Franklin County, Alabama Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Franklin County

U.S. county

Franklin County Courthouse in Russellville

Seal

Location within the U.S. state of Alabama

Alabama's location within the U.S.

Country

United States

State

Alabama

Founded

February 6, 1818

Largest city

Russellville

Area

• Total

647 sq mi (1,680 km²)

• Land

634 sq mi (1,640 km²)

• Water

13 sq mi (30 km²) 2.0%

Population

(2020)

• Total

32,113

• Estimate

(2023)

31,802

• Density

49.63/sq mi (19.164/km²)

Time zone

UTC−6 (Central)

• Summer (DST)

UTC−5 (CDT)

Congressional district

4th

County Number 33 on Alabama Licence Plates

Franklin County is a county in the state of Alabama. It is located in the United States. In 2020, about 32,113 people lived there.

The main town and county seat is Russellville. The county is named after Benjamin Franklin. He was a famous statesman, scientist, and printer.

Franklin County is a "dry county." This means that selling alcohol is generally not allowed. However, the city of Russellville is an exception, where alcohol sales are permitted.

History of Franklin County

Franklin County was created on February 6, 1818.

How Colbert County Was Formed

Part of Franklin County used to be Colbert County. Colbert County was first formed on February 6, 1867. This happened after the American Civil War because of political disagreements.

Eight months later, Colbert County was temporarily closed down. But it was started again on February 24, 1870.

Music from Franklin County

Many talented musicians and songwriters come from Franklin County. Some of these include Billy Sherrill, Ricky Pierce, Kerry Gilbert, and Eddie Martin.

Geography of Franklin County

Franklin County covers about 647 square miles. Most of this area, about 634 square miles, is land. The rest, about 13 square miles, is water.

Neighboring Counties

Franklin County shares borders with several other counties:

Colbert County (to the north)
Lawrence County (to the east)
Winston County (to the southeast)
Marion County (to the south)
Itawamba County, Mississippi (to the southwest)
Tishomingo County, Mississippi (to the northwest)

Protected Natural Areas

Part of the William B. Bankhead National Forest is located in Franklin County. This is a special area protected for nature.

Transportation

Main Roads

Several important highways pass through Franklin County:

U.S. Highway 43
State Route 13
State Route 17
State Route 19
State Route 24
State Route 172
State Route 187
State Route 237
State Route 241
State Route 243
State Route 247

Railways

Trains also travel through Franklin County on these railway lines:

Norfolk Southern Railway
Redmont Railway

Population Information

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1820	4,988	—
1830	11,078	122.1%
1840	14,270	28.8%
1850	19,610	37.4%
1860	18,627	−5.0%
1870	8,006	−57.0%
1880	9,155	14.4%
1890	10,681	16.7%
1900	16,511	54.6%
1910	19,369	17.3%
1920	22,011	13.6%
1930	25,372	15.3%
1940	27,552	8.6%
1950	25,705	−6.7%
1960	21,988	−14.5%
1970	23,933	8.8%
1980	28,350	18.5%
1990	27,814	−1.9%
2000	31,223	12.3%
2010	31,704	1.5%
2020	32,113	1.3%
2023 (est.)	31,802	0.3%
U.S. Decennial Census 1790–1960 1900–1990 1990–2000 2010–2020

In 2020, the population of Franklin County was 32,113 people. There were 11,048 households and 7,669 families living in the county.

Population in 2010

In 2010, there were 31,704 people living in Franklin County. About 24.8% of the people were under 18 years old. The average age was 37.8 years.

Education

Franklin County has two main school systems and one community college. These are Russellville City Schools and Franklin County Schools. Northwest Shoals Community College has a campus in Phil Campbell.

Russellville City Schools

Russellville High School
Russellville Middle School
Russellville Elementary School (for grades 3 to 5)
West Elementary School (for Kindergarten to grade 2)

Franklin County Schools

Belgreen High School (for grades K to 12)
East Franklin Junior High School (for grades K to 9)
Phil Campbell High School (for grades K to 12)
Red Bay High School (for grades K to 12)
Tharptown High School (for grades K to 12)
Vina High School (for grades K to 12)

There is also the Franklin County Career-Technical Center. It is located next to Belgreen High School.

Franklin County, Alabama facts for kids

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