There is one unique ZIP code in Franklin, Massachusetts and it is 02038. Area code: 508/774.
1
ZIP codes
26.64
sq mi land
0.39
sq mi water
508/774
area code
Franklin, MA ZIP code map
About Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA is a vibrant town located in Norfolk County in the eastern part of Massachusetts, served by a single ZIP code, 02038. Situated roughly midway between Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, Franklin offers residents a blend of suburban convenience and small-town charm. The town is well-regarded for its excellent public schools, active community life, and strong civic identity that traces back centuries.
Location & geography
Franklin is located in Norfolk County in southeastern Massachusetts, positioned approximately 30 miles southwest of Boston and about 25 miles north of Providence, Rhode Island. Neighboring communities include Milford to the west, Wrentham to the south, Medway to the north, and Bellingham to the southwest, making Franklin a central hub within the Metrowest and Blackstone Valley regions. The town covers 26.64 square miles of land and 0.39 square miles of water, with gentle rolling terrain, woodlands, and portions of the Beaver Brook and Mine Brook watersheds threading through the landscape.
Community & economy
Franklin has the character of a thriving New England town with a strong sense of community, supported by active neighborhood associations, seasonal festivals, and a bustling downtown Main Street corridor. The local economy draws on a mix of healthcare, education, retail, and light manufacturing, with a number of corporate offices and small businesses operating throughout town. Daily life in Franklin revolves around its highly rated public school system, the Dean College campus, local dining and shopping districts, and well-maintained parks and recreational trails.
Transportation
Franklin is well connected by major roadways, including Interstate 495 and Route 140, which serve as primary corridors for commuters traveling north toward Boston or south toward Providence. The town is served by the MBTA Commuter Rail on the Franklin Line, with stops at Franklin/Dean College and Forge Park/495 stations, providing direct rail service into Boston's South Station. The nearest major airports are T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, approximately 25 miles to the south, and Boston Logan International Airport, roughly 35 miles to the northeast.
History
Franklin was officially incorporated as a town in 1778 and holds the distinction of being the first municipality in the United States named in honor of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. In appreciation of the honor, Benjamin Franklin himself donated 116 books to the town, which became the foundation of what is recognized as one of the earliest public libraries in the country. Through the 19th century, Franklin developed a notable hat-making and straw goods industry, contributing to the region's early manufacturing economy.
Did you know?
Franklin is home to Dean College, a private institution that has been a cornerstone of higher education and performing arts in the region since 1865. Perhaps surprisingly, the town's Benjamin Franklin Public Library traces its origins to a personal book donation from Franklin himself, making it one of America's oldest library traditions born from a single act of civic generosity.