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%.
58,441
Population (2024)
59,277
Population (2010)
59,494
Peak (2017)
-0.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 59,277 |
| 2011 | 59,417 |
| 2012 | 59,406 |
| 2013 | 59,397 |
| 2014 | 59,411 |
| 2015 | 59,446 |
| 2016 | 59,486 |
| 2017 | 59,494 |
| 2018 | 59,407 |
| 2019 | 59,265 |
| 2020 | 57,943 |
| 2021 | 57,677 |
| 2022 | 57,335 |
| 2023 | 57,304 |
| 2024 | 58,441 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 47.5% |
| Black or African American | 14.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.7% |
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 & Management | 25.0% |
| Manufacturing | 14.4% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 11.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.2% |
| Retail Trade | 5.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.3% |
| Information | 5.1% |
| Construction | 4.0% |
| Public Administration | 2.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
Largest cities in Pennsylvania
Largest counties in Pennsylvania
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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).
Lancaster city, PA Climate
Lancaster city, PA has an average annual temperature of 11.7°C (53°F) and receives about 1044 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.7°C
Avg Temp
1044
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 29° | 76 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 62 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 78 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 87 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 101 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 102 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 111 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 92 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 89 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 76 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 88 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 82 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Lancaster city, PA
The most comfortable months to visit Lancaster city, PA are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lancaster
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.