Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lancaster, NY
Thinking of moving to Lancaster, NY? With a friendly population of just over 43,000 and a median home price around $265,000, Lancaster offers an affordable, suburban lifestyle with top-rated schools and a low crime rate—violent crime here is just 65 per 100K. Expect a manageable 22-minute average commute, four distinct seasons, and plenty of sunny days. Lancaster is perfect for families and professionals seeking a safe, community-oriented town with great access to Buffalo and strong public schools.
Demographics - Lancaster, NY
Demographics - Lancaster, NY
Lancaster, NY is a predominantly White suburban community with a population of just over 43,000 and a median age of 44.9 years, offering a balanced gender ratio and a family-friendly atmosphere. The area has a moderate population density and a small but diverse non-English speaking community, making it welcoming for newcomers. Residents enjoy a close-knit, stable environment ideal for families and professionals.
Population:
43,053
Density:
1,235 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.9
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.1%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lancaster, NY?
Lancaster's cost of living is slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $265,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom around $1,200. Utility and transportation costs are moderate, and groceries are on par with national rates, making the area affordable for most families. State taxes range from 4% to 10.9%, but overall expenses remain manageable for residents.
Median House Value:
$265,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.5
Grocery:
101.0
Housing:
92.0
Utilities:
105.0
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
102.0
Miscellaneous:
99.5
Crime
Is Lancaster, NY a safe place to live?
Lancaster boasts a notably low crime rate, with violent crimes at just 65 per 100,000 people and property crimes at 610 per 100,000, ensuring a safe environment for families. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is only 1 in 1,540, much lower than many U.S. communities. This strong sense of security contributes to Lancaster’s appeal as a desirable place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
65
Property Crimes Per 100k:
610
Crime Index:
675
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 164
Weather
What is the weather like in Lancaster, NY year-round?
Lancaster experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters averaging lows of 18°F and warm summers reaching highs of 81°F. Residents enjoy about 48% sunny days each year and receive approximately 40.7 inches of annual rainfall, supporting lush green spaces. The climate encourages a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Households in Lancaster typically earn a median income of $80,400, with a low poverty rate of 4.7% and high educational attainment—over 96% of adults have at least a high school diploma. The average commute is a convenient 22 minutes, and unemployment is low at 3.2%. The community is stable and well-educated, creating a supportive neighborhood feel.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$80,400
Family Income:
$102,500
Per Capita Income:
$38,200
Income Male:
$54,300
Income Female:
$43,600
Poverty Rate:
4.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.7%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.4%
Bachelors or More:
37.1%
Education
How are the schools in Lancaster, NY?
Families in Lancaster benefit from highly regarded public schools, like Lancaster High School, featuring low student-teacher ratios and strong academic programs. Private school and college options are also accessible, with the University at Buffalo just 13 miles away. The local focus on education makes Lancaster an excellent choice for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Lancaster High School
Street:
1 Forton Dr
Phone:
716-686-3255
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Court Street Elementary School
Street:
91 Court St
Phone:
716-686-3630
Students:
580
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary's High School
Street:
142 Laverack Ave
Phone:
716-683-4824
Students:
400
Colleges
Name:
University at Buffalo
City:
Buffalo
State:
NY
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
32,000
Name:
Erie Community College
City:
Williamsville
State:
NY
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
10,000
Healthcare
Lancaster residents benefit from access to major hospitals like Buffalo General Medical Center and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital nearby, with a high rate of health insurance coverage at 96.2%. The area offers a solid physician-to-resident ratio and a healthcare index of 77.2, ensuring quality medical care is readily available. Emergency services are easily accessible, adding to overall peace of mind.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Buffalo General Medical Center
Address:
100 High St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone:
(716) 859-5600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital
Address:
1540 Maple Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221
Phone:
(716) 568-3600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.2%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lancaster, NY?
The Lancaster housing market offers affordability and stability, with a median home price of $265,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of nearly 76%. Home values have appreciated by 6.3% in the past year, while the rental vacancy rate remains low at 4.1%. Both buyers and renters find the area attractive for its value and investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Lancaster residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Depew, providing convenient access to licensing and vehicle registration services. The DMV office is well-connected through the state’s online portal for added convenience. Residents can expect efficient support for all standard DMV needs.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2122 George Urban Blvd, Depew, NY 14043
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
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.