Lancaster County, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
557,931
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$86,959/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
219,224
0.6% year-over-year change

Lancaster County population

How many people live in Lancaster County

Lancaster County is home to 557,931 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Lancaster County locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
557,931
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
274,372
Female
50.8%
283,559
Value Percent YoY change
Male 274,372 49.2% 0.5%
Female 283,559 50.8% 0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Lancaster County is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.1% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.9% of the population, while another 23.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.1%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
24.9%
45 to 64
23.6%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 106,594 19.1% -0.3%
15 to 24 71,295 12.8% 0.8%
25 to 44 138,773 24.9% 1.0%
45 to 64 131,835 23.6% -1.3%
Over 65 109,434 19.6% 2.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Lancaster County, 91.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 81.6% of locals are Caucasian, 4% are African American and 2.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.6%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 508,974 91.2% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 36,849 6.6% 3.5%
Non-citizens 12,108 2.2% 1.5%
Racial breakdown
White
81.6%
Black or African American
4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
7.5%
Other
4.2%
Value Percent
White 455,405 81.6%
Black or African American 22,388 4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,162 0.2%
Asian 13,540 2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 454 0.1%
Two or more races 41,851 7.5%
Other 23,131 4.2%

Households in Lancaster County

A peek inside Lancaster County households

Lancaster County has 212,748 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69% are families, while the remaining 31% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
212,748
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
65,987
Family households
146,761
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 65,987 31% 1.1%
Family households 146,761 69% 1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Lancaster County

The housing landscape of Lancaster County

Lancaster County's housing consists of 219,224 units, with 55.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 20.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
219,224
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 121,493 55.4%
1 unit, attached 45,880 20.9%
2 units 7,244 3.3%
3 or 4 units 8,764 4%
5 to 9 units 9,690 4.4%
10 to 19 units 5,623 2.6%
20 to 49 units 4,759 2.2%
50 or more units 7,536 3.4%
Mobile home 8,086 3.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 149 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
2,961
59.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lancaster County

In Lancaster County, the median construction year is 1978. About 19.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 42,807 19.5% 0.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 7,825 3.6% -7.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 20,624 9.4% -1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 17,430 8% -1.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 26,326 12% 2.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 30,544 13.9% -1.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 28,193 12.9% 1.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 24,899 11.4% 2.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 17,615 8% 0.8%
Built in 2020 or later 2,961 1.4% 59.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Lancaster County occupancy rates

Out of the 212,748 occupied housing units in Lancaster County, 69.8% are owner-occupied, while 30.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
212,748
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
64,198
Owner occupied
148,550
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 64,198 30.2% 1.5%
Owner occupied 148,550 69.8% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
3.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Lancaster County housing costs

Housing costs in Lancaster County come to a median of $1,344 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,357.

Median housing costs per month
$1,344/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Lancaster County
$1,357/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Lancaster County

Lancaster County education at a glance

About 41.2% of the population in Lancaster County went to high school, while 15% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 19.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 25,789 6% -4.5%
High school diploma 176,944 41.2% -1.2%
College diploma 64,364 15% -0.7%
Associate degree 32,290 7.5% 0.3%
Bachelor's degree 83,974 19.6% 5.3%
Graduate degree 45,620 10.6% 5.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Lancaster County

How much people earn in Lancaster County

The average annual household income in Lancaster County was $112,346 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $86,959, reflecting a +3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lancaster County
$112,346/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lancaster County
$86,959/year
3.9% year-over-year change

Lancaster County income by age

In Lancaster County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $97,862. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $108,844 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $56,532, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,531 in earnings. Overall, 91.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $56,532 3.7%
25 - 44 $97,862 3.1%
45 - 64 $108,844 5.3%
Over 65 $62,531 4.7%
Above poverty level
491,790
Below poverty level
43,774
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 491,790 91.8% 0.9%
Below poverty level 43,774 8.2% -5.7%

Employment in Lancaster County

Workforce and job types in Lancaster County

The job market in Lancaster County is powered by 281,193 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10% run their own businesses, 68.9% are employed by private companies, and 8.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
281,193
0.4% year-over-year change
White collar
207,392
Blue collar
73,801
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 207,392 73.8% 1.3%
Blue collar 73,801 26.2% -2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
10%
Private companies
68.9%
Governmental workers
8.8%
Not for profit companies
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 28,072 10% 2.3%
Private companies 193,629 68.9% -0.4%
Governmental workers 24,857 8.8% 6.5%
Not for profit companies 34,635 12.3% -0.8%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
2.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lancaster County stands at 3.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Lancaster County

How people get around in Lancaster County

In Lancaster County, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 81.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
-0.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 226,172 81.8% -1.2%
Taxicab 705 0.3% 38.5%
Bus or trolleybus 1,628 0.6% -1.4%
Subway or elevated 35 0% N/A
Railroad 304 0.1% -41.0%
Motorcycle 479 0.2% 19.4%
Bicycle 1,980 0.7% 6.8%
Walk 9,792 3.5% 1.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Lancaster County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
17509 5,135 1,473 $77,238 $101,276
17501 4,614 1,890 $78,182 $93,303
17502 2,485 1,011 $72,776 $90,562
17512 18,148 7,692 $66,684 $92,249
17516 5,180 2,029 $103,942 $114,578
17517 14,686 5,334 $99,202 $113,439
17022 31,908 12,477 $86,767 $109,153
17505 2,358 525 $96,583 $113,731
17507 64 64 $0 $0
17508 1,125 370 $104,597 $127,760

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FAQs about Lancaster County demographics 

What is the total population of Lancaster County?

Lancaster County has a total population of 557,931 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lancaster County?

The gender ratio in Lancaster County is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (274,372 residents)
  • 50.8% females (283,559 residents)

What is the median age in Lancaster County?

The median age in Lancaster County is 39.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lancaster County?

The age distribution in Lancaster County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.1% (106,594 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (71,295 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.9% (138,773 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.6% (131,835 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.6% (109,434 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lancaster County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lancaster County is as follows:
  • White: 81.6% (455,405 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4% (22,388 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (1,162 residents)
  • Asian: 2.4% (13,540 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (454 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.5% (41,851 residents)
  • Other: 4.2% (23,131 residents)

What percentage of the population in Lancaster County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.2% of the population in Lancaster County.

How many housing units are there in Lancaster County?

There are 219,224 housing units in Lancaster County, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Lancaster County and what is the average household size?

Lancaster County has a total of 212,748 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lancaster County?

Lancaster County has a median household income of $86,959, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Lancaster County?

The employment rate is 96.6% in Lancaster County, with a workforce of 281,193 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.8% (207,392 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.2% (73,801 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10% (28,072 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.9% (193,629 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.8% (24,857 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.3% (34,635 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025