Lancaster, PA
Population 57,683 · Pennsylvania
About Lancaster, PA
Lancaster is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 57,683 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,421 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lancaster features a median home value of $203,700, which is 17% 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 $1,177, 1% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 22,285 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (10,088 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (11,155 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lancaster shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lancaster have an average one-way commute time of 23.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.1% of Lancaster residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.3% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 29.7% Black or African American, and 8.5% Asian residents, with 13.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lancaster Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Lancaster, PA
Compared to national averages, Lancaster has a median household income of $63,421 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $203,700, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,177 is 1% above the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Lancaster's income is 14% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 7% above the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Lancaster, PA?
Lancaster offers affordable housing with a median home value of $203,700, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 23.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,421) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Lancaster provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Lancaster has a population of 57,683 with a median age of 31.9 years. Compare Lancaster with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Lancaster
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levittown | 50,930 | $101,619 | $311,000 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 50,092 | $47,783 | $121,000 | Compare |
| York | 44,830 | $47,115 | $103,100 | Compare |
| Wilkes-Barre | 44,217 | $47,970 | $108,000 | Compare |
| Altoona | 43,508 | $50,171 | $113,600 | Compare |
| State College | 40,669 | $47,132 | $414,400 | Compare |
| Scranton | 76,074 | $49,531 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Bethlehem | 77,069 | $66,443 | $236,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
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, PA?
The population of Lancaster, PA is 57,683 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Lancaster?
The median household income in Lancaster, PA is $63,421 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster, PA is $203,700, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lancaster?
The median monthly rent in Lancaster, PA is $1,177, which is 1% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lancaster?
The unemployment rate in Lancaster, PA is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lancaster, PA a good place to live?
Lancaster offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 57,683 and a median age of 31.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lancaster, PA?
27.1% 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, PA: median home value is $203,700 (17% below national), median rent is $1,177/month, and median household income is $63,421. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lancaster?
The poverty rate in Lancaster, PA is 20.7%, 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, PA?
Lancaster's population is 2.3% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 29.7% Black or African American, 8.5% Asian, and 12.2% two or more races. 13.6% of residents are foreign-born.