Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lancaster, PA
Thinking of moving to Lancaster, PA? With a population of about 58,000, Lancaster offers affordable living—median home prices are around $162,000 and average rents about $1,100. Residents enjoy a quick average commute of 23 minutes, mild seasons with 54% sunny days, and a vibrant, diverse community. While crime rates are higher than average, Lancaster is home to excellent healthcare and a lively downtown, plus easy access to local colleges and cultural attractions.
Demographics - Lancaster, PA
Demographics - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster is a vibrant city of about 58,000 residents, known for its diverse community where over 25% speak a language other than English at home. The median age is 32, giving the city a youthful energy, and the population density of 8,000 per square mile creates an urban, close-knit feel.
Population:
58,039
Density:
8,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
25.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
35.8%
Black:
15.8%
Asian:
4.3%
Others:
44.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lancaster, PA?
Living in Lancaster is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $162,000 and average rent around $1,100 per month. The cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive option for both renters and homeowners, while state income tax remains low at 3.07%.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,325
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
71.4
Utilities:
102.5
Transportation:
95.3
Health Care:
96.2
Miscellaneous:
98.1
Crime
Is Lancaster, PA a safe place to live?
Lancaster experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with about 484 violent crimes and 2,721 property crimes per 100,000 residents. While the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 37, the city continues to invest in community safety and revitalization efforts.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
484
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,721
Crime Index:
3,205
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 206
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 37
Weather
What is the weather like in Lancaster, PA year-round?
Lancaster enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F, chilly winters dipping to 23°F, and comfortable spring and fall temperatures. The city receives around 43 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny weather 54% of the year, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Lancaster’s neighborhoods reflect a broad economic and cultural mix, with a median household income of about $51,500 and a 22.5% poverty rate. Residents benefit from a short average commute of 23 minutes, and over three-quarters have at least a high school education, contributing to a dynamic local community.
Median Income:
$27,284
Household Income:
$51,563
Family Income:
$56,800
Per Capita Income:
$23,678
Income Male:
$29,600
Income Female:
$25,100
Poverty Rate:
22.5%
Non English Speakers:
25.4%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
5.9%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
75.3%
Bachelors or More:
21.6%
Education
How are the schools in Lancaster, PA?
Lancaster offers a range of educational opportunities, from public schools like J.P. McCaskey High School to private institutions and local colleges such as Franklin & Marshall College. The city’s schools provide a solid foundation, while nearby universities offer higher education options for all interests.
Public Schools
Name:
J.P. McCaskey High School
Street:
445 N Reservoir St
Phone:
717-291-6211
Students:
2,650
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Name:
Wheatland Middle School
Street:
919 Hamilton Park Dr
Phone:
717-291-6294
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Lancaster Catholic High School
Street:
650 Juliette Ave
Phone:
717-509-0315
Students:
600
Colleges
Name:
Franklin & Marshall College
City:
Lancaster
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,300
Name:
Millersville University
City:
Millersville
State:
PA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
7,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Lancaster is robust, with major hospitals like Lancaster General Hospital and UPMC Lititz offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The city has about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 90% of locals have health insurance coverage, ensuring good access to medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lancaster General Hospital
Address:
555 N Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone:
(717) 544-5511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UPMC Lititz
Address:
1500 Highlands Dr, Lititz, PA 17543
Phone:
(717) 625-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lancaster, PA?
Lancaster’s housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $162,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,100. Home values have appreciated by 7.3% in the past year, and while less than half of residences are owner-occupied, rental options are plentiful.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing services in Lancaster are managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), conveniently located on Rohrerstown Road. Residents can find comprehensive DMV resources and support both in person and online through the state’s official website.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
131 Rohrerstown Road, Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone:
1-800-932-4600
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.