Franklin
cityFranklin, Tennessee, located approximately 21 miles south of Nashville, serves as the county seat of Williamson County and is a principal city within the Nashville metropolitan area. As of 2020, the city's population was 83,454, making it the seventh-most populous city in Tennessee. Franklin offers a blend of historic charm and modern growth, attracting professionals, families, and retirees alike. Franklin's economy is diverse, with major employment sectors including technology, healthcare, retail, and education. Key industries in the area include healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Several large companies have a significant presence in Franklin, such as Nissan North America, Community Health Systems, and Tractor Supply Company. What distinguishes Franklin is its rich history, well-preserved historical sites, and high quality of life. The city is known for its many older buildings and neighborhoods protected by city ordinances. Franklin's downtown area hosts several annual festivals, including the Main Street Festival, Pumpkinfest, and Dickens of a Christmas.
Franklin, Tennessee
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 47-27740
- Country
- United States
- County
- Williamson
- Region
- Middle Tennessee
- Elevation
- 643 ft
- Total Area
- 44.73 sq mi
- Land Area
- 44.52 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.21 sq mi
- Latitude
- 35.92917
- Longitude
- -86.8575
- Climate
- The climate in Franklin is characterized by moderate temperatures and distinct seasons.
- Notable Features
- Harpeth River
- Neighboring Areas
- Nashville
- Population (2020)
- 83,454
- Est. Population (2026)
- 91,635
- Median Age
- 38.6
- Median Income
- $119,528
- Poverty Rate
- 4.65%
- Family Households
- 66.5%
- Owner-Occupied
- 63.8%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Franklin includes 75.72% White, 8.19% Asian, 5.27% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for other race, Native American and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 0 members
- School District
- Multiple, including Franklin Special School District and Williamson County Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.1%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial growth
- Employment Sectors
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
- Major Employers
- Community Health Systems · Nissan North America · United Healthcare · Tractor Supply Company · Mars Petcare US
- Students
- 3,152
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11:1
- School Districts
- Franklin Special School District · Williamson County Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Franklin University
- Transportation
- Interstate access · Road impact fees · Traffic Operations Division
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Sanitation · Stormwater management
- Major Facilities
- Franklin Recreation Complex
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Franklin Recreation Complex · Harpeth River · Natchez Trace Parkway
- Parks & Trails
- City Park · Walking and fitness trails
- Founded
- 1799
- Incorporated
- 1799
- Named After
- Benjamin Franklin
- Historical Significance
- Franklin served as a center of plantation economy before the Civil War and was the site of a major battle during the war.
- Key Events
- Founded in 1799 by Abram Maury Jr. · Site of the Second Battle of Franklin in 1864 · Rapid population growth as a suburb of Nashville since 1980