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Population Review

Lancaster, Pennsylvania Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Lancaster, Pennsylvania is 57,683 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 8th-largest city in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $63,421, the median home value is $203,700, and the median age is 31.9.

The population has declined 1.4% since 2010 (59,277 → 58,441).

57,683

Population

7982

People / sq mi

$63,421

Median Income

$203,700

Median Home Value

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Lancaster covers 7.2 sq mi of land at 7982 people per square mile.

About Lancaster, PA

Lancaster stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US cities, at roughly 7,982 people per square mile. Lancaster is a city in Pennsylvania with a population of 57,683. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Pennsylvania in the country, at #8 by population.

The typical household earns $63,421, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 17.7%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $203,700, with typical rent around $1,177.

Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 27.1% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 9.3% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.

That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Lancaster: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.

Lancaster city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Lancaster city had a population of 59,277 in 2010 and 58,441 in 2024, a -1.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 59,494 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: -0.10%.

2017 · 59K20102024
Lancaster city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

58,441

Population (2024)

59,277

Population (2010)

59,494

Peak (2017)

-0.10%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201059,277
201159,417
201259,406
201359,397
201459,411
201559,446
201659,486
201759,494
201859,407
201959,265
202057,943
202157,677
202257,335
202357,304
202458,441

Race & Ethnicity

White47.5%
Black or African American14.7%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.5%
Two or More Races0.7%

Economy & Income

$63,421

Median Household Income

$29,234

Per Capita Income

17.7%

Poverty Rate

5.4%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$203,700

Median Home Value

$1,177

Median Rent

47.5%

Owner-Occupied

Education

82.1%

High School+

27.1%

Bachelor's+

Commute

4.4%

Drive Alone

62.0%

Public Transit

9.3%

Work From Home

23.4 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

19.1%

Foreign Born

65.2%

Non-English at Home

3.5%

Veterans

16.9%

With Disability

92.2%

Health Insurance

95.0%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management25.0%
Manufacturing14.4%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate11.4%
Education, Health Care & Social Services10.2%
Retail Trade5.4%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services5.3%
Information5.1%
Construction4.0%
Public Administration2.1%
Transportation & Warehousing1.1%
Agriculture & Mining0.3%

Largest cities in Pennsylvania

Largest counties in Pennsylvania

Part of Pennsylvania

Metro areas in Pennsylvania

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster, Pennsylvania has a population of 57,683 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 8th-largest city in Pennsylvania.

The median household income in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is $63,421, with 17.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is $203,700, with median monthly rent at $1,177 and a homeownership rate of 47.5%.

The median age in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is 31.9 years. The population is 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

The population has declined 1.4% since 2010 (59,277 → 58,441).

Where to stay in Lancaster

Visiting or relocating to Lancaster, PA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.