countyscore

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#51 in Pennsylvania

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
47.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 87.6Safety 78.9Schools 67.5

County Report Card

About Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

High Income Meets National Standards

Lancaster County posts a composite score of 47.8, just shy of the national median of 50.0. While it boasts elite income levels, other high-cost factors weigh down the overall ranking.

Competitive with the Pennsylvania Average

The county’s 47.8 score is slightly below the state average of 51.8, largely due to affordability constraints. Despite this, it remains an economic powerhouse within the Commonwealth.

Elite Incomes and Exceptional Safety

A standout income score of 87.6 reflects a high median household income of $83,703. Residents also enjoy excellent peace of mind with a safety score of 78.9.

Housing Affordability and High Risk

The cost of living is a major hurdle, with a cost score of 12.8 and home values averaging $279,400. A risk score of only 5.0 suggests the county is highly susceptible to external economic or environmental shocks.

Ideal for High-Earning Professionals

Lancaster County is a premier destination for established professionals and high-income families who prioritize safety. It rewards those who have the financial flexibility to manage high property taxes and rising home prices.

Score breakdown

Tax16.8Cost12.8Safety78.9Health61.3Schools67.5Income87.6Risk5Water42.8Weather59.3
🏛16.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼87.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Lancaster County

Whether buying or refinancing in Lancaster County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Lancaster County with Douglas County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Douglas County
Colorado
Median income: $145,737
47.8
De Witt County
Illinois
Median income: $64,802
47.8
Goodhue County
Minnesota
Median income: $82,749
47.8
McDowell County
North Carolina
Median income: $55,527
47.8
Jefferson County
Ohio
Median income: $56,983
47.8
Madison County
Ohio
Median income: $83,229
47.8
Calhoun County
South Carolina
Median income: $56,690
47.8
Concho County
Texas
Median income: $59,632
47.8

Nearby counties

York County
Pennsylvania
44.6
Lebanon County
Pennsylvania
50.6
Chester County
Pennsylvania
51.1
Berks County
Pennsylvania
44
Harford County
Maryland
50.1
Dauphin County
Pennsylvania
40.7
Cecil County
Maryland
42.2
New Castle County
Delaware
44.3

Deep Dives

Lancaster County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lancaster County

via TaxByCounty

Lancaster's taxes align with national rates

Lancaster County's effective tax rate of 1.411% sits 8% above the national median of 1.31%, placing it in the middle-upper range nationwide. The median property tax of $3,941 tops the national median of $2,690, reflecting Lancaster's stronger real estate values.

Slightly above average for Pennsylvania

Lancaster ranks near the middle of Pennsylvania's 67 counties with an effective rate of 1.411%, about 7% above the state average of 1.317%. It sits among the more moderately taxed counties in the Commonwealth.

Mid-range taxes in southeastern cluster

Lancaster's 1.411% rate edges above Lebanon County (1.399%) but falls below Lehigh County (1.663%) and Lackawanna County (1.532%). With a median home value of $279,400—the highest in this group—Lancaster delivers moderate tax pressure on premium-priced properties.

Median home costs $3,941 in annual taxes

A homeowner with Lancaster County's median home value of $279,400 pays approximately $3,941 per year in property taxes at the 1.411% rate. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $3,973; without one, it drops to $3,881.

Challenge overassessments to lower bills

Lancaster's robust real estate market can mask overassessments, especially if your home's valuation lags behind actual market comps. An appeal to the county assessor's office can reset your assessment and deliver year-round savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lancaster County

via CostByCounty

Lancaster earns more, pays more for housing

Lancaster County's median household income of $83,703 exceeds the national average of $74,755 by 12%, yet renters still spend 18.5% on rent—a sign that housing costs have risen faster than wages. This rent-to-income ratio approaches affordability stress despite Lancaster's relatively strong earning power.

Highest rents in Pennsylvania's data

Lancaster County's median rent of $1,289 significantly outpaces Pennsylvania's state average of $960, and its 18.5% rent-to-income ratio tops most peer counties statewide. This premium reflects Lancaster's prosperous economy, but it comes at a housing cost premium for renters.

Lancaster commands regional housing premium

Lancaster renters pay $1,289 monthly—$316 more than Juniata County and $243 more than nearby Lebanon County—making it the region's most expensive rental market. Home values tell the same story: Lancaster's $279,400 median home value exceeds Lebanon's $227,300 by $52,100.

Where Lancaster incomes flow

Lancaster households earning $83,703 annually ($6,975 monthly) dedicate $1,289 to rent and $1,323 to ownership costs, consuming 37% of gross income combined. Even with above-average earnings, housing eats a substantial share of the typical budget.

Lancaster: premium housing for premium wages

Lancaster County suits higher-income households seeking prosperity and strong job markets, but those seeking affordability should compare Lebanon County ($1,087 rent) or Juniata ($730 rent). If you're considering Lancaster, ensure your income justifies the $300+ monthly rental premium versus neighboring counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lancaster County

via IncomeByCounty

Lancaster outpaces national income average

Lancaster County's median household income of $83,703 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $8,948, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties. The county's strong agricultural heritage and diversified manufacturing base drive above-average earnings.

Highest earner among state peers

At $83,703, Lancaster County ranks well above Pennsylvania's median of $69,614 and is the top earner among all eight counties in this analysis. The $14,089 income premium reflects the region's economic vitality and employment diversity.

Regional income leader by substantial margin

Lancaster households earn $6,253 more than Lebanon County and $6,210 more than Lehigh County, the second and third-highest earners. The county's $83,703 median is $20,805 higher than Jefferson County, the region's lowest.

Rising home values match strong incomes

Lancaster's median home value of $279,400 is the highest in the region, yet at 18.5% of household income, the rent-to-income ratio remains sustainable. Strong incomes support both homeownership and rental markets without excessive burden.

Premium income accelerates wealth building

With per capita income of $41,319, Lancaster residents can aggressively fund 401(k)s, IRAs, and taxable investment accounts while maintaining comfortable lifestyles. Households investing an extra $5,000–10,000 annually in diversified portfolios can accumulate substantial generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lancaster County

via CrimeByCounty

Lancaster County Ranks Among the Safest Regionally

Lancaster County achieves an impressive safety score of 99.2, making it one of the more secure regions in the country. Its total crime rate of 502.5 per 100K is less than one-fourth of the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating State Averages by Wide Margins

The county is significantly safer than the Pennsylvania average, which sees 932.4 crimes per 100K residents. Its safety score of 99.2 also exceeds the statewide average of 98.5.

Exceptional Safety Despite a Large Population

Despite its large population, Lancaster's crime rate of 502.5 is much lower than the 1,132.8 seen in Lehigh County. Data from 35 reporting agencies confirms Lancaster is a regional leader in public safety.

Remarkably Low Violent Crime Numbers

Violent crime is exceptionally rare at just 54.6 per 100K, which is a fraction of the national 369.8 average. Property crime also stays low at 447.9 per 100K, compared to 2,015.7 nationally.

Reinforce Your Home's Natural Security

High safety scores are a community effort that starts with individual home security. Residents should continue to use standard safety measures to keep these low crime rates stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lancaster County

via HealthByCounty

Lancaster leads Pennsylvania on life expectancy

Lancaster County residents live to 78.8 years on average, nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average and among the longest in Pennsylvania. The county's 16.9% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among all eight counties studied, reflecting strong overall health outcomes.

Top performer on longevity across the state

At 78.8 years, Lancaster County's life expectancy exceeds the state average of 76.4 years by 2.4 years, positioning it as a health outcomes leader. However, its 12.1% uninsured rate is the highest among these counties, suggesting wealth and healthcare access are distributed unevenly.

Best health outcomes, uneven coverage

Lancaster County's 78.8-year life expectancy leads the eight-county region, but its 12.1% uninsured rate contrasts sharply with Lackawanna County's 5.8%. Primary care provider availability at 72 per 100K is strong; mental health resources at 206 per 100K support behavioral health needs.

Longevity masks coverage disparities

Lancaster County's strong life expectancy reflects excellent healthcare quality for the insured, with 72 primary care doctors and 206 mental health specialists per 100K. Yet 12.1% of residents lack coverage, suggesting healthcare benefits concentrate among those with stable employment or wealth.

Close coverage gaps in Pennsylvania's healthiest county

Even in Lancaster County's strong health environment, 12.1% of residents—roughly 39,000 people—lack insurance coverage. Explore plans on healthcare.gov or contact 1-800-318-2596 to ensure every family member benefits from the county's healthcare infrastructure.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lancaster County

via SchoolsByCounty

Pennsylvania's Massive Suburban School Network

Lancaster County operates a vast system of 113 public schools serving nearly 64,000 students. This extensive network includes 66 elementary, 26 middle, and 21 high schools managed by 18 separate districts. While large, the county has only one charter school, keeping the focus primarily on traditional public education.

High Investment and Stable Outcomes

The county's school score of 60.3 is on par with the state average, backed by a graduation rate of 89.4%. Per-pupil spending reaches $10,278, nearly matching the Pennsylvania average of $10,336. These figures show a county that invests heavily to maintain performance across its large student population.

Lancaster City and Hempfield Drive Growth

The School District of Lancaster is the largest, serving 10,032 students in 19 schools, followed closely by Hempfield's 10 schools and 7,032 students. McCaskey Campus stands as the largest school in the county with an enrollment of 2,620. Penn Manor also serves a significant population with 5,532 students across 10 locations.

Primarily Suburban with a Rural Edge

Lancaster is a suburban powerhouse with 73 schools in suburban locales, though 22 schools remain in rural settings. The average school size is 565 students, providing a medium-scale feel for most learners. Large high schools like McCaskey and Hempfield (2,268 students) offer a comprehensive, big-campus experience.

Find Your Place in a Top-Tier District

With 18 districts to choose from, Lancaster County provides endless options for families prioritizing education quality. Whether you prefer a suburban neighborhood or a rural homestead, you will find schools that consistently meet state benchmarks. Explore homes in high-demand districts like Hempfield or Penn Manor today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lancaster County

via RiskByCounty

Lancaster County faces the highest disaster risk

Lancaster County's composite score of 95.04 and "Relatively High" rating represent the most elevated hazard exposure among Pennsylvania's counties. At 28 points above the state average of 67.45, Lancaster faces extreme vulnerability across virtually every disaster type.

Highest-risk county in Pennsylvania

Lancaster County holds the top position for composite disaster risk among all 67 Pennsylvania counties, driven by sky-high scores in flooding (96.95), tornadoes (79.83), earthquakes (93.54), and hurricanes (95.49). No other county in the state combines these hazards at such severe intensity.

Far riskier than surrounding counties

Lancaster's 95.04 score dwarfs neighboring Chester County (78.20) and Lebanon County (79.90), making it dramatically more exposed. Even compared to other south-central Pennsylvania counties, Lancaster stands apart as uniquely vulnerable.

Extreme flood and earthquake danger ahead

Lancaster County's flood risk (96.95) is among the nation's highest, paired with extreme earthquake risk (93.54) and near-extreme hurricane risk (95.49). Tornado risk (79.83) adds a fourth major threat, creating a rare convergence of hazards requiring urgent preparedness.

Comprehensive insurance and fortification essential

Flood insurance is non-negotiable in Lancaster County—obtain it immediately if you haven't already. Beyond insurance, elevate critical utilities, reinforce foundations against seismic movement, install storm shutters, and develop a family emergency plan covering floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lancaster County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Mid-Atlantic Climate Profile

Lancaster’s 53.2°F annual average temperature aligns closely with the U.S. median, categorizing it as a temperate humid continental zone. This balance provides distinct seasonal shifts without the extreme year-round heat found in the southern states.

Warmer Than the Pennsylvania Average

At 53.2°F, the county is significantly warmer than the state average of 49.9°F. This makes Lancaster one of the milder regions in Pennsylvania, often seeing spring arrive earlier than in the northern tiers.

Consistent Precipitation Across the Region

The county receives 45.5 inches of annual precipitation, nearly identical to Lebanon County’s 46.4 inches. This consistent moisture supports the region’s productive agricultural landscape and lush summer greenery.

Hot Summers and Manageable Winters

Residents face 20 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually, primarily during the 75.4°F July peak. Winter remains manageable for the region, averaging 23.5 inches of snowfall and a 32.8°F seasonal temperature.

Prepare for Humid Summer Peaks

Robust air conditioning is essential to handle the 20 days of extreme heat and high humidity. Homeowners should also maintain standard winter equipment to manage the roughly two feet of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lancaster County

via SoilByCounty

Sweeter soils in Pennsylvania's garden

Lancaster County boasts an average pH of 5.75, which is notably higher and less acidic than the state average of 5.22. While still below the national median of 6.5, these soils are some of the most productive in the region. The county's soil score of 51.1 reflects this strong agricultural foundation.

Silt-heavy soils for nutrient retention

The composition is dominated by 51.1% silt and 30.6% sand, with 17.1% clay. This high silt percentage provides a smooth texture that holds nutrients effectively while remaining easier to till than pure clay. It represents a classic agricultural mix prized by local farmers.

Strong water storage despite lower organic matter

Organic matter sits at 2.71%, which is above the national average of 2.0% but lower than the Pennsylvania state average. Despite this, the available water capacity is a robust 0.172 in/in, exceeding the state average of 0.151 in/in. This ensures crops have steady access to water throughout the summer.

Consistent moisture for the plains

While specific drainage classes are not provided in this dataset, the high silt and moderate clay suggest balanced moisture retention. Growers should monitor for surface crusting, which is common in silt-heavy soils after heavy rains. These soils typically support intensive cultivation with proper management.

Bountiful harvests in Zone 7a

As a 7a zone, Lancaster offers a long, warm window for growing everything from corn to heirloom tomatoes. The high water capacity and favorable pH make this an ideal spot for a productive home vegetable garden. Join the local tradition and start planting this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lancaster County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in Lancaster

Lancaster County earns a 62.1 lawn difficulty score, outperforming the state average of 59.2. This Zone 7a region provides a slightly warmer environment that is highly conducive to turf growth. Homeowners find it roughly 24% easier to maintain their lawns here than the national median.

High Growing Degree Days Fuel Growth

The county receives 45.5 inches of precipitation annually, which is ideal for supporting active growth. With 3,420 growing degree days and 20 extreme heat days, grass grows quickly but faces significant thermal stress in July. This combination requires frequent mowing in the spring and careful irrigation in the summer.

Rich Soil Composition Needs Minor Adjustments

The local soil pH of 5.75 is closer to the ideal range than many neighboring counties, requiring less lime to stabilize. A mix of 17.1% clay and 30.6% sand creates a foundation that holds nutrients well while maintaining some porosity. This balanced texture is a primary reason for the county's high lawn success score.

Extended Dry Periods Require Vigilance

Lancaster faced 33 weeks in drought over the last year, and 3.3% of the county currently experiences severe drought. With 100% of the area being at least abnormally dry, water conservation techniques like raising mower heights are essential. Deep, infrequent watering will help roots reach further into the 17.1% clay subsoil.

Taking Advantage of a Long Growing Season

Tall Fescue is highly recommended for Lancaster to withstand the 20 days of extreme heat. The typical frost-free window runs from April 19 to October 25, offering one of the longer growing seasons in the state. Late summer seeding remains the gold standard for establishing a resilient lawn in Zone 7a.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lancaster County's county score?
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 47.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Lancaster County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Lancaster County ranks #51 among all counties in Pennsylvania on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Lancaster County is $3,941, with an effective tax rate of 1.41%. This earns Lancaster County a tax score of 16.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lancaster County?
The median household income in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is $83,703 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lancaster County earns an income score of 87.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lancaster County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Lancaster County scores 47.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Lancaster County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Lancaster County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.