Lancaster, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $47,361

37% lower than US avg

Home Value $137,500

51% 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

Median Income$47,361

Per Capita$25,018

Unemployment1.2%

Poverty16.4%

Commute22 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$137,500

Rent$388

OwnershipN/A

Housing Units299

Rent Burden19.6%

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%

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, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. 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.

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

618

Total Population

415

People / sq mi

34.3yrs

Median Age

12% below US avg

1.5mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 52.9%

Female 47.1%

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.

Commute Mode

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

Business (County)

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%

Walkability

The median home value in Lancaster is $137,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. 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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$137,500
	51% below US avg

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

Owner-Occupied	71.1%
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 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

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	37.1 inches
	2% below US avg
Snowfall	4.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

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

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").

19.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 43% below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 64.5% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). 92.8% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	19.3%
	43% below US avg
High School+	97.5%
Graduate Degree+	4.7%
School Test Score	5.51

C+ Education Grade (2.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	415/sq mi
Total Area	1.5 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	64.5%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	22.3 min
Drive Alone	92.8%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	1.3%

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.

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. For renters, the median monthly rent is $388. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

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.

Nearby Cities

Bloomfield, IA 2,723 pop · 16.8 mi Memphis, MO 1,860 pop · 19.2 mi Kirksville, MO 17,493 pop · 22.7 mi Centerville, IA 5,377 pop · 23.1 mi Unionville, MO 1,725 pop · 25.2 mi Edina, MO 1,420 pop · 30.8 mi Keosauqua, IA 1,014 pop · 33.2 mi La Plata, MO 1,401 pop · 34.4 mi Ottumwa, IA 25,352 pop · 35.1 mi Albia, IA 3,688 pop · 37.8 mi Milan, MO 1,883 pop · 38.4 mi Kahoka, MO 2,083 pop · 43.1 mi Eddyville, IA 1,085 pop · 44.4 mi Corydon, IA 1,566 pop · 44.5 mi

Compare Lancaster with another city: