Franklin
cityFranklin, Indiana, located approximately 20 miles south of Indianapolis, serves as the county seat of Johnson County. As of 2020, the city had a population of 25,313, but recent estimates suggest a growing population. Franklin offers a blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience, attracting residents with its historic downtown, Franklin College, and community events. Franklin's economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and education. Major employers in the area include KYB Americas Corporation, NSK Corporation, and Johnson Memorial Health. The city's strategic location on I-65 and U.S. 31 facilitates logistics and distribution, contributing to its economic vitality. What makes Franklin distinctive is its rich history, dating back to its founding in 1823. The city boasts well-maintained older houses, early brick streets, and landmark buildings like the Johnson County Courthouse and the Artcraft Theatre. Franklin College, established in 1834, adds to the city's cultural life and provides educational opportunities. The city's commitment to quality of life is evident in its parks, trails, and community-focused initiatives.
Franklin, Indiana
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 18-25450
- Country
- United States
- County
- Johnson
- Region
- Central Indiana
- Elevation
- 742 ft
- Total Area
- 14.76 sq mi
- Land Area
- 14.76 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0 sq mi
- Latitude
- 39.49861
- Longitude
- -86.05667
- Climate
- No specific climate summary available.
- Notable Features
- Canary Creek · Hurricane Creek · Young's Creek
- Neighboring Areas
- Indianapolis · Greenwood
- Population (2020)
- 25,313
- Est. Population (2026)
- 26,546
- Median Age
- 34.5
- Median Income
- $82,380
- Poverty Rate
- 11.03%
- Owner-Occupied
- 65.7%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Franklin includes 90.34% White, 3.03% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for Asian, other race, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Native American and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 7 members
- School District
- Franklin Community School Corporation
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.5%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial growth
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Education
- Major Employers
- Amcor · KYB Americas Corporation · NSK Corporation · Johnson Memorial Health
- Schools
- 9
- Students
- 4,883
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- School Districts
- Franklin Community School Corporation
- Colleges & Universities
- Franklin College
- Transportation
- I-65 · U.S. 31 · Indiana-Louisville Railroad line
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Johnson Memorial Hospital
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Province Park · Blue Heron Park · Franklin Greenway Trails
- Parks & Trails
- Province Park · Blue Heron Park · Franklin Greenway Trails
- Founded
- 1823
- Incorporated
- 1861
- Named After
- Benjamin Franklin
- Historical Significance
- Franklin is historically significant as one of the first cities in Indiana and home to the first college in the state to admit women.
- Key Events
- Platted in 1823 · Franklin College founded in 1834 · Incorporated as a city in 1861 · Franklin Wonder Five won national college championship in 1923
