Lancaster, SC
Population 8,738 · South Carolina
About Lancaster, SC
Lancaster is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 8,738 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,234 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 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 $226,300, which is 8% 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 $824, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,920 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (1,574 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (1,978 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 14.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lancaster have an average one-way commute time of 25.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.3% 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 6.7% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 7.5% Asian residents, with 10.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lancaster, SC
Compared to national averages, Lancaster has a median household income of $43,234 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $226,300, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $824 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Lancaster's income is 26% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 12% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Lancaster, SC?
Lancaster offers affordable housing with a median home value of $226,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $824/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,234) 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 8,738 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Lancaster with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Lancaster
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| York | 8,697 | $47,315 | $161,000 | Compare |
| Seneca | 8,910 | $52,207 | $223,100 | Compare |
| Sangaree | 8,517 | $77,939 | $231,900 | Compare |
| Georgetown | 8,511 | $57,704 | $158,600 | Compare |
| Sans Souci | 8,199 | $46,276 | $199,100 | Compare |
| Hardeeville | 9,293 | $78,233 | $467,500 | Compare |
| Laurens | 9,307 | $55,207 | $139,800 | Compare |
| Travelers Rest | 8,137 | $49,655 | $281,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Carolina
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, SC?
The population of Lancaster, SC is 8,738 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Lancaster?
The median household income in Lancaster, SC is $43,234 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster, SC is $226,300, which is 8% 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, SC is $824, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lancaster?
The unemployment rate in Lancaster, SC is 14.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lancaster, SC a good place to live?
Lancaster offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,738 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lancaster, SC?
17.3% 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, SC: median home value is $226,300 (8% below national), median rent is $824/month, and median household income is $43,234. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lancaster?
The poverty rate in Lancaster, SC is 27.5%, 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, SC?
Lancaster's population is 6.7% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 7.5% Asian, and 46.1% two or more races. 10.6% of residents are foreign-born.