Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lancaster, OH
Considering a move to Lancaster, OH? This welcoming city of 40,505 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $170,000 and average rents near $970. Residents enjoy a reasonable 23-minute commute, a family-friendly environment, and access to local schools and healthcare. While the cost of living is below the national average, Lancaster features a relatively low violent crime rate and pleasant Midwestern weather with 57% sunny days each year. Discover Lancaster's community spirit, affordable housing, and small-city charm below!
Demographics - Lancaster, OH
Demographics - Lancaster, OH
Lancaster, OH is home to about 40,500 residents, with a median age of 38.6 and a population density of 2,400 per square mile. The city is predominantly White at 93%, and features a balanced gender ratio, making it a close-knit and family-friendly community.
Population:
40,505
Density:
2,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.6
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lancaster, OH?
With a cost of living index at 83.2, Lancaster is notably more affordable than many U.S. cities. Median home values hover around $170,000, and monthly rents average $970, appealing to both homebuyers and renters seeking budget-friendly options.
Median House Value:
$170,000
Gross Rent:
$970
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,340
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
2.85%
|
High:
3.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.2
Grocery:
96.5
Housing:
59.1
Utilities:
100.3
Transportation:
99.2
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Lancaster, OH a safe place to live?
Lancaster experiences a low violent crime rate of 172 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a reassuring sense of safety. Property crimes are more common, with a 1 in 45 chance, but the city's overall crime index remains manageable for families and newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
172
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,210
Crime Index:
2,382
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 581
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Lancaster, OH year-round?
Lancaster enjoys a classic Midwestern climate, featuring warm summers with highs around 85°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. Residents benefit from 57% sunny days and about 39.5 inches of annual rainfall, making for four distinct and pleasant seasons.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Households in Lancaster have a median income of $52,700 and an average commute of around 23 minutes. The area maintains a modest 4.2% unemployment rate, and nearly 90% of adults have at least a high school diploma, contributing to a stable and educated community.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$52,700
Family Income:
$66,500
Per Capita Income:
$27,100
Income Male:
$40,500
Income Female:
$32,200
Poverty Rate:
13.3%
Non English Speakers:
2.7%
Rent:
$970
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.9%
Bachelors or More:
16.8%
Education
How are the schools in Lancaster, OH?
Lancaster is served by a mix of public and private schools, such as Lancaster High School and Fisher Catholic High School, offering diverse educational opportunities. Higher education is easily accessible with Ohio University Lancaster in town, making it convenient for students pursuing college degrees.

Public Schools
Name:
Lancaster High School
Street:
1312 Granville Pike
Phone:
740-681-7500
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
General Sherman Junior High
Street:
701 Union St
Phone:
740-687-7344
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Private Schools
Name:
Fisher Catholic High School
Street:
1803 Granville Pike
Phone:
740-654-1231
Students:
150

Colleges
Name:
Ohio University Lancaster
City:
Lancaster
State:
OH
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,200
Name:
Hocking College
City:
Nelsonville
State:
OH
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Lancaster offers accessible healthcare, with major facilities like Fairfield Medical Center providing emergency services. The city has about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 93% of the population is covered by health insurance, ensuring reliable medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Fairfield Medical Center
Address:
401 N Ewing St, Lancaster, OH 43130
Phone:
(740) 687-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
72.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lancaster, OH?
Lancaster's housing market is attractive for buyers, with a median home price of $170,000 and a 61% owner-occupancy rate. Rental vacancy is around 7.8%, and home values have appreciated by 3.7% over the past year, signaling a steady and accessible market.
Median Home Price:
$170,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$970
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can handle their vehicle and licensing needs at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles located on Liberty Drive in Lancaster. The local DMV office offers a full range of state services and resources, making it convenient for new and current drivers.
State:
Ohio
Department:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
980 Liberty Dr, Lancaster, OH 43130
Phone:
1-844-644-6268
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.