Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lancaster, MA
Considering a move to Lancaster, MA? With a close-knit population of just over 8,200, Lancaster offers a peaceful New England setting with a median home price around $455,000 and average rents near $1,320. Residents enjoy low crime rates, short commutes averaging 29 minutes, and access to highly rated public schools. The community boasts high educational attainment, strong incomes, and beautiful seasonal weather—making it a great spot for families seeking safety and scenic charm.
Demographics - Lancaster, MA
Demographics - Lancaster, MA
Lancaster is a small town of about 8,200 residents, with a median age of just over 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, while about 8.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, creating a modest level of diversity.
Population:
8,228
Density:
320 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.8%
Black:
4.9%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
7.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lancaster, MA?
Living in Lancaster comes with a cost of living index above the national average, driven mainly by housing and utilities. The median home value is $455,000, and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,320 per month, reflecting the area's desirable New England setting.
Median House Value:
$455,000
Gross Rent:
$1,320
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$750
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
127.5
Grocery:
112.0
Housing:
138.0
Utilities:
118.0
Transportation:
125.0
Health Care:
115.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Lancaster, MA a safe place to live?
Lancaster is considered a safe community, with violent crime rates as low as 80 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime rates at 600 per 100,000. Residents face a low chance of violent crime, estimated at just 1 in 1,250.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
80
Property Crimes Per 100k:
600
Crime Index:
680
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 167
Weather
What is the weather like in Lancaster, MA year-round?
Lancaster experiences classic New England seasons, with cold winters averaging lows near 16°F and warm summers reaching highs around 82°F. The town sees about 48 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine on over half of all days.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Lancaster’s neighborhoods are characterized by strong household incomes, with a median household income of $107,000 and a low poverty rate of 5%. Most residents are well educated, with nearly 95% holding at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is just under 30 minutes.
Median Income:
$47,900
Household Income:
$107,000
Family Income:
$120,000
Per Capita Income:
$41,900
Income Male:
$57,000
Income Female:
$45,000
Poverty Rate:
5.0%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,320
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
29.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.8%
Bachelors or More:
39.5%
Education
How are the schools in Lancaster, MA?
Lancaster offers families access to well-rated public schools, including Mary Rowlandson Elementary and Nashoba Regional High School, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. Private and higher education options, such as Trivium School and nearby colleges like Fitchburg State University, provide additional learning opportunities within short driving distance.

Public Schools
Name:
Mary Rowlandson Elementary School
Street:
103 Hollywood Dr
Phone:
978-368-8482
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.3
Name:
Nashoba Regional High School
Street:
12 Green Rd, Bolton
Phone:
978-779-2257
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5

Private Schools
Name:
Trivium School
Street:
471 Langen Rd
Phone:
978-365-4795
Students:
80

Colleges
Name:
Mount Wachusett Community College
City:
Gardner
State:
MA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
3,700
Name:
Fitchburg State University
City:
Fitchburg
State:
MA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with nearly all locals covered by health insurance and major hospitals like UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital nearby. There are about 2.9 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring quality medical care is within easy reach.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital
Address:
60 Hospital Rd, Leominster, MA 01453
Phone:
(978) 466-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Nashoba Valley Medical Center
Address:
200 Groton Rd, Ayer, MA 01432
Phone:
(978) 784-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lancaster, MA?
Lancaster’s housing market is mostly owner-occupied, with nearly 79% of homes owned by residents and a healthy home appreciation rate of 6.7% over the past year. Median home prices are $455,000, and the rental vacancy rate remains low, reflecting steady demand for housing.
Median Home Price:
$455,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,320
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
For motor vehicle services, Lancaster residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office in Quincy. The DMV offers a range of services both in-person and online, making registration and licensing convenient for locals.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
25 Newport Ave Ext, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.