Median Income
$43,234
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$226,300
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
403/100K
6% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$824
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.3%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.0%
122% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.2%
95% higher than US avg
How Lancaster Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,738
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density1,214/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 39%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
C
Median Income$43,234
Per Capita$30,084
Unemployment8.0%
Poverty24.2%
County GDP$5,253M
Commute26 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$226,300
Rent$824
Ownership44.3%
Zillow$281,639
Housing Units3,575
Rent Burden36.4%
Crime
F
Violent403/100K
Property3,077/100K
Health
Obesity44.3%
Uninsured17.4%
Smoking19.1%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain47.8 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation455 ft (139 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+78.3%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.04
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute26 min
Broadband72.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Lancaster a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lancaster receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Lancaster has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lancaster is $43,234, 42% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.0%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 24.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lancaster is $226,300, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $824 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.2x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 403 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,077 per 100,000, 57% above the national average.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lancaster enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lancaster has a population of 8,738 with a density of 1,214 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly Black (46.1%), with 38.9% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.2% of residents, while 12.8% speak Spanish. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 20.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lancaster vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.2%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.8%
4% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lancaster vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lancaster is $43,234, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,084 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,241, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 24.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,236 business establishments, including 162 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lancaster vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,234 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,084 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,241 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,245 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.0% |
| 122% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.2% |
| 95% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,236 |
| County GDP | $5,253M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 162 |
| Healthcare | 186 |
| Retail | 272 |
| Manufacturing | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,400 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Lancaster is $226,300, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $281,639, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $824 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $922 for a one-bedroom to $1,011 for a two-bedroom apartment. 44.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,575 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $3,400. 36.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.2x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $226,300 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $281,639 |
| Median List Price | $285,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $285,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $164 |
| Homes Sold | 11 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.6% |
| Price Drops | 21.1% |
| Inventory | 76 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $824 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $881 |
| 1 Bedroom | $922 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,011 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,382 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,696 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 44.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 44.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 55.7% |
| Housing Units | 3,575 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,400 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.50% |
In Lancaster, 44.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 39.2% have high blood pressure. 19.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.7% report binge drinking. 35.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 17.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,447. The dentist ratio is 1:2,490. 72.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lancaster vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.2% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 4.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.1% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.8% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 17.1% |
| Short Sleep | 45.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.4% |
| Uninsured | 17.4% |
| 102% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,447 |
| Dentists | 1:2,490 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,503 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.2% |
| Dental Visits | 49.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,214/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 186 |
Lancaster has a violent crime rate of 403 per 100,000 residents, 6% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,077 per 100,000, 57% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 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 | 402.9/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,076.9/100K |
| 57% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2,653 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lancaster enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 310 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 47.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 455 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.9°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 455 ft (139 m) |
| Area | 7.2 sq mi (18.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,214/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.7261°N, 80.7790°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lancaster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Charlotte/Douglas International (CLT) 35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.8"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
30 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
33 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
63 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
62 km |
| Jun 26, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
62 km |
| May 9, 2022 |
5 km ESE of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.3 |
63 km |
| Aug 8, 1993 |
12 km ENE of Aiken, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
92 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
130 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Jan 29, 1994 |
12 km NNE of Alcolu, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
74 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
87 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| May 10, 2022 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
62 km |
| Aug 14, 2025 |
7 km N of Columbus, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| Mar 21, 2004 |
16 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Jan 7, 1992 |
5 km NNW of Edgefield, South Carolina |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| Aug 17, 2021 |
6 km N of Morganton, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Mar 9, 2024 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.7 |
63 km |
| May 31, 2021 |
4 km SW of Summit, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
215 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
229 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
285 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
233 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
213 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
214 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
221 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
275 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
284 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
197 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
277 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
30 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
282 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
241 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
437 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 535 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
29 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
63 km |
5 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
95 km |
7 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
21 km |
4 |
| Sep 7, 2004 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2020 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURNING UNIT (5,567 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
BURNING UNIT |
5,567 |
60 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
5,322 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,968 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
C-94-95 133 RX |
3,192 |
88 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,094 |
52 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,909 |
87 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,743 |
94 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,690 |
61 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,514 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,458 |
64 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,395 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,362 |
80 km |
| 2008 |
05/05 RX BURN |
2,351 |
50 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,274 |
64 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,237 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
C-142 RX |
2,149 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
06-09 RX BURN |
2,054 |
51 km |
| 2022 |
SCCRR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
2,039 |
50 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,024 |
84 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,000 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (5°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Lancaster has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 42°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.4 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.8") and April the driest (3.0").
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) |
$234 ($141–$375) |
| Specialist Visit |
$328 ($187–$515) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($94–$328) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,061 ($750–$4,685) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$234 ($141–$375) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$562 ($375–$937) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($94–$328) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$375 ($141–$750) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,559 ($3,748–$11,244) |
| Roof Repair |
$937 ($375–$1,874) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,433 ($5,154–$14,055) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,406 ($469–$3,280) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,055 ($4,685–$28,110) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,685 ($1,874–$9,370) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,406 ($750–$2,811) |
| Will Preparation |
$469 ($187–$937) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,343 ($937–$4,685) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($70–$234) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.84 ($2.81–$5.15) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.28 ($2.34–$4.69) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.56 ($2.34–$5.15) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.22 ($2.81–$6.09) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.15 ($3.75–$7.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$234) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$469) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,874 ($1,124–$3,280) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.50–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$234) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,124 ($562–$2,343) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$937 ($469–$1,874) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$375 ($187–$656) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$937 ($375–$2,343) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,713 ($4,685–$28,110) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($94–$375) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $962 |
| Toddler | $902 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $668 |
| Toddler | $668 |
| Preschool | $620 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lancaster
What is the population of Lancaster?
Lancaster has a population of 8,738 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 1,214 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Lancaster expensive to live in?
Lancaster is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,234, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $226,300 (20% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $824 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Lancaster safe?
The violent crime rate in Lancaster is 403 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,077 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lancaster receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lancaster?
Lancaster enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.8 inches, with 2.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lancaster?
The job market in Lancaster faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,241. There are 2,236 business establishments in the area, including 162 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster is $226,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $281,639. For renters, the median monthly rent is $824. Fair market rent is $922 for a 1-bedroom and $1,011 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 44.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,400.
How are the schools in Lancaster?
Schools in Lancaster score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.3% of adults in Lancaster hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.3% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lancaster?
The obesity rate in Lancaster is 44.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.1% of adults are smokers. 35.8% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 17.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,447.
What is transportation like in Lancaster?
The average commute in Lancaster is 26 minutes. 79.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lancaster?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lancaster is 38.9% White, 46.1% Black or African American. 87.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.8% speak Spanish. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 20.1% of residents have a disability. 86.4% have health insurance coverage.