Franklin County stretches across south-central Pennsylvania's Cumberland Valley, where 156,000 residents and over 4,800 businesses thrive between the Blue Ridge Mountains and fertile farmlands. This is where Interstate 81 carries commerce through Chambersburg's historic downtown, where orchards blanket the countryside, and where the crossroads of American history meet modern industrial innovation.

A Legacy of Enterprise

Chambersburg, our county seat with 22,000 residents, embodies resilience and reinvention. The only Pennsylvania town burned during the Civil War, today's Chambersburg pulses with manufacturing prowess, healthcare excellence, and a revitalized downtown where century-old buildings house modern businesses. The city's 1,800 businesses range from precision manufacturers serving global markets to family-owned shops that have anchored the community for generations.

Beyond Chambersburg, Waynesboro thrives as an industrial powerhouse along Route 16, while Greencastle maintains its small-town charm alongside I-81's logistics opportunities. Head into the countryside and you'll discover Mercersburg's prep school prestige, Mont Alto's university campus, and countless family farms that have fed America since colonial times.

Why Businesses Choose Franklin County

The economics make sense: Franklin County offers access to Baltimore, Washington DC, and Philadelphia markets at a fraction of the cost. Commercial properties run 40-60% less than metro areas. Our workforce of 78,000 combines Pennsylvania Dutch work ethic with modern technical skills from Penn State Mont Alto and Wilson College.

Strategic location drives success here. The I-81 corridor moves products from Tennessee to New York. Manufacturing thrives with companies like Volvo Construction Equipment and Manitowoc Cranes. Healthcare continues expanding with WellSpan Health and UPMC. And agriculture - from apple orchards to dairy farms - remains a billion-dollar backbone.

Life in Franklin County

This is authentic Pennsylvania - where Renfrew Museum preserves 18th-century heritage while Caledonia State Park offers 21st-century recreation. The Appalachian Trail crosses our mountains. Antietam Battlefield lies just across the Maryland line. Local festivals celebrate everything from peaches to ice sculpture.

Families appreciate excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and housing that's actually affordable. The median home value of $236,300 means you can own property here while building your business. Weekend farmers markets, community theaters, and youth sports leagues create the small-town atmosphere that makes Franklin County special.

Your Gateway to the Mid-Atlantic

Location is Franklin County's ace card. Harrisburg is 50 miles north. Baltimore is 75 miles southeast. Washington DC is 90 miles south. Philadelphia is 140 miles east. Pittsburgh is 150 miles west. This positioning means businesses can reach 60 million consumers within a four-hour drive.

Transportation infrastructure delivers: I-81 runs north-south through the county, US Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) crosses east-west, Route 11 parallels the valley, and Route 16 connects to Maryland. CSX rail lines serve industrial sites.

Discover Franklin County Businesses

Whether you're seeking local services, exploring dining options, finding healthcare providers, or researching business opportunities, our directory connects you with Franklin County's diverse business community. From Chambersburg's industrial parks to Waynesboro's Main Street, from major distribution centers to roadside farm stands, discover what makes Franklin County an ideal place to grow your business.

Franklin County Demographics & Statistics

Population Statistics (2023)

Total Population

156,626

Median Age

42.2 years

Population Density

1 communities

Franklin County Economic Overview

Median Household Income

$74,946

Poverty Rate

7.8%

Unemployment Rate

3.6%

Franklin County Housing Market

Median Home Value

$236,300

Median Rent

$1,071/mo

Owner Occupied

73%

Franklin County Education Attainment (Adults 25+)

Bachelor's Degree15,824

Master's Degree8,018

Professional Degree1,292

Doctorate1,337

Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin County

What is the population of Franklin County?

As of 2023, Franklin County has a population of approximately 156,626 residents, making it the 13th most populous county in Pennsylvania. The population has grown 8% since 2010, with the highest concentration in Chambersburg and the Route 30 corridor.

What are the major cities and towns in Franklin County?

The largest municipality is Chambersburg (county seat) with 22,000 residents, followed by Waynesboro (11,000), Greencastle (4,200), Mercersburg (1,600), and Mont Alto (1,700). The county comprises 22 townships and 7 boroughs with 4,800 businesses distributed across urban, suburban, and rural communities.

How do I start a business in Franklin County?

Starting a business in Franklin County requires registering with the PA Department of State, obtaining an EIN from the IRS, and securing local permits through your municipality. Chambersburg requires a business license, while townships have varying requirements. The Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce and Franklin County Area Development Corporation offer free counseling for new businesses.

What are the major employers in Franklin County?

The largest employers include WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital (3,500+ employees), Volvo Construction Equipment (1,500+ employees), Manitowoc Cranes, JLG Industries, Ventura Foods, and TB Wood's. The county has over 4,800 businesses with strong manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and food processing sectors.

What is the average commercial rent in Franklin County?

Commercial rental rates vary by location: downtown Chambersburg office space averages $10-15/sq ft, Waynesboro retail spaces run $12-20/sq ft, and warehouse space along the I-81 corridor costs $4-8/sq ft. These rates are 40-60% lower than Baltimore-Washington metro areas, making Franklin County attractive for business expansion.

What business incentives are available in Franklin County?

Franklin County offers LERTA tax abatements, Keystone Opportunity Zones with significant tax relief, RACP grants for development projects, and workforce training programs through PA CareerLink. The Franklin County Area Development Corporation provides assistance with state and local incentive programs for qualifying businesses.

How far is Franklin County from major cities?

Chambersburg is strategically located 50 miles from Harrisburg (1 hour), 75 miles from Baltimore (1.5 hours), 90 miles from Washington DC (1.75 hours), 140 miles from Philadelphia (2.5 hours), and 150 miles from Pittsburgh (2.5 hours). This provides access to 60+ million consumers within a 4-hour drive.

What highways run through Franklin County?

Major highways include I-81 (north-south connecting Maryland to Harrisburg), US Route 30 (Lincoln Highway running east-west), US Route 11 (historic valley route), and PA Route 16 (connecting to Maryland). These provide excellent logistics access for the county's 450 transportation and 520 construction businesses.

What is the workforce like in Franklin County?

Franklin County has a labor force of approximately 78,000 workers with strong manufacturing skills (22% in production). The median age is 41 years, providing experienced workers. Penn State Mont Alto, Wilson College, and local technical schools support workforce development for the county's 4,800 businesses.

What languages are spoken in Franklin County?

While English predominates, approximately 5% of the population speaks Spanish at home, with growing Latino communities in Chambersburg and Waynesboro. The county also has traditional Pennsylvania Dutch communities. Many businesses, particularly in healthcare and retail, offer bilingual services.

Is Franklin County good for manufacturing businesses?

Yes, Franklin County has a strong manufacturing heritage with 15,000+ manufacturing jobs across 280 manufacturing businesses. The skilled workforce, lower costs than metro areas, and excellent I-81 highway access make it ideal for manufacturing. Major manufacturers like Volvo and JLG Industries have operated here for decades.

What agricultural businesses thrive in Franklin County?

Franklin County ranks #1 in PA for apple production and top 10 for dairy. The county has 1,400+ farms covering 180,000 acres, supporting 320 agriculture businesses. Orchards, dairy farms, grain operations, and agritourism businesses are major economic drivers, contributing over $1 billion annually to the local economy.

How is the healthcare sector in Franklin County?

Healthcare is a major employment sector with 850 health and wellness businesses including WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, UPMC, and Summit Health facilities employing 8,000+ workers. This creates opportunities for medical suppliers, home health services, specialized clinics, and medical technology businesses.

Where are the main commercial districts in Franklin County?

Key commercial areas include downtown Chambersburg (revitalizing urban core), Lincoln Way West corridor (retail hub), Norland Avenue (big box retail), Wayne Avenue industrial corridor, and downtown Waynesboro. The county's 420 retail businesses are concentrated in these districts along with growing I-81 logistics centers.

What is the sales tax in Franklin County?

Pennsylvania's 6% sales tax applies throughout Franklin County with no additional local sales tax. Clothing, unprepared food, and manufacturing equipment are tax-exempt. This competitive rate benefits the county's retail businesses compared to neighboring Maryland's 6% rate.

Is Franklin County growing?

Franklin County shows steady growth with 8% population increase since 2010 and continuous business expansion. Major developments include the Franklin County Commerce Park, downtown Chambersburg revitalization, and multiple distribution centers along I-81. The county added over 400 new businesses in the past three years.

What is the cost of living in Franklin County?

Franklin County offers affordable living with median home values at $236,300 and median household income at $74,946. Overall cost of living is 8% below the national average and 25-35% lower than Baltimore-Washington metro areas, attracting workers for the county's 4,800 businesses.

Does Franklin County have public transportation?

Rabbit Transit operates limited fixed-route bus service in Chambersburg with connections to surrounding areas. However, most residents and businesses rely on personal vehicles. The county is 90 minutes from BWI Airport, 2 hours from Dulles, and 1 hour from Harrisburg International Airport.

What permits do I need to open a restaurant in Franklin County?

Restaurants need a PA business license, EIN, local business permit, health permit from PA Department of Agriculture, liquor license (if applicable) from PLCB, and fire safety inspection. Chambersburg requires additional borough permits. The process typically takes 2-3 months. The county has 380 food service establishments.

How do Franklin County property taxes compare to surrounding counties?

Franklin County's average effective property tax rate is 1.28%, lower than Cumberland (1.35%) and Adams (1.42%) but higher than Fulton (0.98%). Combined with competitive commercial rates, this makes Franklin attractive for the county's 350 real estate businesses and property investors.

Are there co-working spaces in Franklin County?

Yes, Franklin County has emerging co-working options including spaces in downtown Chambersburg, the Chambersburg Chamber's Business Hub, and shared offices in Waynesboro. These serve the county's growing remote workforce and 380 professional services businesses. Rates range from $100-300/month for dedicated desks.

What banks offer small business loans in Franklin County?

Major lenders include F&M Trust, Orrstown Bank, First National Bank of Mercersburg, PNC Bank, and M&T Bank. The county's 85 financial services businesses offer various loan products. The Franklin County Area Development Corporation and SCORE provide free assistance with loan applications and business planning.

What are the fastest-growing business sectors in Franklin County?

Logistics/warehousing (driven by I-81 access), e-commerce fulfillment, specialty food manufacturing, healthcare services, and professional services show strong growth. The outdoor recreation industry is expanding with proximity to hiking, biking, and water sports attracting tourism-related businesses.

Can I operate a home-based business in Franklin County?

Yes, most Franklin County municipalities allow home-based businesses with proper permits. Requirements vary by township but typically limit customer visits, signage, and employees. Chambersburg and other boroughs have specific zoning regulations. Check with your municipality among the county's 29 communities for local requirements.

What makes Franklin County unique for distribution businesses?

Franklin County's I-81 location is ideal for distribution, sitting at the midpoint between major northeastern and southeastern markets. With lower operating costs than Maryland or Northern Virginia, plus access to 60 million consumers within 250 miles, the county has attracted major distribution centers for Target, Amazon, and other national retailers, creating a thriving logistics cluster.

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The Heart of the Cumberland Valley