CaliforniaPop. 169,169Mid-size cities
Is Lancaster a Good Place to Live? Lancaster, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lancaster ranks #1267 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #249 of 256 mid-size cities and #185 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (7.3%, #237 of 241) and high violent crime (767 per 100,000, #207 of 235).
Lancaster by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lancaster's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Lancaster?
Lancaster's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,764/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $461,962, 40% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Lancaster | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $461,962#750 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,420/mo#887 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $446,600#882 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,764/mo#934 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.5x#933 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26%#1088 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Lancaster housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Lancaster is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Lancaster safe?
Lancaster recorded 767 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 373 and 74% above California's 440. That ranks #993 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #207 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lancaster Police Department. Property crime runs 1,627 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Lancaster | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 767#993 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,627#533 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Lancaster?
The median household in Lancaster earns $81,511, 6% above the US figure of $76,827 and 11% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 7.3% (US 4.2%). 15.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Lancaster | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $81,511#590 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 7.3%#1032 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 15.6%#897 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +0.7%#317 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lancaster?
The median resident of Lancaster is 34.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 20% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1167 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lancaster | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 34.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 20%#1167 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 60.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lancaster's schools and health?
Lancaster's 34 public schools graduate 79% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.7 students per teacher and $17,819 spent per pupil. 30.6% of adults are obese and 12.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Lancaster | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 79%#900 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 24.7#1161 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $17,819#354 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 30.6%#428 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.6%#885 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.3%#1089 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 12.9%#944 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 30,882 students are enrolled in Lancaster's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lancaster?
The average commute in Lancaster is 30.8 minutes (California 25.2); 1.4% of workers take transit and 9.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lancaster scores 7.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #1084 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.9°F and winters 46.5°F, with 5.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lancaster | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 30.8 min#1154 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 17%#1252 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 72.1% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.4% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.2% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 9.8% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.9#1084 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58.9 | 32.8 | 1 |
| Feb | 61.8 | 36.1 | 1.5 |
| Mar | 67.5 | 40.2 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 73.4 | 45.2 | 0.3 |
| May | 82 | 52.8 | 0.1 |
| Jun | 91 | 59.9 | 0 |
| Jul | 97.6 | 67.4 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 97.7 | 66 | 0 |
| Sep | 91.6 | 58.8 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 79.7 | 48.6 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 67.3 | 37.7 | 0.4 |
| Dec | 57.7 | 31.6 | 1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Palmdale Airport.
| Measure | Lancaster | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 62.6°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 79.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 46.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 5.9 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Palmdale Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lancaster?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Lancaster | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.39%#1172 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Los Angeles County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Los Angeles County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.17% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.16% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0098% | 84% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Lancaster compare with similar-size cities?
Lancaster is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #249 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 169,169.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster, CAPop. 169,169 | #1267 | 40.6 | $81,511 | $1,764/mo | 767 | 30.8 min |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #376 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 | 27.2 min |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #40 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 | 22.5 min |
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #890 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 | 22 min |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #791 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 | 27 min |
| Pembroke Pines, FLPop. 173,194 | #528 | 57.6 | $85,104 | $2,046/mo | 42 | 30.4 min |
| Fort Collins, COPop. 170,229 | #418 | 59.7 | $85,070 | $1,690/mo | 289 | 19.5 min |
| Springfield, MOPop. 169,954 | #1159 | 46.4 | $49,311 | $964/mo | 1,233 | 17.6 min |
| Paterson, NJPop. 158,735 | #1239 | 43.1 | $55,997 | $1,548/mo | 869 | 22.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Lancaster compare with the rest of California?
Lancaster ranks #185 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 40.6 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 11% below the California median. Violent crime is 74% above the statewide rate. Homes are 40% below the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Palmdale, CAPop. 164,634 | … #181 | 41.3 | $81,770 | $1,802/mo | 483 |
| Inglewood, CAPop. 104,569 | #182 | 41.3 | $72,750 | $1,787/mo | 684 |
| San Bernardino, CAPop. 222,724 | #183 | 41.2 | $67,415 | $1,508/mo | 893 |
| East Los Angeles, CAPop. 111,647 | #184 | 40.9 | $68,741 | $1,494/mo | no data |
| Lancaster, CAPop. 169,169 | #185 | 40.6 | $81,511 | $1,764/mo | 767 |
| Compton, CAPop. 92,698 | #186 | 39.2 | $78,465 | $1,664/mo | 1,245 |
| Victorville, CAPop. 137,627 | #187 | 38.6 | $74,410 | $1,618/mo | 740 |
| Florence-Graham, CAPop. 60,690 | #188 | 37.9 | $65,132 | $1,521/mo | no data |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Lancaster among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Lancaster's score calculated?
Lancaster scores 40.6 out of 100, #1267 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Lancaster. Similar-size median 52.9.
36.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lancaster's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
46.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lancaster. Similar-size median 53.8.
52.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lancaster's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
37.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lancaster's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
49.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lancaster. Similar-size median 51.2.
46.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lancaster. Similar-size median 42.1.
36.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lancaster. Similar-size median 50.1.
34.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lancaster's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
36.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lancaster's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lancaster has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Lancaster
Is Lancaster, CA a good place to live?
Lancaster ranks #1267 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #249 of 256 mid-size cities and #185 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (7.3%, #237 of 241) and high violent crime (767 per 100,000, #207 of 235).
What is the cost of living in Lancaster?
Lancaster's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,764/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $461,962, 40% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Lancaster?
Lancaster recorded 767 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 373 and 74% above California's 440. That ranks #993 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #207 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lancaster Police Department. Property crime runs 1,627 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Lancaster?
The median household in Lancaster earns $81,511, 6% above the US figure of $76,827 and 11% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 7.3% (US 4.2%). 15.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Lancaster?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,764/mo (Census), #934 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,420/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lancaster?
Zillow's typical home value in Lancaster is $461,962, down 0.6% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $446,600.
How are the public schools in Lancaster?
Lancaster's 34 public schools graduate 79% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.7 students per teacher and $17,819 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lancaster?
The average commute is 30.8 minutes, #1154 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 17% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lancaster?
Lancaster averages 62.6°F over the year, 79.9°F in summer and 46.5°F in winter, with 5.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lancaster walkable?
Lancaster scores 7.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1084 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Lancaster at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lancaster?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Lancaster?
Lancaster has 169,169 residents. The median resident of Lancaster is 34.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 20% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1167 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lancaster compare with the rest of California?
Lancaster ranks #185 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 40.6 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 11% below the California median. Violent crime is 74% above the statewide rate. Homes are 40% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Lancaster?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lancaster's population of 169,169 are Aurora, IL (#376 overall), Cary, NC (#40 overall), Salem, OR (#890 overall), Clarksville, TN (#791 overall), and Pembroke Pines, FL (#528 overall). Lancaster is #1267.