentee ballots are handled by the Circuit Clerk’s office.

Education, Employment and Housing

Franklin County, AL has 14 public schools, including two high schools—Russellville High and Red Bay High. The high school graduation rate is around 90%, while about 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district offers advanced academic and vocational programs, with average standardized test scores close to the Alabama state average. School safety initiatives are implemented throughout, with low major incident rates reported. Adult education is available through GED and career training programs, supporting lifelong learning for county residents.

Franklin County, AL, had an employment rate of about 54% in 2022. Major industries include manufacturing (29%), health care & social assistance (13%), and retail trade (10%). The most common occupations are production (21%), office & administrative support (11%), and sales-related jobs (10%). Average commute time is approximately 25 minutes, with over 85% of workers driving alone to work. Russellville, the county seat, is a hub for local employment, while some residents commute to nearby counties like Colbert and Lauderdale for work.

Franklin County, AL, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values around $120,000 and median gross rents near $570 per month. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some multifamily units in Russellville and Red Bay. Property values have shown modest growth, rising roughly 6% year-over-year. Notable neighborhoods include downtown Russellville and Phil Campbell. Property taxes are low, averaging $300–$400 annually for most homes, making it an affordable market for buyers and renters.

County Crime & Safety

Franklin County, AL has a crime rate lower than the national average. In 2023, the county reported approximately 250 total crimes, with 35 classified as violent offenses and 215 as property crimes. This translates to a crime rate of about 10.2 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting to address incidents promptly. Franklin County’s consistent focus on crime prevention has contributed to a gradual decrease in overall crime rates over recent years, enhancing public safety and community trust.