Pennsylvania / Lancaster County

Moving to Lancaster, PA

Thinking of making a move to Lancaster, PA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Lancaster and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Lancaster before you move.

Moving Help for Your Lancaster, PA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Lancaster move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Lancaster, PA Piano Movers Lancaster, PA Cheap Movers Lancaster, PA Small Movers Lancaster, PA Apartment Movers Lancaster, PA Long Distance Movers Lancaster, PA

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lancaster, PA

Considering a move to Lancaster, PA? This welcoming community of 58,039 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $162,000 and average rents near $1,100. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Lancaster's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Lancaster, PA

Lancaster has a population of 58,039 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 32 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 36% White, 16% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 25% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Lancaster is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5. Median home values are around $162,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,100. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 484 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 37. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Pennsylvania.

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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 23°F. The area receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
23°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
42.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $51,563 and a low poverty rate of 22.5%. Over 75% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 6% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like J.P. McCaskey High School and Wheatland Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Franklin & Marshall College and Millersville University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Lancaster residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Lancaster General Hospital and UPMC Lititz nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 90.2% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $162,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 42%. The market has seen a 7.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.6%. Lancaster offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Lancaster handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), conveniently located in Lancaster. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address
131 Rohrerstown Road, Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone
1-800-932-4600

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.

FAQs About Moving to Lancaster, PA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Lancaster, review the core fields on this page: population 58,039, median home value $162,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,100, commute time 23.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

Ready to Move to Lancaster, PA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes