Franklin County Public RecordsWashington

Franklin County, WA, had an estimated 2023 population of about 105,300. The median age is 29.5 years, with 51% male and 49% female residents. The racial/ethnic composition is approximately 47% Hispanic or Latino, 44% White (non-Hispanic), 2% Black or African American, 2% Asian, 2% Native American, and 3% two or more races. The area is known for its younger, diverse demographic, reflecting significant Hispanic representation.

Franklin County, WA, had over 41,000 registered voters in 2023. The county conducts general, primary, and special elections, managed by the Franklin County Auditor’s Office. In the 2020 presidential election, 56% voted Republican, 41% Democratic. There are 3 official drop box locations for ballots; no traditional polling places, as voting is by mail. Local issues often concern agriculture and infrastructure. The main parties are Republican and Democratic. For the November 2023 general election, turnout was approximately 34%. The Elections Department ensures compliance, handles ballot processing, and resolves disputes.

Franklin County, WA, has a higher-than-average crime rate compared to state and national statistics. In 2022, the violent crime rate was about 3.2 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate reached approximately 19.8 per 1,000. The county reported over 300 violent crimes and around 1,850 property crimes that year. Law enforcement and community programs focus on crime prevention and efficient reporting, with most incidents transparently tracked through local and FBI databases to inform safety initiatives and resource allocation.

Franklin County, WA’s education system includes 22 public schools, with several high schools like Pasco High and Chiawana High. About 81% of adults hold a high school diploma or higher, while 17% possess a bachelor’s degree or above. Schools typically score between 4 and 6 out of 10 on state performance metrics. The county offers various educational programs, including STEM and bilingual education. Adult education is available through Columbia Basin College. School safety initiatives emphasize resource officers and anti-bullying campaigns, contributing to generally positive safety ratings in the district.

Franklin County, WA, had an employment rate of approximately 60% in 2022. Major industries include agriculture (16%), education and health services (19%), and retail trade (11%). The largest occupation types are office/administrative (13%) and production/transportation (12%). About 85% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 23 minutes; roughly 31% work outside the county, often commuting to neighboring Benton County. This reflects a workforce balanced between local employment centers and regional commuting patterns (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022).

Franklin County, WA has a homeownership rate of about 62%, with median home values around $350,000 in 2024. Rental occupancy is approximately 38%, and average rents are $1,350 monthly. The housing market shows steady annual appreciation near 5%, with predominantly single-family homes, though some newer apartments and townhouses exist in Pasco and nearby areas. Popular neighborhoods include West Pasco and Road 68. Property taxes average 1.09% of home value, making an annual tax bill roughly $3,800 for median-priced homes.