Is Franklin (NJ) safe?
Franklin, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Franklin (NJ) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Franklin (NJ)
“Go. Franklin is a tranquil, historic small borough in Sussex County with low rates of violent crime and a relaxed rural pace. Visitors coming to explore its unique geological heritage or scenic outdoor spaces can do so comfortably, provided they have a car.”
About the area
Famous as the 'Fluorescent Mineral Capital of the World,' Franklin is a quiet Sussex County community set amidst rolling hills and historic zinc mining sites. It offers a low-key small-town atmosphere characterized by single-family homes, local dining along Route 23, and scenic recreation around Franklin Pond.
- Small-Town
- Historic Mining
- Quiet & Rural
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Franklin (NJ)
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 32/100
There are no dedicated municipal bike lanes or bike-share programs in town, though road cyclists use wide-shoulder country roads and nearby segments of the Sussex Branch Trail in adjacent townships.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly below both state and national averages
- Tight-knit residential atmosphere with high homeownership and stable neighborhoods
- Unique cultural attractions centered around world-famous mineralogy and mining history
- Abundant access to outdoor recreation, parks, and regional wildlife reserves
Cons
- Car-dependent infrastructure with minimal sidewalk connectivity outside the immediate town center
- Limited late-night services, dining, and commercial activity
- Rural secondary roads often lack streetlighting and can be hazardous in winter weather
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Franklin, with no active encampments or street panhandling observed in the borough.
What Franklin (NJ) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet, with light commuter traffic along Route 23 and residents walking dogs near Franklin Pond.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe throughout the borough, with school traffic and visitors frequenting museums and local shops.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential winding down with moderate dining activity along the main commercial strip.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and largely deserted with minimal foot traffic, remaining peaceful and safe from crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Franklin is extremely car-dependent with very limited public transit. Sussex County Skylands Ride provides scheduled on-demand and deviated fixed-route county bus service, while the nearest NJ Transit passenger rail stations are located roughly 25 miles south at Lake Hopatcong or Dover.
Parking is abundant, free, and straightforward throughout the borough via dedicated business lots, town park parking, and unmetered residential street parking.
Things to do in Franklin (NJ)
- Explore the world-famous fluorescent zinc ore exhibits and mine replica at the Franklin Mineral Museum
- Take a walk, fish, or picnic around the scenic grounds at Franklin Pond Recreation Area
- Search for rare minerals in the outdoor collecting dumps at local historic mine sites
Local favorites
- Franklin Mineral Museum · Museum · 4.7★ (380)Historic museum and mineral display featuring extensive fluorescent rock collections and outdoor collecting pits.
- The Irish Cottage Inn · Irish Pub & Restaurant · 4.4★ (920)Cozy tavern along Route 23 serving traditional Irish comfort food, draft beers, and pub fare.
- Franklin Diner · Diner · 4.3★ (650)Classic New Jersey diner offering generous all-day breakfast portions, burgers, and comfort food classics.
Neighborhoods near Franklin (NJ)
Common questions about Franklin (NJ)
Is Franklin (NJ) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Franklin (NJ) a good place to live?
On safety, Franklin (NJ) scores 81/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Franklin (NJ)?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 32/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Franklin (NJ) are safer?
Broad Lane (91), Downer (84), Robanna (83) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Franklin (NJ)? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.