Average Rent in Franklin County, MA↓ Rents falling 16.3% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in MA

Franklin County, MA has rental prices ranging from $1,071/month to $2,100/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,191/month — 15% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $70,535/year, spending $1,191/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Franklin County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,562/month, Franklin County ranks #21 most expensive of the 22 cities tracked in Massachusetts — pricier than 91% of all US cities in our data.

The Franklin County Rental Market

The Franklin County, MA area has a population of about 462,853 and 38% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Franklin County, MA have fallen by $304/month (16.3%) over the past year, from $1,866 to $1,562. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Franklin County, MA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $47,640. The local median household income of $70,535 exceeds that threshold by $22,895, making Franklin County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Franklin County, MA has an unemployment rate of 4.6%, 0.7 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Franklin County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Shelburne Falls ($379,515 median home value), Shelburne Falls ($426,511 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Franklin County, MA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Franklin County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Franklin County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.