Franklin County
Did You Know?
In 1963, George Harrison of the Beatles, visited his sister Louise in Benton, the first time any member of the group had visited America.
Largest Towns
West Frankfort (7,176)
Benton (6,709)
Top Private Sector Industries
Health Care and Social Assistance
Retail Trade
Accommodation & Food Services
Education & Training Resources
Rend Lake College
Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, Illinois)
By the
Numbers
Numbers
Population
37,804
People within
25 miles
25 miles
221,526
People within
50 miles
50 miles
397,094
Average
Salary
Salary
$40,222
Cost of
Living
Living
13%
Below National Avg.
Important
Assets
Assets
Access to three Interstate Highways with I-57 running through the center of the county
BNSF and Union Pacific rail lines
Workforce trained in coal mining and oil extraction
Rend Lake: More than 2 million visitors per year
Other incentives: Enterprise Zone, New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC)
Franklin County:
Benton Industrial Park II & III
Benton Industrial Park II & III
The Assets
42.85 acres of available land
Quick and easy access to Interstate 57 less than one mile away
Zoned for industrial/manufacturing/distribution facilities
Located within a quarter of a mile of the Benton Municipal Airport
City water and sewer, 3 phase electric, and fiber optic internet
TIF District and Enterprise Zone
The Opportunity
Small to medium manufacturing and industrial use