[[Charleston, Arkansas|Charleston]] (southern district)"},"largest city":{"wt":"Ozark"},"area_total_sq_mi":{"wt":"620"},"area_land_sq_mi":{"wt":"609"},"area_water_sq_mi":{"wt":"11"},"area percentage":{"wt":"1.7%"},"population_as_of":{"wt":"2020"},"population_total":{"wt":"17097"},"pop_est_as_of":{"wt":"2023"},"population_est":{"wt":"17468 {{gain}}"},"density_sq_mi":{"wt":"auto"},"web":{"wt":""},"ex image":{"wt":"{{Photomontage\n|photo1a = Tugboat Charles Southern.jpg{{!}}Tugboat drifts down the Arkansas River paralleling a set of railroad tracks while both cross under a long bridge with concrete and steel arches in front of the Ozark Mountains in the background\n | photo2a = Franklin County Courthouse, Charleston, AR.jpg{{!}}A dark red brick rectangular two and a half-story courthouse hidden behind large trees with a tall flagpole in the front yard\n | photo2b = Franklin County Courthouse, Ozark, AR 002.jpg{{!}}A Moderne-style brick and stone rectangular courthouse structure with a clock tower and flagpole on the right side. The large rectangular windows of the second level reflect a bright blue sky with large white clouds\n | photo3a = Shelter on White Rock Mountain.jpg{{!}}A small, square fieldstone shelter with a roof at the end of a hiking trail. Looking over the edge of the fieldstone retaining wall is the dark green treetops of the Ozark National Forest as the sun sets behind a cloudy sky \n | photo3b = Wiederkehr Wine Cellar.JPG{{!}}Historic log cabin structure built atop a historic hand-dug wine cellar with a concrete patio now serving as the winery's restaurant\n | photo4a = Sunset from Reed Mountain.jpg{{!}}Looking across the Arkansas River from an overlook on Reed Mountain, the flat farmlands of the Arkansas River Valley stands in stark contrast to the mountain itself. Trees, roads, and homes are scattered along the river bottoms, and elevation slowly rises in the distance. Far in the background are the outlines of mountains in the orange-red sunset-colored sky\n | spacing = 1\n | position = center\n | color_border = white\n | color = white\n | size = 266\n | foot_montage = Clockwise from top: The Ozark Bridge over the [[Arkansas River]], [[Franklin County Courthouse (Ozark, Arkansas)|Franklin County Courthouse]] in Ozark, the [[Wiederkehr Wine Cellar]] near [[Altus, Arkansas|Altus]], Sunset from Reed Mountain overlooking the [[Arkansas River Valley]], Overlook at White Rock Mountain in the [[Ozark National Forest]], [[Franklin County Courthouse, Southern District|Franklin County Courthouse]] in [[Charleston, Arkansas|Charleston]] }}"},"ex image cap":{"wt":""},"district":{"wt":"4th"},"time zone":{"wt":"Central"},"named for":{"wt":"[[Benjamin Franklin]]"}},"i":0}}]}" id="mwCQ">County in Arkansas
Franklin County | |
---|---|
Clockwise from top: The Ozark Bridge over the Arkansas River, Franklin County Courthouse in Ozark, the Wiederkehr Wine Cellar near Altus, Sunset from Reed Mountain overlooking the Arkansas River Valley, Overlook at White Rock Mountain in the Ozark National Forest, Franklin County Courthouse in Charleston | |
Coordinates: 35°31′15″N93°52′33″W / 35.520833333333°N 93.875833333333°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Arkansas |
Founded | December 19, 1837 |
Named for | Benjamin Franklin |
Seat | Ozark (northern district); Charleston (southern district) |
Largest city | Ozark |
Area | |
• Total | 620 sq mi (1,600 km2) |
• Land | 609 sq mi (1,580 km2) |
• Water | 11 sq mi (30 km2) 1.7% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 17,097 |
• Estimate (2023) | 17,468 |
• Density | 28/sq mi (11/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
Congressional district | 4th |
Franklin County is a county in Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,097. [1] The county has two county seats, Charleston and Ozark. [2] The county was formed on December 19, 1837, and named for Benjamin Franklin, [3] American statesman. Franklin County is a damp county, with alcohol sales allowed except in Prairie & Alix townships, and limits on liquor sales in the city of Branch. [4]
Franklin County was carved out of Crawford County in December 1837. At that time, Franklin was significantly larger than it is at present, encompassing part of present-day Logan County which was formed in 1871.
Initially, the county had a single courthouse at Ozark. To promote economic growth in the county, federal land grants were made in 1853 to incentivize the construction and operation of the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad. From receivership in 1875 after a railroad debt crisis, it was reorganized as the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railway. [5] A number of towns were established in the 1890s on the north bank of the river along its right of way. Many farmers purchased land that had been owned by the railway. After complaints about how difficult it was to cross the river at times, a second courthouse was established at Charleston for citizens in the settlements south of the river, sometime in the 1890s, probably after 1892 since "Charleston" did not appear in an 1893 railroad map in all capital letters as "OZARK" did. [5] In 1906 the railway was acquired by the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway. In 1917 the line became a backbone of the MoPac, which merged into the Union Pacific Railroad in 1982.
The reality television show, The Simple Life, starring Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton was filmed in Altus in 2003.
As of February 2024 animal rights activists have voted Franklin County, AR most likely to support animal abusers as in the case of James Williams and Williams Plumbing with their attempts at killing a female dog and her puppies.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 620 square miles (1,600 km2), of which 609 square miles (1,580 km2) is land and 11 square miles (28 km2) (1.7%) is water. [6]
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1840 | 2,665 | — | |
1850 | 3,972 | 49.0% | |
1860 | 7,298 | 83.7% | |
1870 | 9,627 | 31.9% | |
1880 | 14,951 | 55.3% | |
1890 | 19,934 | 33.3% | |
1900 | 17,395 | −12.7% | |
1910 | 20,638 | 18.6% | |
1920 | 19,364 | −6.2% | |
1930 | 15,762 | −18.6% | |
1940 | 15,683 | −0.5% | |
1950 | 12,358 | −21.2% | |
1960 | 10,213 | −17.4% | |
1970 | 11,301 | 10.7% | |
1980 | 14,705 | 30.1% | |
1990 | 14,897 | 1.3% | |
2000 | 17,771 | 19.3% | |
2010 | 18,125 | 2.0% | |
2020 | 17,097 | −5.7% | |
2023 (est.) | 17,468 | [7] | 2.2% |
U.S. Decennial Census [8] 1790–1960 [9] 1900–1990 [10] 1990–2000 [11] 2010 [12] |
Race | Number | Percentage |
---|---|---|
White (non-Hispanic) | 15,201 | 88.91% |
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 78 | 0.46% |
Native American | 199 | 1.16% |
Asian | 162 | 0.95% |
Pacific Islander | 10 | 0.06% |
Other/Mixed | 956 | 5.59% |
Hispanic or Latino | 491 | 2.87% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,097 people, 6,723 households, and 4,537 families residing in the county.
As of the 2000 census, [15] there were 17,771 people, 6,882 households, and 4,961 families residing in the county. The population density was 29 inhabitants per square mile (11/km2). There were 7,673 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile (5.0/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.17% White, 0.62% Black or African American, 0.80% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.74% from other races, and 1.35% from two or more races. 1.74% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 6,882 households, out of which 32.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.20% were married couples living together, 8.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.90% were non-families. 24.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.80% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 26.70% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 15.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,848, and the median income for a family was $36,189. Males had a median income of $27,907 versus $18,822 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,616. About 10.60% of families and 15.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.20% of those under age 18 and 15.70% of those age 65 or over.
Over the past few election cycles, Franklin County has trended heavily towards the GOP. The last Democrat (as of 2024) to carry this county was Arkansas native Bill Clinton in 1996.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2024 | 5,582 | 80.07% | 1,232 | 17.67% | 157 | 2.25% |
2020 | 5,677 | 79.63% | 1,300 | 18.24% | 152 | 2.13% |
2016 | 5,039 | 74.43% | 1,376 | 20.32% | 355 | 5.24% |
2012 | 4,631 | 70.81% | 1,726 | 26.39% | 183 | 2.80% |
2008 | 4,411 | 68.12% | 1,869 | 28.86% | 195 | 3.01% |
2004 | 4,181 | 57.36% | 3,008 | 41.27% | 100 | 1.37% |
2000 | 3,277 | 53.37% | 2,674 | 43.55% | 189 | 3.08% |
1996 | 2,246 | 36.30% | 3,269 | 52.83% | 673 | 10.88% |
1992 | 2,495 | 37.04% | 3,217 | 47.76% | 1,024 | 15.20% |
1988 | 3,588 | 58.93% | 2,458 | 40.37% | 43 | 0.71% |
1984 | 4,382 | 64.04% | 2,399 | 35.06% | 62 | 0.91% |
1980 | 3,448 | 53.66% | 2,716 | 42.27% | 262 | 4.08% |
1976 | 1,973 | 34.76% | 3,703 | 65.24% | 0 | 0.00% |
1972 | 3,678 | 74.60% | 1,252 | 25.40% | 0 | 0.00% |
1968 | 1,333 | 29.02% | 1,149 | 25.02% | 2,111 | 45.96% |
1964 | 1,580 | 36.76% | 2,685 | 62.47% | 33 | 0.77% |
1960 | 1,631 | 43.48% | 2,025 | 53.99% | 95 | 2.53% |
1956 | 1,137 | 41.03% | 1,614 | 58.25% | 20 | 0.72% |
1952 | 1,215 | 40.74% | 1,762 | 59.09% | 5 | 0.17% |
1948 | 391 | 18.69% | 1,591 | 76.05% | 110 | 5.26% |
1944 | 457 | 27.75% | 1,188 | 72.13% | 2 | 0.12% |
1940 | 319 | 16.60% | 1,601 | 83.30% | 2 | 0.10% |
1936 | 345 | 15.35% | 1,890 | 84.11% | 12 | 0.53% |
1932 | 275 | 12.30% | 1,896 | 84.83% | 64 | 2.86% |
1928 | 774 | 36.53% | 1,329 | 62.72% | 16 | 0.76% |
1924 | 422 | 23.05% | 1,188 | 64.88% | 221 | 12.07% |
1920 | 769 | 32.15% | 1,502 | 62.79% | 121 | 5.06% |
1916 | 582 | 25.74% | 1,679 | 74.26% | 0 | 0.00% |
1912 | 258 | 14.75% | 1,113 | 63.64% | 378 | 21.61% |
1908 | 565 | 27.40% | 1,311 | 63.58% | 186 | 9.02% |
1904 | 593 | 34.94% | 968 | 57.04% | 136 | 8.01% |
1900 | 485 | 25.74% | 1,367 | 72.56% | 32 | 1.70% |
1896 | 424 | 18.99% | 1,746 | 78.19% | 63 | 2.82% |
Townships in Arkansas are the divisions of a county. Each township includes unincorporated areas; some may have incorporated cities or towns within part of their boundaries. Arkansas townships have limited purposes in modern times. However, the United States census does list Arkansas population based on townships (sometimes referred to as "county subdivisions" or "minor civil divisions"). Townships are also of value for historical purposes in terms of genealogical research. Each town or city is within one or more townships in an Arkansas county based on census maps and publications. The townships of Franklin County are listed below; listed in parentheses are the cities, towns, and/or census-designated places that are fully or partially inside the township. [17] [18] [19]
School districts include: [20]
Van Buren County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,796. The county seat is Clinton. The county was formed on November 11, 1833, and named for Martin Van Buren, President of the United States, who was Vice President at the time of the county's formation. Van Buren County was a dry county until November 3, 2020, as the county residents voted to make it a wet county.
Stone County is located in the Ozark Mountains in the U.S. state of Arkansas. The county is named for the rugged, rocky area terrain of the Ozarks. Created as Arkansas's 74th county on April 21, 1873, Stone County has two incorporated cities: Mountain View, the county seat and most populous city, and Fifty-Six. The county is also the site of numerous unincorporated communities and ghost towns.
Sharp County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,271. The county seat is Ash Flat. The county was formed on July 18, 1868, and named for Ephraim Sharp, a state legislator from the area.
Searcy County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,828. The county seat is Marshall. The county was formed December 13, 1838, from a portion of Marion County and named for Richard Searcy, the first clerk and judge in the Arkansas Territory. The city of Searcy, Arkansas, some 70 miles away, shares the name despite having never been part of Searcy County. The county is an alcohol prohibition or dry county.
Newton County is a county in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,225. The county seat is Jasper. Newton County is Arkansas's 46th county, formed on December 14, 1842, and named for Thomas W. Newton, an Arkansas Congressman.
Marion County is located in the Ozark Mountains in the U.S. state of Arkansas. The county is named for Francis Marion, the famous "Swamp Fox" of the Revolutionary War. Created as Arkansas's 35th county in 1836, Marion County is home to one incorporated town and four incorporated cities, including Yellville, the county seat. The county is also the site of numerous unincorporated communities and ghost towns. The county included part of what is now Searcy County, Arkansas, with many opposing to dividing them, which helped fueled the bloody Tutt-Everett War between 1844 and 1850.
Madison County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,521. The county seat is Huntsville. The county was formed on September 30, 1836, and named for Madison County, Alabama, the home of some early settlers. They also named the county seat after Madison County in Alabama's county seat, Huntsville. Madison County is part of the Northwest Arkansas region.
Lonoke County is a county located in the Central Arkansas region of the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 74,015, making it the 10th-most populous of Arkansas's 75 counties. The county seat is Lonoke and largest city is Cabot. Included in the Central Arkansas metropolitan area, with Little Rock as the principal city, it is an alcohol prohibition or dry county.
Logan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 21,131. Its two county seats are Booneville and Paris.
Johnson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,749. The county seat is Clarksville. Johnson County is Arkansas's 30th county, formed on November 16, 1833, from a portion of Pope County and named for Benjamin Johnson, a Territorial Judge. It is an alcohol prohibition or dry county.
Izard County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,577. The county seat is Melbourne. Izard County is Arkansas's 13th county, formed on October 27, 1825, and named for War of 1812 General and Arkansas Territorial Governor George Izard. It is an alcohol prohibition or dry county.
Fulton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,075. The county seat is Salem. Fulton County was formed on December 21, 1842, and named for William Fulton, the last governor of the Arkansas Territory. It is an alcohol prohibition or dry county.
Crawford County is a county located in the Ozarks region of the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 60,133. The county seat and largest city is Van Buren. Crawford County was formed on October 18, 1820, from the former Lovely County and Indian Territory, and was named for William H. Crawford, the United States Secretary of War in 1815.
Carroll County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,260. The county has two county seats, Berryville and Eureka Springs. Carroll County is Arkansas's 26th county, formed on November 1, 1833, and named after Charles Carroll, the last surviving signer of the United States Declaration of Independence.
Boone County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas, along the Missouri border. As of the 2020 census, the population was 37,373. The county seat is Harrison. It is Arkansas's 62nd county, formed on April 9, 1869.
Altus is a city in Franklin County, Arkansas, United States. Located within the Arkansas River Valley at the edge of the Ozark Mountains, the city is within the Fort Smith metropolitan area. The epicenter of the Altus American Viticultural Area (AVA) within Arkansas Wine Country, the city is home to four wineries. Although founded as a coal mining community, the wine industry has driven the Altus economy since the first vineyards were planted in 1872. The population was 758 at the 2010 census, down from 817 at the 2000 census. In 2020, the population was 669 and was estimated as unchanged in 2021 and 2022.
Charleston is a city in Franklin County, Arkansas, United States, and along with Ozark is one of the two county seats of Franklin County. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,494 at the 2010 census, down from 2,965 in 2000.
Denning is a town in Franklin County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 314 at the 2010 census, up from 270 at the 2000 census.
Ozark is a city in Franklin County, Arkansas, United States and one of the county's two seats of government. The community is located along the Arkansas River in the Arkansas River Valley on the southern edge of the Ozark Mountains. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 3,684.
Wiederkehr Village is a city in Franklin County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 38 at the 2010 census. It is named after Swiss winemaker Johann Andreas Wiederkehr, who immigrated to the area in 1880.