Major highways

• Interstate 35
• U.S. Highway 65
• Iowa Highway 3
• Iowa Highway 57

Transit

• List of intercity bus stops in Iowa

Adjacent counties

• Cerro Gordo County (north)
• Butler County (east)
• Hardin County (south)
• Wright County (west)
• Grundy County (southeast)

2020 census

The 2020 census recorded a population of 10,019 in the county, with a population density of 17.1848/sq mi (6.6351/km²). 92.62% of the population reported being of one race. There were 4,656 housing units of which 4,141 were occupied.^[1]

2010 census

The 2010 census recorded a population of 10,680 in the county, with a population density of 18.338/sq mi (7.080/km²). There were 4,894 housing units, of which 4,332 were occupied.^[13]

2000 census

As of the census^[14] of 2000, there were 10,704 people, 4,356 households, and 2,983 families residing in the county. The population density was 18 people per square mile (6.9 people/km²). There were 4,763 housing units at an average density of 8 units per square mile (3.1 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 94.92% White, 0.08% Black or African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 4.05% from other races, and 0.53% from two or more races. 6.00% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,356 households, out of which 29.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.90% were married couples living together, 6.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% were non-families. 27.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.20% under the age of 18, 7.30% from 18 to 24, 24.00% from 25 to 44, 23.90% from 45 to 64, and 20.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 96.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $36,042, and the median income for a family was $45,184. Males had a median income of $29,694 versus $21,115 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,767. About 5.70% of families and 8.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.70% of those under age 18 and 7.10% of those age 65 or over.

Cities

Census-designated places

• Bradford
• Chapin

Townships

Franklin County is divided into sixteen townships:

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2020 census of Franklin County.^[1]

† county seat