PennsylvaniaPop. 57,719Smaller cities
Is Lancaster a Good Place to Live? Lancaster, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lancaster ranks #634 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #281 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($219,500, #89 of 524), and trails on high poverty (20.3%, #461 of 524) and low household income ($63,690, #408 of 524).
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 98.3, 2% below the US level of 100 and #601 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,240/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $219,500.
| Measure | Lancaster | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 98.3#601 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,547/mo#377 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $219,500#296 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,240/mo#476 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.4%#820 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Lancaster safe?
Lancaster recorded 374 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 14% above the US rate of 328 and 65% above Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #684 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #304 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lancaster Police Department. Property crime runs 1,380 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lancaster | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 374#684 of 1,085 | 227 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,380#410 of 1,085 | 1,324 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania 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 $63,690, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 20.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lancaster | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $63,690#959 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 20.3%#1122 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania 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 32.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #815 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lancaster | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 32.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 29.4%#815 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 48.6% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lancaster's schools and health?
Lancaster's 20 public schools graduate 84.4% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $22,406 spent per pupil. 40.1% of adults are obese and 12.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Lancaster | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84.4%#739 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 11.9#74 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $22,406#107 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 40.1%#1125 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.1%#810 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.2%#1076 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 14.6%#1052 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,757 students are enrolled in Lancaster's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lancaster?
The average commute in Lancaster is 23.6 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 4.3% of workers take transit and 10.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lancaster scores 9.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #750 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.4°F and winters 32.9°F, with 42.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lancaster | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23.6 min#644 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.8%#808 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 59.8% | 68.5% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 4.3% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 10.2% | 3.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.4% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 10.3% | 13.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.5#750 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania 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 | 39.6 | 21.7 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 42.3 | 23.2 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 51.6 | 30.6 | 3.3 |
| Apr | 63.5 | 40 | 3.3 |
| May | 73.7 | 50.4 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 82.3 | 60.1 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 86.2 | 64.6 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 84.6 | 62.5 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 77.8 | 55.5 | 4.7 |
| Oct | 66 | 43.8 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 54.4 | 33.9 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 44.1 | 26.7 | 3.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lancaster Airport.
| Measure | Lancaster | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 32.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 42.1 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lancaster Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lancaster?
Lancaster County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lancaster County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 68% of US counties.
| Measure | Lancaster | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#454 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lancaster County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lancaster County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.014% | 78% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0061% | 70% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.088% | 57% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0025% | 25% 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #281 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 57,719.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster, PAPop. 57,719 | #634 | 56.1 | $63,690 | $1,240/mo | 374 | 23.6 min |
| Royal Oak, MIPop. 57,950 | #94 | 68.6 | $101,109 | $1,381/mo | 153 | 23.8 min |
| Bowie, MDPop. 57,926 | #190 | 64.8 | $141,995 | $2,330/mo | 205 | 34.8 min |
| Orland Park, ILPop. 57,916 | #171 | 65.3 | $98,910 | $1,440/mo | 9 | 33.8 min |
| Kannapolis, NCPop. 57,890 | #512 | 57.9 | $73,836 | $1,319/mo | 170 | 26.2 min |
| Brookhaven, GAPop. 57,855 | #168 | 65.4 | $117,663 | $1,882/mo | 265 | 25.1 min |
| Lacey, WAPop. 57,737 | #449 | 59.0 | $90,625 | $1,870/mo | 220 | 25.4 min |
| Pocatello, IDPop. 57,635 | #689 | 55.1 | $60,418 | $948/mo | 331 | 16.2 min |
| Decatur, ALPop. 57,361 | #865 | 52.2 | $61,563 | $896/mo | 634 | 21.1 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 Pennsylvania?
Lancaster ranks #8 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 56.1 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 18% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 65% above the statewide rate.
| City | Rank in PA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel Park, PAPop. 32,881 | #1 | 72.4 | $107,090 | $1,311/mo | 44 |
| Levittown, PAPop. 50,926 | #2 | 62.1 | $105,071 | $1,556/mo | no data |
| State College, PAPop. 41,050 | #3 | 62.0 | $45,424 | $1,273/mo | 153 |
| Easton, PAPop. 29,739 | #4 | 61.8 | $69,348 | $1,325/mo | 167 |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #5 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 |
| Bethlehem, PAPop. 77,956 | #6 | 60.7 | $68,879 | $1,382/mo | 197 |
| Drexel Hill, PAPop. 30,451 | #7 | 59.5 | $88,168 | $1,357/mo | no data |
| Lancaster, PAPop. 57,719 | #8 | 56.1 | $63,690 | $1,240/mo | 374 |
| Norristown, PAPop. 35,893 | #9 | 55.0 | $66,701 | $1,422/mo | 487 |
| Altoona, PAPop. 43,196 | #10 | 54.6 | $51,250 | $819/mo | 285 |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #11 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 |
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #12 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 |
| Erie, PAPop. 93,850 | #13 | 52.5 | $46,113 | $870/mo | 315 |
| York, PAPop. 44,938 | #14 | 50.4 | $48,420 | $1,014/mo | 443 |
| Hazleton, PAPop. 30,111 | #15 | 49.0 | $46,177 | $1,089/mo | 164 |
| Wilkes-Barre, PAPop. 44,423 | #16 | 48.5 | $48,515 | $946/mo | 413 |
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #17 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 |
| Harrisburg, PAPop. 50,287 | #18 | 47.3 | $48,099 | $1,062/mo | 634 |
| Reading, PAPop. 95,242 | #19 | 45.8 | $44,091 | $1,067/mo | 258 |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #20 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 |
All 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, by overall score. Pennsylvania statewide: median income $77,545, violent crime 226.8 per 100,000.
How is Lancaster's score calculated?
Lancaster scores 56.1 out of 100, #634 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Pennsylvania'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 55.5.
47.2 - 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 77.8.
73.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lancaster. Similar-size median 58.9.
40.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lancaster's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
76.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lancaster's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
74.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lancaster. Similar-size median 56.1.
30.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lancaster. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lancaster. Similar-size median 50.0.
61.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lancaster's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
44.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
59.2 - 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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, PA a good place to live?
Lancaster ranks #634 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #281 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($219,500, #89 of 524), and trails on high poverty (20.3%, #461 of 524) and low household income ($63,690, #408 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Lancaster?
Lancaster's cost of living index is 98.3, 2% below the US level of 100 and #601 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,240/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $219,500.
What is the crime rate in Lancaster?
Lancaster recorded 374 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 14% above the US rate of 328 and 65% above Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #684 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #304 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lancaster Police Department. Property crime runs 1,380 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lancaster?
The median household in Lancaster earns $63,690, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 20.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lancaster?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,240/mo (Census), #476 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,547/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lancaster?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Lancaster is $219,500, #296 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Lancaster?
Lancaster's 20 public schools graduate 84.4% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $22,406 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lancaster?
The average commute is 23.6 minutes, #644 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 6.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lancaster?
Lancaster averages 53.3°F over the year, 73.4°F in summer and 32.9°F in winter, with 42.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lancaster walkable?
Lancaster scores 9.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #750 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 Lancaster County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 68% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lancaster?
Lancaster County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Lancaster?
Lancaster has 57,719 residents. The median resident of Lancaster is 32.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #815 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lancaster compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Lancaster ranks #8 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 56.1 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 18% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 65% above the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to Lancaster?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lancaster's population of 57,719 are Royal Oak, MI (#94 overall), Bowie, MD (#190 overall), Orland Park, IL (#171 overall), Kannapolis, NC (#512 overall), and Brookhaven, GA (#168 overall). Lancaster is #634.