Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 6th-largest in Pennsylvania
The population of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is 555,151 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $83,703, the median home value is $279,400, and the median age is 39.1.
The population of Lancaster County has grown 8.3% since 2010 (520,325 → 563,293), a +0.57% annualized rate.
555,151
Population
+0.57%
Annual growth
588
People / sq mi
$83,703
Median Income
$279,400
Median Home Value
Lancaster County covers 944 sq mi of land at 588.1 people per square mile.
About Lancaster County, PA
What distinguishes Lancaster County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 588 people per square mile. Lancaster County is a county in Pennsylvania with a population of 555,151. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Pennsylvania in the country, at #6 by population.
Median household income is $83,703, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.6%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $279,400, with typical rent around $1,289.
College attainment is above the local norm at 31.0%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 10.3%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Lancaster County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Lancaster County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lancaster County had a population of 520,325 in 2010 and 563,293 in 2024, a 8.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 563,293 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.57%.
563,293
Population (2024)
520,325
Population (2010)
563,293
Peak (2024)
0.57%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 520,325 |
| 2011 | 523,996 |
| 2012 | 526,949 |
| 2013 | 530,109 |
| 2014 | 533,414 |
| 2015 | 535,960 |
| 2016 | 538,303 |
| 2017 | 541,352 |
| 2018 | 543,960 |
| 2019 | 545,441 |
| 2020 | 552,834 |
| 2021 | 556,364 |
| 2022 | 556,991 |
| 2023 | 560,174 |
| 2024 | 563,293 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.9% |
| Black or African American | 4.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
39.1
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
19.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.3% · Seniors (65+): 19.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $83,703+$7,622 vs state |
| Mean household income | $107,934 |
| Per-capita income | $41,319 |
| Poverty rate | 5.6%-2.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lancaster County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
3.5%
Carpool
73.3%
Public transit
10.3%
Work from home
24.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$279,400+$38,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,289
Median rent
69.9%
Homeownership rate
217,863
Total housing units
96.6%
Occupied
3.4%
Vacant
30.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.0%
With health insurance
91.2%
With broadband internet
17.5%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
11.8%
With a disability
83.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.1%
High School+
31.0%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Common questions about Lancaster County, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania has a population of 555,151 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 588 people per square mile.
The population of Lancaster County has grown 8.3% since 2010 (520,325 → 563,293), a +0.57% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is $83,703, with mean (average) household income of $107,934 and per-capita income of $41,319. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lancaster County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.9%), Black or African American (4.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is 39.1 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Lancaster County is $279,400 and median monthly rent is $1,289. 69.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 217,863 total housing units, 3.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,582,432.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.