About Franklin County

Franklin County is located in south central Pennsylvania midway between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The southern boundary of the County is also the boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland, also known as the Mason-Dixon Line.

The County encompasses an area of 772.22 square miles and had an estimated population in 2010 of 149,618. Rolling hills, forests, mountains, valleys and clear springs create the beauty of Franklin County. 

With the diversity of Franklin County’s economic base, the residents enjoy the advantages of both urban and rural opportunities within the County. Due to this diversified makeup and the rich history of Franklin County, tourism is a major component of the county’s economy. 

Since its establishment in 1784, Franklin County has enjoyed a steady, healthy growth and has become the financial and commercial center of much of the Cumberland Valley. With two major railroads, the Conrail and the CSX, and the meeting place for three major highways: Route 30, Route 11 and Interstate 81, Franklin County grows daily. 

In addition to commercial growth, Franklin County continues to support a healthy farm industry with the County ranking second in the state in the production of milk, meat, apples and peaches. There are currently 1,690 farms in the County consisting of 255,500 acres.

The County also has 39,780 acres of state forest lands with approximately 15,178 acres as state game lands. The Falling Spring is one of the best natural trout streams in the nation, and it meanders through Chambersburg. Wildlife abounds throughout the County: white-tail deer, fox, coyote, black bear, and wild turkey to name a few.