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.
Lancaster County, PA Climate
Lancaster County, 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 County, PA
The most comfortable months to visit Lancaster County, 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 County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.