Lancaster, OH
Population 40,902 · Ohio
About Lancaster, OH
Lancaster is a mid-sized city located in Ohio with a population of 40,902 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,901 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lancaster features a median home value of $180,200, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lancaster in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $999, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 18,153 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (9,535 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (7,223 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lancaster shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lancaster have an average one-way commute time of 26.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.3% of Lancaster residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.9% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lancaster Ranks in Ohio
Cost of Living in Lancaster, OH
Compared to national averages, Lancaster has a median household income of $54,901 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $180,200, which is 26% below the national median. Monthly rent at $999 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Lancaster's income is 24% below the state average of $71,814, and home values are 3% above the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Lancaster, OH?
Lancaster offers affordable housing with a median home value of $180,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $999/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,901) that falls below the national average. However, Lancaster’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lancaster has a population of 40,902 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Lancaster with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Lancaster
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reynoldsburg | 41,032 | $71,381 | $230,300 | Compare |
| Findlay | 40,280 | $57,344 | $183,300 | Compare |
| Grove City | 41,831 | $90,888 | $283,300 | Compare |
| Warren | 39,057 | $36,955 | $80,100 | Compare |
| Delaware | 43,168 | $92,928 | $279,400 | Compare |
| Westerville | 38,543 | $107,054 | $343,200 | Compare |
| Huber Heights | 43,266 | $76,551 | $161,900 | Compare |
| Fairfield | 44,597 | $70,166 | $218,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Ohio
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Lancaster With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lancaster
What is the population of Lancaster, OH?
The population of Lancaster, OH is 40,902 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Ohio.
What is the median household income in Lancaster?
The median household income in Lancaster, OH is $54,901 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster, OH is $180,200, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lancaster?
The median monthly rent in Lancaster, OH is $999, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lancaster?
The unemployment rate in Lancaster, OH is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lancaster, OH a good place to live?
Lancaster offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 40,902 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lancaster, OH?
21.3% of residents in Lancaster aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Lancaster?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lancaster, OH: median home value is $180,200 (26% below national), median rent is $999/month, and median household income is $54,901. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lancaster?
The poverty rate in Lancaster, OH is 14.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Lancaster, OH?
Lancaster's population is 0.9% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.