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.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lancaster, PA

Considering a move to Lancaster, PA? This welcoming community of 59,788 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $265,000 and average rents near $1,250. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (55% 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 59,788 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 43% White, 17% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 35% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
59,788
Density
8,500 per sq mi
Median Age
32.4
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
35.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
43.0%
Black
16.5%
Asian
4.2%
Others
36.3%

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 97.5. Median home values are around $265,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,250. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$265,000
Gross Rent
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges
$142
Auto Insurance
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$720
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 3.07%
Cost Of Living Index
97.5
Grocery
98.0
Housing
92.0
Utilities
104.0
Transportation
101.0
Health Care
102.0
Miscellaneous
96.0

Crime

Is Lancaster, PA a safe place to live?

Lancaster is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 720 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. 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
720
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,850
Crime Index
3,570
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 139
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 35

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 24°F. The area receives about 42 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 55% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
41.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
55%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $52,000 and a low poverty rate of 18.5%. Over 81% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 20% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 13% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$33,500
Household Income
$52,000
Family Income
$64,500
Per Capita Income
$24,500
Income Male
$38,000
Income Female
$32,000
Poverty Rate
18.5%
Non English Speakers
32.0%
Rent
$1,250
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
Public Transport Usage
12.5%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
81.0%
Bachelors or More
19.5%

Education

How are the schools in Lancaster, PA?

Lancaster offers quality education options, with public schools like MCCAS - Phoenix Academy and JP McCaskey High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Franklin & Marshall College, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, and Millersville University of Pennsylvania. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
MCCAS - Phoenix Academy
Street
31 S Prince St
Phone
717-299-2803
Students
800
Student Teacher Ratio
13.5
Name
JP McCaskey High School
Street
1051 Lehigh Ave
Phone
717-291-6211
Students
2,600
Student Teacher Ratio
15.2

Private Schools

Name
Sacred Heart School
Street
235 Nevin St
Phone
717-397-6921
Students
220
Name
Lancaster Country Day School
Street
725 Hamilton Rd
Phone
717-392-2916
Students
500

Colleges

Name
Franklin & Marshall College
City
Lancaster
State
PA
Distance
1 miles
Students
2,400
Name
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
City
Lancaster
State
PA
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,800
Name
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
City
Millersville
State
PA
Distance
8 miles
Students
7,500

Healthcare

Lancaster residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Lancaster General Hospital and Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health - Women & Babies Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 92.0% 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
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health - Women & Babies Hospital
Address
690 Good Dr, Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone
(717) 544-3700
Type
Specialty
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
92.0%
Health Care Index
78.0

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Lancaster, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $265,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 49%. The market has seen a 4.0% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.0%. Lancaster offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate
48.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.0%
New Construction Rate
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Lancaster handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Harrisburg. 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
Address
1101 S. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone
1-717-412-5300

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 59,788, median home value $265,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,250, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 55%.

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