Franklin is a thriving city found in the southwest of the Hampton Roads region. With exceptional transportation corridors to the Port of Virginia, a Regional Workforce Development Center, ample real estate zoned for commercial use, a passion for start up business growth and an affordable quality of life, the City of Franklin is an ideal location for investment opportunity.
Industry
Highlights
Franklin is well-positioned for industrial growth due to the acreage available at Pretlow Industrial Park. It is publicly owned and located directly off Highway 58. The property is zoned M-2 Heavy Industrial, located in an Enterprise Zone, has a 500,000 gallon water tower on site and the option for natural gas to be extended to the park.
The Franklin Business Center is another key proponent for local business success. The building is a 40,000 square foot restored mixed-use incubator serving startups and expanding businesses. The Business Center has office space, support staff and many programs available. It also provides hands-on management assistance, access to equipment, and exposure to critical business and technical support services all under one roof.
Quality of
Life
In Franklin, you can enjoy a community where small town amenities abound, including Camp Community College, Southampton Memorial Hospital, Cypress Cove Country Club, Blackwater Regional Library and James L. Camp YMCA as well as many public parks, and the scenic Blackwater river. Franklin is also home to the Historic Downtown Franklin district that carries the only ‘Virginia Main Street’ designation in the Hampton Roads region. This district is home to many unique retail options, a quaint coffee shop, and various eateries.
Industry Employment Breakdown
Industry
# of Employees
% of Workforce
Industry
Health Care and Social Assistance
# of Employees
1,149
% of Workforce
59.17%
Industry
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
# of Employees
293
% of Workforce
15.09%
Industry
Finance and Insurance
# of Employees
160
% of Workforce
8.24%
Industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
# of Employees
108
% of Workforce
5.56%
Industry
Wholesale Trade
# of Employees
70
% of Workforce
3.60%
Source: EMSI
Demographics
Population
Population
7,949
Median Age
Median Age
41.5
Labor Force
Labor Force
26,874
Unemployment Rate
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
Median Household Income
Median Household Income
$---
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, November 2019; Esri Business Analyst Online, 2024 Forecast; Esri Business Analyst Online 2019 Detailed Age Profile; Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI), 2019 Forecast