Median Income
$47,361
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,500
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$388
67% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.4%
32% higher than US avg
How Lancaster Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population618
Median Age34.3 yrs
Density415/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$47,361
Per Capita$25,018
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty16.4%
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,500
Rent$388
Ownership71.1%
Zillow$146,255
Housing Units299
Rent Burden19.6%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking19.2%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation961 ft (293 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+97.5%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband64.5%
EV Stations6
Is Lancaster a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lancaster receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Lancaster offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lancaster is $47,361, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. The poverty rate of 16.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lancaster is $137,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $388 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lancaster is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lancaster experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Lancaster has a population of 618 with a density of 415 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 34.3 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.1% female and 52.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.3yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lancaster vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lancaster vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lancaster is $47,361, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,018 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lancaster vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,361 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,018 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |
The median home value in Lancaster is $137,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $146,255. Monthly rent averages $388 (67% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 299 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. 19.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $146,255 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $388 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.9% |
| Housing Units | 299 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
In Lancaster, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 19.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 30.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Lancaster vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.2% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.7% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 40.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 54.4% |
Food & Exercise
Lancaster has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average.
Crime Rates: Lancaster vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Lancaster experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 269 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. The area receives 4.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 961 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 50.9°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 961 ft (293 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 415/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5209°N, 92.5280°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kirksville Regional (IRK)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
127 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
361 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 158 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
68 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Lancaster has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Lancaster. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Lancaster
What is the population of Lancaster?
Lancaster has a population of 618 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 415 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.1% female and 52.9% male.
Is Lancaster expensive to live in?
Lancaster is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $47,361, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,500 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $388 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lancaster safe?
Lancaster is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Lancaster?
Lancaster has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches, with 4.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Lancaster?
The job market in Lancaster is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 1.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster is $137,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $146,255. For renters, the median monthly rent is $388. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.1%.
How are the schools in Lancaster?
Schools in Lancaster score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in Lancaster hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lancaster?
The obesity rate in Lancaster is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.2% of adults are smokers. 30.7% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Lancaster?
The average commute in Lancaster is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lancaster?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lancaster is 94.5% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
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