Violent Crime
69/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Lancaster Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population22
Median Age35.0 yrs
Density10/mi²
Male / Female68% / 32%
Largest GroupWhite 59%
Veterans22.0%
Economy
Unemployment0.0%
County GDP$679M
Housing
Zillow$322,726
Rent Burden30.0%
Crime
F
Violent69/100K
Property3,093/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured12.5%
Smoking16.7%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain51.9 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation92 ft (28 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+75.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.70
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 46%
Broadband0.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Lancaster a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lancaster receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Lancaster has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%.
Safety & Crime
Lancaster is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,093 per 100,000, 58% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Lancaster enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.9 inches, including 8.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Lancaster has a population of 22 with a density of 10 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 35.0 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 31.8% female and 68.2% male. The city is predominantly White (59.1%), with 36.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.9% of residents, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 22.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%.
Population
35.0yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lancaster vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.9%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.1%
32% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lancaster vs U.S. Average
The average weekly wage is $991, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 543 business establishments, including 43 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average.
Income: Lancaster vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $991 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $96,293 |
| Gini Index | 0.509 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 543 |
| County GDP | $679M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 37 |
| Retail | 81 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,606 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $322,726. Fair market rent ranges from $862 for a one-bedroom to $1,052 for a two-bedroom apartment. The average annual property tax is $4,606 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $857 |
| 1 Bedroom | $862 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,052 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,463 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,765 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,606 |
| 32% above US avg |
In Lancaster, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 38.7% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 14.2% report binge drinking. 28.8% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 12.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,732. The dentist ratio is 1:10,750. 70.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lancaster vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.7% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.8% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 41.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Uninsured | 12.5% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,732 |
| Dentists | 1:10,750 |
| Mental Health | 1:987 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 60.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,856/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 37 |
Lancaster has a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,093 per 100,000, 58% above the U.S. average. Overall, Lancaster receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lancaster vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 68.7/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,092.8/100K |
| 58% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 96 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lancaster enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 299 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 51.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 8.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 92 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 57.6°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 92 ft (28 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 10/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.7601°N, 76.4487°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lancaster County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Mary's County Regional (LTW) 39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.9"
37% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 87.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
34 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Jan 14, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M5.8 |
132 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
8 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.5 |
135 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.2 |
133 km |
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
133 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
16 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
7 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Jan 30, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Mar 26, 2012 |
13 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Oct 12, 2011 |
9 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Oct 2, 2010 |
10 km NNW of Ashland, Virginia |
M3.0 |
95 km |
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
46 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Mar 15, 2015 |
6 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| Jan 14, 2025 |
1 km NNE of Wyndham, Virginia |
M2.8 |
102 km |
| Feb 19, 2012 |
12 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M2.7 |
136 km |
| Aug 29, 2011 |
10 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Feb 3, 2020 |
10 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M2.7 |
139 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
7 km SE of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.6 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
12 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
267 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
210 km |
| 2012 |
Sandy |
Category 1 |
291 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
106 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
287 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
162 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
111 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
211 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
223 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
222 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
113 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
153 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
315 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 155 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 1966 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2021 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1998 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BESTPITCH (7,743 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
BESTPITCH |
7,743 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
RETAINING ECOLOGICAL HEALTH |
5,678 |
77 km |
| 2014 |
BLACKWATER MARSH WUI BURNS FY14 |
5,433 |
78 km |
| 2005 |
MARSH RX-FWS |
4,380 |
80 km |
| 2007 |
GUINEA MARSH |
4,173 |
80 km |
| 2009 |
DOCTORS CREEK |
3,686 |
81 km |
| 1999 |
FB R O C I |
3,525 |
77 km |
| 2019 |
MDBWR-FY19-RX-MDWHS SUPPORT |
3,197 |
78 km |
| 2011 |
COMPARTMENT J |
2,775 |
78 km |
| 2005 |
ISLAND CREEK |
2,729 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,156 |
80 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
2,038 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
VEGETATION RESEARCH |
1,926 |
83 km |
| 2011 |
THOROFARE |
1,850 |
82 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,692 |
78 km |
| 2004 |
ROBBINS FIRE |
1,612 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
BLACKWATER HAZARD FUEL REDUCTION |
1,518 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
BECKERS ISLAND |
1,398 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
ELLIOTTS ISLAND |
1,324 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,260 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Lancaster has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 38°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and April the driest (2.9").
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) |
$253 ($152–$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202–$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101–$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809–$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152–$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404–$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101–$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61–$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51–$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152–$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044–$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404–$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561–$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506–$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055–$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022–$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809–$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202–$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011–$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76–$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03–$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53–$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53–$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03–$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04–$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61–$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81–$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51–$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76–$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213–$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607–$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506–$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202–$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404–$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055–$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51–$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101–$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $908 |
| Toddler | $691 |
| Preschool | $634 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $658 |
| Preschool | $640 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lancaster
What is the population of Lancaster?
Lancaster has a population of 22 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 10 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 31.8% female and 68.2% male.
Is Lancaster expensive to live in?
Lancaster has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100).
Is Lancaster safe?
Lancaster is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,093 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 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.9 inches, with 8.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Lancaster?
The job market in Lancaster is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $991. There are 543 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Lancaster?
Schools in Lancaster have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Lancaster hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lancaster?
The obesity rate in Lancaster is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 28.8% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 12.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 70.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,732.
What are the demographics of Lancaster?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lancaster is 59.1% White, 36.4% Black or African American. 90.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 22.0% of the population are military veterans.