Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lancaster, SC
Considering a move to Lancaster, SC? With a welcoming population of 9,155, this small city boasts a very affordable median home price of $163,000 and average rents near $950, making it budget-friendly for families and first-time buyers. Commute times are short at just over 23 minutes, and you'll enjoy a sunny climate with 62% sunny days each year. While property crime rates are higher than average, Lancaster offers access to local healthcare, a nearby branch of the University of South Carolina, and a relaxed pace of life that appeals to many new residents.
Demographics - Lancaster, SC
Demographics - Lancaster, SC
Lancaster is home to 9,155 residents with a balanced mix of White and Black populations, and a median age of 37.2 years, reflecting a diverse and mature community. The city features a moderate population density and a noticeable presence of non-English speakers, contributing to its multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
9,155
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
86 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
49.8%
Black:
45.1%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lancaster, SC?
Lancaster offers a cost of living significantly below the national average, with a median home value of $163,000 and typical rents around $950 per month. Residents benefit from affordable utilities and groceries, making the city appealing for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$163,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,095
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
94.3
Housing:
66.0
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
85.2
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
92.6
Crime
Is Lancaster, SC a safe place to live?
Lancaster experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a property crime risk of 1 in 29 and a violent crime risk of 1 in 161 residents. While safety is a consideration, many residents appreciate the community atmosphere and take common-sense precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
620
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,450
Crime Index:
4,070
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 161
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Lancaster, SC year-round?
Lancaster enjoys a mild climate with warm summers reaching up to 91°F, cool winters averaging lows of 31°F, and about 44 inches of rainfall annually. With 62% of days being sunny, the city offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
31°F
Max:
53°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents in Lancaster have a median household income of $39,100 and a family income of $46,700, with a poverty rate of 24.3%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the area offers a modest cost of living and short average commute times of around 23 minutes.
Median Income:
$34,800
Household Income:
$39,100
Family Income:
$46,700
Per Capita Income:
$20,900
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$27,400
Poverty Rate:
24.3%
Non English Speakers:
6.1%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.5%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in Lancaster, SC?
Lancaster supports a range of educational options, including public schools like Lancaster High and South Middle, as well as private institutions such as Carolina Christian Academy. Higher education is easily accessible with the University of South Carolina Lancaster located in town, offering opportunities for advanced learning close to home.
Public Schools
Name:
Lancaster High School
Street:
617 Normandy Rd
Phone:
803-283-2001
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
South Middle School
Street:
1551 Billings Dr
Phone:
803-283-8416
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Private Schools
Name:
Carolina Christian Academy
Street:
1850 Kershaw Camden Hwy
Phone:
803-285-5565
Students:
135
Colleges
Name:
University of South Carolina Lancaster
City:
Lancaster
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,900
Name:
York Technical College
City:
Rock Hill
State:
SC
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
4,500
Healthcare
Lancaster provides access to quality healthcare, anchored by MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center, which offers general and emergency services. The city has 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 85% of the population is covered by health insurance.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center
Address:
800 W Meeting St, Lancaster, SC 29720
Phone:
(803) 286-1214
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.2%
Health Care Index:
67.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lancaster, SC?
The Lancaster housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $163,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $950. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a healthy home appreciation rate of 7.1% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$163,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are managed by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Pageland Highway in Lancaster. Residents can access a full range of vehicle and licensing services both in-person and online.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1694 Pageland Hwy, Lancaster, SC 29720
Phone:
1-803-286-4859
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.