Named for Benjamin Franklin Congressional district 12th Area 1,116 km² Population 39,202 (2013) University Morthland College | Largest city West Frankfort Time zone Central: UTC-6/-5 Founded 2 January 1818 County seat Benton | |
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Website www.franklincountyil.gov Cities Benton, West Frankfort, Sesser, Christopher Rivers Big Muddy River, Pond Creek, Little Muddy River | ||
Franklin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 39,561. Its county seat is Benton. It is located in the southern portion of Illinois known locally as "Little Egypt".
Contents
- Map of Franklin County IL USA
- History
- Geography
- Climate and weather
- Adjacent counties
- Demographics
- Census designated place
- Townships
- Regional
- Primary Secondary
- Higher Education
- Specialized
- References
Map of Franklin County, IL, USA
History
Franklin County was established on January 2, 1818 and formed from parts of Gallatin and White counties. It was named for Benjamin Franklin.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 431 square miles (1,120 km2), of which 409 square miles (1,060 km2) is land and 23 square miles (60 km2) (5.2%) is water. Justin Kay State Recreation Area is located in this county.
Climate and weather
In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Benton have ranged from a low of 21 °F (−6 °C) in January to a high of 90 °F (32 °C) in July, although a record low of −22 °F (−30 °C) was recorded in January 1977 and a record high of 104 °F (40 °C) was recorded in August 2007. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.87 inches (73 mm) in February to 4.59 inches (117 mm) in May.
Adjacent counties
Demographics
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 39,561 people, 16,617 households, and 10,912 families residing in the county. The population density was 96.8 inhabitants per square mile (37.4/km2). There were 18,525 housing units at an average density of 45.3 per square mile (17.5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.7% white, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.3% black or African American, 0.3% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.2% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 21.8% were German, 18.7% were Irish, 15.9% were English, 9.4% were American, and 5.7% were Italian.
Of the 16,617 households, 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.3% were non-families, and 30.0% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.88. The median age was 41.8 years.
The median income for a household in the county was $34,381 and the median income for a family was $43,170. Males had a median income of $39,122 versus $28,950 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,504. About 14.5% of families and 19.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.5% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.
Census-designated place
Townships
Franklin County is divided into twelve townships: