There is one unique ZIP code in Franklin, Pennsylvania and it is 16323. Area code: 814.
1
ZIP codes
99.97
sq mi land
2.10
sq mi water
814
area code
Franklin, PA ZIP code map
About Franklin, PA
Franklin, Pennsylvania is a charming city located in Venango County in the northwestern part of the Keystone State, serving as the county seat and a hub of regional activity. The city carries a single ZIP code, 16323, making it straightforward to navigate for mail delivery and local services. With a rich history rooted in the oil industry and a welcoming small-city atmosphere, Franklin offers residents and visitors alike a compelling blend of heritage and everyday convenience.
Location & geography
Franklin is situated in northwestern Pennsylvania along the Allegheny River, roughly 70 miles north of Pittsburgh and about 60 miles southeast of Erie. Nearby communities include Oil City, approximately 10 miles to the south, Meadville about 35 miles to the northwest, and Clarion roughly 30 miles to the east. The area spans 99.97 square miles of land and 2.10 square miles of water, with the Allegheny River and French Creek converging near the city, creating a scenic and historically significant waterway landscape marked by rolling hills and forested ridges.
Community & economy
Franklin has the feel of a close-knit county seat where neighbors know each other and local events draw strong community participation throughout the year. The local economy has historically been tied to oil production, manufacturing, and regional commerce, with healthcare, retail, and small businesses playing important roles in the modern economy. Daily life in Franklin revolves around the downtown district along Liberty Street, local dining establishments, and community gatherings at Barrow-Civic Theatre and Veterans Memorial Park.
Transportation
Franklin is accessible via U.S. Route 322 and U.S. Route 62, both of which serve as primary corridors connecting the city to neighboring communities and regional destinations. Pennsylvania Route 8 also passes through the area, linking Franklin to Oil City to the south and points north toward Meadville. The nearest major commercial airport is Pittsburgh International Airport, approximately 80 miles to the south, while Northwest Regional Airport in Sharpsville provides general aviation services closer to the region.
History
Franklin is one of the oldest settlements in western Pennsylvania, with its origins tracing back to a colonial-era trading post and the construction of Fort Venango by the French in the mid-1700s, a site later occupied by the British and significant during the French and Indian War. The city experienced dramatic growth in the second half of the 19th century when the discovery of oil in the Venango County region helped launch what became the American petroleum industry, with figures like John D. Rockefeller having ties to early oil operations in the broader Oil Region. Franklin was formally incorporated as a borough in 1828 and later as a city, establishing itself as an enduring center of government and commerce for Venango County.
Did you know?
Franklin sits at the heart of the Pennsylvania Oil Region, which is recognized as a National Historic Landmark district and is considered the birthplace of the modern commercial oil industry following Edwin Drake's 1859 well drilled nearby in Titusville. The confluence of the Allegheny River and French Creek just outside the city has made Franklin a notable spot for outdoor recreation, including kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching, surprising many visitors who expect only industrial heritage rather than natural beauty.
