Median Income
$92,525
23% higher than US avg
Home Value
$182,900
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
155/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.5%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$872
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How Lancaster Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,264
Median Age38.1 yrs
Density760/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$92,525
Per Capita$36,171
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$1,816M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$182,900
Rent$872
Ownership66.3%
Zillow$291,350
Housing Units961
Rent Burden31.9%
Crime
F
Violent155/100K
Property901/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault155/100K
Burglary217/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking14.4%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain39.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation854 ft (260 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.5%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 43%
Commute21 min
Broadband94.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries16
Is Lancaster a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lancaster receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. 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 $92,525, 23% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lancaster is $182,900, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $872 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lancaster is below the national average at 155 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 901 per 100,000, 54% below the national average.
Education
23.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Lancaster has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches, including 76.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Lancaster has a population of 2,264 with a density of 760 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 38.1 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.3%), with 2.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.1yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lancaster vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lancaster vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lancaster is $92,525, which is 23% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,171. The average weekly wage is $1,027, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,043 business establishments, including 110 restaurants. The cost of living index is 104.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lancaster vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $92,525 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,171 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,027 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,590 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,043 |
| County GDP | $1,816M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 110 |
| Healthcare | 90 |
| Retail | 143 |
| Manufacturing | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,944 |
| 127% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 104.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in Lancaster is $182,900, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $291,350, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $872 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,422 for a one-bedroom to $1,851 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 961 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $7,944 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $182,900 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $291,350 |
| Median List Price | $259,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $259,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $211 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.8% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 10 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $872 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,322 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,422 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,851 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,650 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.7% |
| Housing Units | 961 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,944 |
| 127% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.34% |
In Lancaster, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 17.8% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:894. The dentist ratio is 1:1,370. 73.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lancaster vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:894 |
| Dentists | 1:1,370 |
| Mental Health | 1:418 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,270/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 90 |
Lancaster has a violent crime rate of 155 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 155.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 901 per 100,000, 54% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 683, burglary at 217, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lancaster receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lancaster vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 155.3/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 155.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 900.9/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| Burglary | 217.5/100K |
| Theft | 683.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 62.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lancaster has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 270 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 39.8 inches. The area receives 76.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 854 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.9°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 854 ft (260 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 760/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4886°N, 71.5742°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Coos County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mount Washington Regional (HIE)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.8"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 53.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
36 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.8 on Jul 28, 2024.
| Oct 16, 2012 |
5 km W of Hollis Center, Maine |
M4.7 |
123 km |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
8 km N of Lisbon, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
35 km |
| Aug 21, 1996 |
12 km N of Livermore, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
38 km |
| Jan 17, 2000 |
4 km NNE of Dixfield, Maine |
M3.6 |
90 km |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
4 km W of Leeds, Maine |
M3.5 |
113 km |
| Oct 6, 1992 |
1 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
2 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| May 6, 2020 |
9 km SE of Bedford, Canada |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Apr 15, 2010 |
7 km WNW of Valcourt, Canada |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Nov 20, 1994 |
4 km WNW of Norway, Maine |
M3.0 |
83 km |
| Feb 4, 2022 |
0 km SSW of Gorham, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
34 km |
| Nov 9, 2009 |
southern Quebec, Canada |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Apr 25, 2023 |
4 km SW of Center Sandwich, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
79 km |
| Feb 12, 1995 |
1 km NNE of Turner, Maine |
M2.8 |
108 km |
| Jul 28, 2024 |
6 km W of Gardiner, Maine |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Mar 23, 1992 |
5 km SE of Hill, New Hampshire |
M2.8 |
110 km |
| Mar 21, 2016 |
4 km ESE of Warner, New Hampshire |
M2.8 |
137 km |
| Feb 13, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Tamworth, New Hampshire |
M2.7 |
75 km |
| Feb 17, 1995 |
7 km WSW of Greene, Maine |
M2.7 |
112 km |
| Apr 15, 2010 |
9 km W of Valcourt, Canada |
M2.7 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Bob (1991, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
227 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
64 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1966 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2011 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2009 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2009 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2002 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2001 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2000 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1998 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1995 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1989 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1986 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
62°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Lancaster has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 14°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.1").
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) |
$261 ($156–$417) |
| Specialist Visit |
$365 ($208–$573) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$208 ($104–$365) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,292 ($834–$5,210) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$135 ($78–$208) |
| Dental Filling |
$261 ($156–$417) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$125) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$313 ($156–$521) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$625 ($417–$1,042) |
| Battery Replacement |
$208 ($104–$365) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$104 ($63–$156) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$94 ($52–$146) |
| HVAC Repair |
$417 ($156–$834) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,294 ($4,168–$12,504) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,042 ($417–$2,084) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,378 ($5,731–$15,630) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,563 ($521–$3,647) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,630 ($5,210–$31,260) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,210 ($2,084–$10,420) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,563 ($834–$3,126) |
| Will Preparation |
$521 ($208–$1,042) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,605 ($1,042–$5,210) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$104) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$156 ($78–$261) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$135) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.27 ($3.13–$5.73) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.65 ($2.61–$5.21) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.96 ($2.61–$5.73) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.69 ($3.13–$6.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.73 ($4.17–$7.82) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.04 ($0.63–$1.88) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$146 ($83–$261) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$73 ($31–$156) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$73 ($42–$125) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$73 ($42–$104) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($31–$104) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($52–$156) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$208 ($78–$521) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,084 ($1,250–$3,647) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$73 ($31–$135) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.34–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$104 ($31–$261) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,250 ($625–$2,605) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,042 ($521–$2,084) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$417 ($208–$729) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$104) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,042 ($417–$2,605) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,025 ($5,210–$31,260) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($31–$104) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$104 ($52–$208) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($31–$104) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$313 ($156–$521) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$208 ($104–$417) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,165 |
| Toddler | $1,104 |
| Preschool | $968 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $804 |
| Toddler | $751 |
| Preschool | $751 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lancaster
What is the population of Lancaster?
Lancaster has a population of 2,264 residents and is located in New Hampshire. The population density is 760 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.1 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Lancaster expensive to live in?
Lancaster has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 104.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $92,525, 23% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $182,900 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $872 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lancaster safe?
Lancaster is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 155 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 901 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lancaster receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lancaster?
Lancaster has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.8 inches, with 76.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Lancaster?
The job market in Lancaster is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,027. There are 1,043 business establishments in the area, including 110 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster is $182,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $291,350. For renters, the median monthly rent is $872. Fair market rent is $1,422 for a 1-bedroom and $1,851 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.3%. The average annual property tax is $7,944.
How are the schools in Lancaster?
Schools in Lancaster score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.5% of adults in Lancaster hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lancaster?
The obesity rate in Lancaster is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 73.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:894.
What is transportation like in Lancaster?
The average commute in Lancaster is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lancaster?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lancaster is 94.3% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
