Our Approach Is Data-Informed and Community-Influenced
Our approach is both data-informed and community-influenced. We begin by analyzing objective data sources, including census trends, migration patterns, housing supply, and local income levels, to understand what is happening in our communities. We then pair that analysis with direct input from residents, employers, municipal leaders, and service providers through surveys, deliberative forums, and stakeholder conversations.
This combination ensures that our work is grounded in evidence while also reflecting lived experience. By using data to identify trends and community voices to shape solutions, we are able to develop strategies that are both practical and responsive to local needs.
We use data to understand the “what” and “why,” and community engagement to clarify the “why” and shape the “how.” This ensures that solutions reflect both objective trends and the priorities of the people who live and work here.
Population Changes
Explore interactive visualizations that uncover insights, reveal trends, and help guide smart decisions. Our charts and graphs turn numbers into narratives—helping you understand and explore key information at a glance.
Understanding Population Growth in Franklin County
Franklin County, like many communities along Pennsylvania’s southern border, is experiencing population growth. An important question behind that growth is whether it is driven by internal growth (local families having children) or external growth (individuals and families moving into the county). To better understand these trends, we examined three key data sources.
American Community Survey (2010–2024)
The American Community Survey shows overall population growth patterns in Franklin County over time, as illustrated in the chart above.
Pennsylvania Vital Statistics (2023)
Birth and death data provide insight into natural population change. In 2023, Franklin County recorded1705 live births and 1,721 deaths, meaning deaths exceeded births. This indicates that population growth is not occurring through internal growth.
IRS Migration Data (2023)
Migration data helps explain the source of population increases. In 2023, Franklin County had 5,664 individuals moving into the county (tax filers and dependents who previously lived in another county or state) and 5,060 individuals moving out. This positive net migration demonstrates that population growth is being driven primarily by people moving into the county rather than natural population increase.
Together, these data show that Franklin County’s growth is largely the result of in-migration, which has important implications for housing, workforce, infrastructure, and community planning.
Understanding Population Changes; Who is coming in and who is leaving?
American Community Survey data from 2010 to 2023 shows a clear shift in Franklin County’s age distribution. The population age 55–64 grew by 20%, and residents age 65 and older increased by 34%. At the same time, the number of adults in prime working years (ages 35–54) declined by 12% and children under age 5 decreased by 10%.
These changes are reflected in the county’s age dependency ratio, which is 72.9 compared to 64.4 nationally. The age dependency ratio measures the number of individuals typically not in the workforce (children and older adults) compared to those in working-age years. It is used to understand the level of economic and social support needed within a community.
A higher ratio indicates that fewer working-age adults are supporting more dependents, which has important implications for workforce availability, housing needs, healthcare demand, and community services as the population continues to age
Workforce Commuting Patterns
Approximately 52% of employed Franklin County residents commute outside the county for work. When combined with an aging population and a shrinking number of working-age adults, this trend contributes to a growing workforce shortage. Employers in key local industries, particularly the service industry, warehouses, and agriculture, are already feeling the impact. In addition, as the population ages, demand for healthcare, caregiving, and support services is increasing, requiring even more workers. These combined trends highlight the need for strategies that both attract and retain workers, while ensuring housing and transportation options support a stable local workforce.
Housing Data Tells a Story
Fair Market Rent has increased by 83%, making it significantly more difficult for renters to find affordable options.
At the same time, the median home price has reached $291,500, reflecting a 60% increase over recent years. While incomes have risen, they have grown at a much slower pace—only 36% during the same period.
This imbalance means that both renters and prospective homeowners are spending a larger share of their income on housing, leaving less for essentials like food, healthcare, and transportation.
As housing costs continue to outpace earnings, more households are at risk of being priced out of the community, highlighting the need for housing options that align with local incomes.
Further complicating things, Franklin County’s housing supply does not align well with the size of today’s households. While 65% of households consist of one or two people, 68% of existing homes—and nearly all new development—are three or more bedrooms.
This mismatch limits options for seniors looking to downsize, young workers starting out, and smaller families seeking attainable housing. Expanding smaller homes, townhomes, and other “missing middle” options would better match current household needs and improve affordability.