Lancaster, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
57,719
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,690/yr
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
23,049
3.4% year-over-year change

Lancaster population

How many people live in Lancaster

Lancaster is home to 57,719 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Lancaster locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
57,719
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
27,903
Female
51.7%
29,816
Value Percent YoY change
Male 27,903 48.3% 1.1%
Female 29,816 51.7% -0.9%
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 is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.7% are children under 15, then 18.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.5% of the population, while another 20.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.7%
15 to 24
18.3%
25 to 44
33.5%
45 to 64
20.1%
Over 65
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,203 17.7% -3.7%
15 to 24 10,565 18.3% 1.3%
25 to 44 19,347 33.5% 2.8%
45 to 64 11,585 20.1% -2.9%
Over 65 6,019 10.4% 2.0%
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, 76% of the population are US-born citizens, while 17.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 47.2% of locals are Caucasian, 14.3% are African American and 3% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.7% are Pacific Islanders, while 16.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 18.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
76%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
17.6%
Non-citizens
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 43,887 76% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10,187 17.6% -3.7%
Non-citizens 3,645 6.3% -2.6%
Racial breakdown
White
47.2%
Black or African American
14.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.7%
Two or more races
18.3%
Other
16.1%
Value Percent
White 27,274 47.2%
Black or African American 8,231 14.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 231 0.4%
Asian 1,728 3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 407 0.7%
Two or more races 10,539 18.3%
Other 9,309 16.1%

Households in Lancaster

A peek inside Lancaster households

Lancaster has 21,971 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55% are families, while the remaining 45% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
21,971
3.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
9,888
Family households
12,083
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,888 45% 6.5%
Family households 12,083 55% 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

The housing landscape of Lancaster

Lancaster's housing consists of 23,049 units, with 11.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 51.8% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
23,049
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,676 11.6%
1 unit, attached 11,937 51.8%
2 units 1,979 8.6%
3 or 4 units 2,142 9.3%
5 to 9 units 1,685 7.3%
10 to 19 units 520 2.3%
20 to 49 units 861 3.7%
50 or more units 1,189 5.2%
Mobile home 60 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
199
249.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lancaster

In Lancaster, the median construction year is 1938. About 53.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 12,397 53.8% 6.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,653 7.2% 0.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,391 10.4% -0.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,446 6.3% -8.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,952 8.5% 3.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,186 5.2% -9.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 702 3% -5.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 637 2.8% 11.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 486 2.1% 6.6%
Built in 2020 or later 199 0.9% 249.1%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 21,971 occupied housing units in Lancaster, 48.6% are owner-occupied, while 51.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
21,971
3.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,298
Owner occupied
10,673
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,298 51.4% 1.3%
Owner occupied 10,673 48.6% 5.8%
Unoccupied housing units
4.7%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Lancaster come to a median of $1,244 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,240.

Median housing costs per month
$1,244/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
$1,240/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

Lancaster education at a glance

About 42.7% of the population in Lancaster went to high school, while 17.6% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 18.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,714 5.9% -14.4%
High school diploma 19,535 42.7% -3.1%
College diploma 8,061 17.6% 10.6%
Associate degree 3,255 7.1% -1.9%
Bachelor's degree 8,340 18.2% 8.1%
Graduate degree 3,813 8.3% 8.4%
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

How much people earn in Lancaster

The average annual household income in Lancaster was $80,517 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,690, reflecting a +0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lancaster
$80,517/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lancaster
$63,690/year
0.4% year-over-year change

Lancaster income by age

In Lancaster, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,545. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $64,715 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $52,516, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,946 in earnings. Overall, 79.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $52,516 4.4%
25 - 44 $72,545 3.6%
45 - 64 $64,715 -0.9%
Over 65 $39,946 5.7%
Above poverty level
42,314
Below poverty level
10,695
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 42,314 79.8% 0.0%
Below poverty level 10,695 20.2% -2.2%

Average renter income in Lancaster

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lancaster, their median household income was $43,193 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,193
Rent-to-income ratio
34.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Lancaster

Workforce and job types in Lancaster

The job market in Lancaster is powered by 29,513 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.5% run their own businesses, 69.4% are employed by private companies, and 10.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
29,513
1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
21,880
Blue collar
7,633
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 21,880 74.1% 3.2%
Blue collar 7,633 25.9% -2.1%
Employer type
Self employees
6.5%
Private companies
69.4%
Governmental workers
10.2%
Not for profit companies
14%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,917 6.5% 2.4%
Private companies 20,469 69.4% 0.5%
Governmental workers 2,998 10.2% 13.6%
Not for profit companies 4,129 14% 0.1%
Unemployment rate
8.1%
4.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lancaster stands at 8.1%, 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

How people get around in Lancaster

Commuting methods vary: 71.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 20,790 71.7% 0.5%
Taxicab 64 0.2% 3.2%
Bus or trolleybus 1,167 4% 2.0%
Subway or elevated 14 0% N/A
Railroad 75 0.3% -18.5%
Motorcycle 18 0.1% 5.9%
Bicycle 395 1.4% 58.6%
Walk 2,965 10.2% -4.0%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
17601 56,382 22,531 $102,435 $139,943
17602 52,217 19,265 $75,862 $96,937
17603 67,571 27,248 $77,084 $105,011
17606 404 195 $0 $33,916

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Lancaster demographics 

What is the total population of Lancaster?

Lancaster has a total population of 57,719 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lancaster?

The gender ratio in Lancaster is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (27,903 residents)
  • 51.7% females (29,816 residents)

What is the median age in Lancaster?

The median age in Lancaster is 32.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lancaster?

The age distribution in Lancaster is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.7% (10,203 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.3% (10,565 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.5% (19,347 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.1% (11,585 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.4% (6,019 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lancaster?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lancaster is as follows:
  • White: 47.2% (27,274 residents)
  • Black or African American: 14.3% (8,231 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (231 residents)
  • Asian: 3% (1,728 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.7% (407 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18.3% (10,539 residents)
  • Other: 16.1% (9,309 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 76% of the population in Lancaster.

How many housing units are there in Lancaster?

There are 23,049 housing units in Lancaster, reflecting a +3.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lancaster has a total of 21,971 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lancaster?

Lancaster has a median household income of $63,690, representing a +0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 91.9% in Lancaster, with a workforce of 29,513 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.1% (21,880 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.9% (7,633 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.5% (1,917 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.4% (20,469 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.2% (2,998 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14% (4,129 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