| Table of contents |
|
2 Geography 3 Demographics 4 Cities and towns 5 Indian reservations |
History
\nWhen counties were established in New York State in 1683, the present Franklin County was part of Albany County. This was an enormous county, including the northern part of New York State as well as all of the present State of Vermont and, in theory, extending westward to the Pacific Ocean. This county was reduced in size on July 3, 1766 by the creation of Cumberland County, and further on March 16, 1770 by the creation of Gloucester County, both containing territory now in Vermont. On March 12, 1772, what was left of Albany County was split into three parts, one remaining under the name Albany County. One of the other pieces, Charlotte County, contained the eastern portion.
In 1784, the name "Charlotte County" was changed to Washington County to honor George Washington, the American Revolutionary War general and later President of the United States of America.
In 1788, Clinton County was split off from Washington County. This was a much larger area than the present Clinton County, including several other counties or county parts of the present New York State.
In 1799, Clinton County was reduced in size by the splitting off of Essex County . In 1802, Clinton County was reduced in size by a part of Clinton and two other counties being taken to form the new St. Lawrence County.
In 1808, Franklin County was split off from Clinton County.
Geography
\nFranklin County is in the northeastern part of New York State.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 4,396 km² (1,697 mi²). 4,226 km² (1,631 mi²) of it is land and 171 km² (66 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 3.89% water.
Demographics
\nAs of the census2 of 2000, there are 51,134 people, 17,931 households, and 11,798 families residing in the county. The population density is 12/km² (31/mi²). There are 23,936 housing units at an average density of 6/km² (15/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 84.03% White, 6.63% Black or African American, 6.20% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 2.07% from other races, and 0.69% from two or more races. 4.01% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 17,931 households out of which 32.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.50% are married couples living together, 11.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.20% are non-families. 28.20% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.00% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.46 and the average family size is 3.00.
In the county the population is spread out with 22.80% under the age of 18, 9.50% from 18 to 24, 33.20% from 25 to 44, 21.80% from 45 to 64, and 12.80% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 121.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 126.60 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $31,517, and the median income for a family is $38,472. Males have a median income of $29,376 versus $22,292 for females. The per capita income for the county is $15,888. 14.60% of the population and 10.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 17.60% are under the age of 18 and 13.90% are 65 or older.
Cities and towns
Indian reservations
\n*St. Regis Mohawk Reservation