Franklin WI Demographics & Housing Data 2026
Franklin is a city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, located approximately 12 miles south of downtown Milwaukee within the Milwaukee WI Metro area. With a population of roughly 37,500 residents according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Franklin is the second-largest municipality in Milwaukee County by area, spanning 34 square miles from the Root River Parkway in the north to the Racine County border in the south. The city has experienced steady growth over the past two decades, attracting families and professionals seeking suburban living with Milwaukee County convenience and affordability relative to neighboring Waukesha County communities.
Key Takeaways
Median home price of $340,000 according to Zillow, offering strong value within Milwaukee County's suburban tier
Population growth of 5.2% since 2020 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, among the fastest in Milwaukee County
Median household income of $88,500 according to the American Community Survey, exceeding both county and state medians
420 annual residential transactions according to Wisconsin Realtors Association data, delivering consistent deal flow
Owner-occupancy rate of 80.5% according to ACS data, the highest in Milwaukee County and ideal for farming strategies
Franklin Population & Demographic Profile
How many people live in Franklin WI in 2026? According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2024 American Community Survey estimates, Franklin's population stands at approximately 37,500 residents distributed across 14,800 households. This represents meaningful growth from the 2020 census count of 35,668, a 5.2% increase that ranks among the highest growth rates in Milwaukee County.
| Demographic Metric | Franklin | Milwaukee County | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2026 est.) | 37,500 | 939,000 | 5,950,000 |
| Median Age | 42.8 | 34.8 | 40.0 |
| Median Household Income | $88,500 | $48,200 | $67,080 |
| Households | 14,800 | 385,000 | 2,380,000 |
| Owner-Occupancy Rate | 80.5% | 47.5% | 67.0% |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 42.5% | 33.2% | 31.5% |
According to the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Franklin's growth is primarily driven by net in-migration from the City of Milwaukee and from out-of-county relocations seeking Milwaukee County services and school districts at suburban price points. According to ACS data, the 35-54 age cohort represents approximately 27% of the population, while the under-18 segment accounts for 23%, reflecting Franklin's strong family orientation.
What is the racial and ethnic composition of Franklin WI? According to Census Bureau data, Franklin is approximately 82% White, 6.5% Asian, 5.8% Black or African American, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.5% identifying as multiracial or other categories. According to ACS estimates, the Asian and Hispanic populations have each grown more than 20% since 2020, reflecting broader Milwaukee metro demographic shifts.
| Age Cohort | Percentage | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 23.0% | 8,625 |
| 18-34 | 16.5% | 6,188 |
| 35-54 | 27.0% | 10,125 |
| 55-64 | 16.5% | 6,188 |
| 65+ | 17.0% | 6,375 |
Franklin's 80.5% owner-occupancy rate according to ACS data is the highest in Milwaukee County, making it an exceptionally productive territory for geographic farming. Agents using US Tech Automations can reach a farm database where 4 out of every 5 contacts are homeowners, not renters.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Franklin's unemployment rate tracks at approximately 2.6%, below both the Milwaukee metro average of 3.2% and the state average of 3.2%. Major employers accessible from Franklin include Amazon's MKE1 fulfillment center in nearby Oak Creek, Northwestern Mutual's Franklin operations center, and healthcare systems including Ascension and Froedtert.
Franklin Housing Market Fundamentals
The Franklin real estate market in 2026 reflects a growing community with diversified housing stock spanning from 1960s ranch homes to contemporary new construction subdivisions. According to the Wisconsin Realtors Association, Franklin recorded approximately 420 closed residential transactions in 2025.
| Housing Metric | Franklin | Milwaukee County | Milwaukee Metro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $340,000 | $245,000 | $310,000 |
| Average Sale Price | $368,000 | $278,000 | $342,000 |
| Median Price Per Sq Ft | $168 | $152 | $178 |
| Average Days on Market | 24 | 28 | 35 |
| Closed Sales (Annual) | 420 | 8,200 | 24,500 |
| List-to-Sale Price Ratio | 99.2% | 98.2% | 98.3% |
What are home values in Franklin WI? According to Zillow's Home Value Index, the typical home value in Franklin is $340,000 as of early 2026, representing a 4.5% year-over-year increase. According to Realtor.com, median listing prices have ranged from $335,000 to $355,000 during Q1 2026. Franklin's price per square foot of $168 is lower than the metro average of $178, reflecting the city's larger lot sizes and more space-efficient housing stock.
According to Redfin market data, Franklin homes receive an average of 2.4 offers before going under contract. According to MLS statistics, properties priced between $275,000 and $375,000 move fastest, typically selling within 18 days.
| Price Segment | Share of Sales | Avg DOM | Typical Buyer Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $250,000 | 14% | 16 | First-time buyers, condos |
| $250,000-$325,000 | 28% | 20 | Young families, relocations |
| $325,000-$425,000 | 35% | 24 | Move-up families, professionals |
| $425,000-$550,000 | 16% | 32 | Executive homes, newer construction |
| $550,000+ | 7% | 45 | Custom homes, acreage properties |
According to NAR research, communities with population growth rates above 4% and owner-occupancy rates above 75% rank among the top-performing suburban farming markets in the Midwest. Franklin meets both thresholds, positioning it as a premier farming opportunity.
Income, Employment & Economic Indicators
Understanding Franklin's economic profile helps agents develop targeted farming campaigns that address each household segment's financial position. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Milwaukee County's GDP has grown at 2.4% annually, with Franklin's commercial corridor along South 27th Street contributing significantly to local employment.
| Economic Indicator | Franklin | Milwaukee County | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $88,500 | $48,200 | $67,080 |
| Per Capita Income | $41,200 | $28,500 | $35,100 |
| Poverty Rate | 4.2% | 17.5% | 10.6% |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.6% | 4.1% | 3.2% |
| Labor Force Participation | 71.8% | 64.5% | 66.4% |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 72% of Franklin workers commute to jobs within Milwaukee County, with a median commute time of 22 minutes. According to ACS data, the dominant employment sectors include healthcare (18%), professional and business services (15%), manufacturing (14%), retail trade (11%), and finance/insurance (10%).
How does Franklin income compare to neighboring communities? According to ACS data, Franklin's median household income of $88,500 is 1.84x the Milwaukee County median of $48,200 and 1.32x the state median of $67,080. This income level supports home purchases in the $310,000-$400,000 range using standard 28% debt-to-income ratios, according to CFPB qualification guidelines, aligning closely with Franklin's $340,000 median.
The US Tech Automations platform enables agents to build income-segmented farming campaigns that deliver tailored messaging to each household tier. Through US Tech Automations, agents can automate different drip sequences for first-time buyer prospects in the under-$300K range versus move-up families targeting the $400K+ segments, maximizing relevance and response rates.
Housing Stock & New Construction Activity
| Property Type | Share of Housing | Median Value | Typical Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Detached | 74% | $355,000 | 1998 |
| Condominiums | 12% | $215,000 | 2005 |
| Townhomes | 7% | $275,000 | 2008 |
| Duplex/Multi-Family | 4% | $295,000 | 1985 |
| New Construction (2024-2026) | 3% | $445,000 | 2025 |
According to City of Franklin building permit data, the municipality issued 68 new residential permits in 2025, making it one of the most active new-construction markets in Milwaukee County. According to the National Association of Home Builders, Franklin's continued lot availability in southern sections of the city distinguishes it from built-out communities like Greendale and Fox Point where new construction is essentially halted.
What types of homes are available in Franklin? According to Milwaukee County property records, single-family detached homes dominate at 74% of total housing units. The typical Franklin home offers 2,050 square feet on a 0.35-acre lot according to MLS aggregate data. The city's newer subdivisions in the southern tier along Ryan Road and Oakwood Road feature contemporary designs with 2,400+ square feet on 0.3-0.5 acre lots.
Franklin's 68 new residential permits in 2025 according to city records represent the highest new construction volume in Milwaukee County, providing farming agents with fresh inventory and new-neighbor marketing opportunities that don't exist in fully built-out communities.
School District & Education Data
According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Franklin is served by the Franklin Public School District, which educates approximately 5,200 students across seven schools.
| School | Grades | Enrollment | DPI Rating | Niche Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robinwood Elementary | K-4 | 380 | Exceeds Expectations | B+ |
| Pleasant View Elementary | K-4 | 350 | Exceeds Expectations | A- |
| Forest Park Middle School | 5-8 | 680 | Exceeds Expectations | B+ |
| Ben Franklin Middle School | 5-8 | 620 | Meets Expectations | B |
| Franklin High School | 9-12 | 1,450 | Exceeds Expectations | B+ |
According to Niche.com, the Franklin Public School District earns an overall B+ rating with a B+ in academics and an A- in diversity. According to DPI data, the district's four-year graduation rate is 93.5%, above the state average of 90.1%. These education metrics provide a consistent draw for Milwaukee families seeking suburban school quality.
Tax Burden & Cost of Living
| Tax Component | Franklin | Milwaukee County Avg | Wisconsin Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Rate (per $1,000) | $21.45 | $24.50 | $19.60 |
| Effective Tax on Median Home | $7,293 | $6,003 | $5,488 |
| State Income Tax (Top Bracket) | 7.65% | 7.65% | 7.65% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 5.6% | 5.6% | 5.0% |
According to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Franklin's mill rate of $21.45 per $1,000 is well below the Milwaukee County average of $24.50, offering a meaningful tax advantage over City of Milwaukee properties where rates exceed $28 per $1,000. According to the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, Franklin's efficient municipal services and balanced commercial-residential tax base contribute to the favorable rate.
Are property taxes affordable in Franklin WI? According to Milwaukee County assessment data, the effective annual tax on the median-valued home is approximately $7,293. While the absolute amount exceeds the state average due to higher property values, the per-$1,000 rate of $21.45 is 12.5% below the county average according to Department of Revenue data.
Competitor Comparison: Farming Automation Platforms
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Growth-Market Targeting Tools | Built-In | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| New Construction Alert Campaigns | Automated | Manual | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| Demographic Segmentation | Advanced | Basic | Basic | Moderate | None |
| Multi-Channel Farm Campaigns | Mail + Digital + Email | Digital + Email | Digital + Email | Digital Only | Email Only |
| Milwaukee County MLS Direct Feed | Yes | IDX Widget | IDX Widget | IDX Only | Manual |
| Cost per Contact/Month | $0.42 | $0.85 | $1.10 | $0.75 | N/A |
| Builder/New Neighbor Workflows | Purpose-Built | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
US Tech Automations stands apart with purpose-built growth-market tools including new construction alert campaigns and builder partnership workflows. For a growing community like Franklin with 68+ annual building permits, the platform's new-neighbor welcome sequences and subdivision tracking capabilities create farming opportunities that generic CRMs cannot match.
Real Estate Farming Strategy for Franklin
How to Build a Profitable Farm in Franklin WI
Select a starting zone of 400-500 homes in a defined Franklin section. According to Tom Ferry International, optimal farm sizes balance manageability with volume. Use South 27th Street, Ryan Road, Oakwood Road, and Rawson Avenue as natural boundary markers.
Segment your farm by housing era and neighborhood character. According to Milwaukee County property records, Franklin's north-to-south development pattern means older ranch homes cluster north of Puetz Road while newer subdivisions dominate south of Ryan Road. These segments require different messaging strategies.
Pull demographic data and ownership records from county and Census sources. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Franklin's 80.5% owner-occupancy rate means your farm contacts are overwhelmingly homeowners, not renters, maximizing the relevance of equity updates and market reports.
Configure automated multi-channel campaigns through US Tech Automations. Deploy monthly printed market reports, bi-weekly email CMA updates, and quarterly community guides covering new developments and school information. According to the Direct Marketing Association, multi-channel campaigns generate 37% higher response rates.
Create new-construction-specific content. According to city building permit data, Franklin's 68 annual permits create ongoing opportunities for new-neighbor marketing. Develop welcome packets and neighborhood guides for buyers in new subdivisions.
Attend Franklin community events at Kayla's Playground, Lion's Legend Park, and the Franklin Public Market. According to the Franklin Parks and Recreation Department, major community events draw 2,000-5,000 attendees, providing face-to-face touchpoints.
Monitor commercial development along South 27th Street and Ryan Road. According to the City of Franklin Economic Development Office, new retail, restaurant, and healthcare facilities are continually added along these corridors. Share development news with farm contacts as value-reinforcement content.
Track seasonal buying patterns. According to Wisconsin Realtors Association data, March through July accounts for 48% of Franklin's annual transactions. Front-load marketing spend to February-March to capture spring sellers.
Build referral relationships with local businesses in the Forest Park Business Park area. According to the Franklin Chamber of Commerce, the business park hosts 200+ companies whose employees represent a significant buyer pool for Franklin homes.
Leverage Franklin's growth narrative in your marketing. According to Census data, Franklin's 5.2% population growth since 2020 is a compelling selling point for existing homeowners, reinforcing that property values are supported by sustained demand.
Neighborhood Micro-Zones Within Franklin
| Micro-Zone | Median Price | Avg Year Built | Dominant Buyer | Annual Turnover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Franklin (Rawson-Puetz) | $295,000 | 1972 | First-time/move-up | 6.2% |
| Central Franklin (Puetz-Ryan) | $345,000 | 1998 | Established families | 4.5% |
| South Franklin (Ryan-Oakwood) | $395,000 | 2008 | Professionals, new build | 3.8% |
| Far South Franklin | $435,000 | 2015 | Executive, acreage | 3.2% |
| Country Estates (West) | $465,000 | 2005 | Rural-suburban, horses | 2.8% |
According to Milwaukee County property records and MLS data, North Franklin offers the highest turnover rate at 6.2%, making it the most productive initial farming zone for volume-focused agents. South Franklin and Far South Franklin deliver higher per-transaction commissions but lower turnover. Agents using US Tech Automations can work multiple micro-zones simultaneously through automated campaign tracks without proportional increases in manual workload.
Migration Patterns & Growth Drivers
| Origin Market | Share of In-Migration | Primary Motivation | Avg Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | 35% | Schools, safety, space | $320,000 |
| Other Milwaukee County | 20% | Larger home, newer stock | $350,000 |
| Racine/Kenosha Counties | 15% | Northward commute improvement | $345,000 |
| Waukesha County (east to south) | 12% | Lower taxes, comparable schools | $375,000 |
| Out-of-State | 10% | Job relocation | $360,000 |
| Within Franklin (internal) | 8% | Upsizing, downsizing | $400,000 |
According to IRS migration data and USPS change-of-address records, Franklin's growth draws from multiple feeder markets. According to ACS data, the City of Milwaukee is the largest source of new Franklin residents, with families prioritizing school quality and suburban safety. The Racine/Kenosha County segment has grown as employers along the I-94 corridor attract workers who prefer Milwaukee County addresses and services.
Franklin vs. South Metro Peers
| Market | Median Price | Annual Sales | Population | Growth (5yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin | $340,000 | 420 | 37,500 | +5.2% |
| Oak Creek | $310,000 | 380 | 37,000 | +3.8% |
| Greendale | $305,000 | 310 | 14,200 | +1.2% |
| Greenfield | $265,000 | 350 | 37,800 | +0.5% |
| Hales Corners | $285,000 | 130 | 7,600 | +0.8% |
| Muskego | $395,000 | 280 | 25,500 | +4.1% |
According to Zillow comparative data, Franklin commands a premium over neighboring Greendale, Oak Creek, and Greenfield while offering significantly higher transaction volume. For agents seeking complementary territories, Germantown in Washington County offers a similar family-oriented demographic at comparable price points. The outer Waukesha County markets of Menomonee Falls and Pewaukee provide alternative suburban farming territories with distinct market characteristics.
Franklin's combination of 5.2% population growth, 420 annual transactions, and 80.5% owner-occupancy rate creates what the National Association of Realtors classifies as an "ideal suburban farming market" with all three key indicators in the optimal range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Franklin WI in 2026?
The median home price in Franklin is approximately $340,000 according to Zillow and Wisconsin MLS data, representing a 4.5% year-over-year increase from 2025.
How fast is Franklin WI growing?
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Franklin's population has grown 5.2% since 2020, from 35,668 to approximately 37,500 residents. This is among the highest growth rates in Milwaukee County.
What is the average household income in Franklin?
According to the American Community Survey, Franklin's median household income is $88,500, which is 1.84x the Milwaukee County median and 1.32x the Wisconsin state median.
How many homes sell in Franklin each year?
According to Wisconsin Realtors Association data, approximately 420 residential transactions closed in Franklin during 2025, providing consistent deal flow for farming agents.
Is Franklin a good place for real estate farming?
Franklin's 80.5% owner-occupancy rate (highest in Milwaukee County), $88,500 median income, 5.2% population growth, and 420 annual transactions create optimal farming conditions according to NAR benchmarks.
What school district serves Franklin WI?
The Franklin Public School District serves K-12 students across seven schools, earning a B+ overall rating from Niche.com. The graduation rate of 93.5% exceeds the state average according to the Wisconsin DPI.
How do property taxes compare in Franklin?
According to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Franklin's mill rate of $21.45 per $1,000 is 12.5% below the Milwaukee County average of $24.50. Annual taxes on the median home are approximately $7,293 according to county records.
Is there new construction in Franklin?
According to City of Franklin building permit records, 68 new residential permits were issued in 2025, the highest new construction volume in Milwaukee County. New homes are concentrated in southern Franklin subdivisions priced between $420,000 and $550,000.
What neighborhoods in Franklin have the highest turnover?
According to MLS data and Milwaukee County records, North Franklin (Rawson-Puetz corridor) shows the highest turnover at approximately 6.2%, driven by older housing stock and first-time buyer activity. South Franklin's newer subdivisions have lower turnover at 3.2-3.8%.
Conclusion: Capitalize on Franklin's Growth Trajectory
Franklin's combination of rapid population growth, high owner-occupancy, accessible price points, and strong transaction volume makes it one of the Milwaukee metro's most promising markets for geographic farming. The city's 37,500 residents across 14,800 households provide a deep contact pool, while the $340,000 median price delivers meaningful commission income per transaction.
Agents ready to claim their share of Franklin's 420 annual transactions should launch automated farming campaigns through US Tech Automations. The US Tech Automations platform provides growth-market targeting tools, new construction alert workflows, and demographic segmentation that help agents systematically build market share in expanding communities. Visit US Tech Automations to start your Franklin farming strategy with the same data-driven automation used by top producers across the Milwaukee metro.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
