CountyScore

Lancaster County

Pennsylvania · PA

#59 in Pennsylvania
58.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

21% above national median

Lancaster County's composite score of 60.6 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 21%, reflecting solid livability fundamentals. However, it ranks below most of its Pennsylvania counterparts, signaling trade-offs in the county's profile.

Below state average despite high incomes

Lancaster County's 60.6 score trails the Pennsylvania average of 66.0, despite posting the highest median household income ($83,703) among these eight counties. Rising home values and rents have outpaced wage growth, compressing the county's overall livability score.

Strongest income levels in the region

Lancaster County's Income Score of 38.0 and median household income of $83,703 are the highest among all eight counties reviewed. This earning power reflects a diversified local economy and strong job market.

Housing costs rising faster than wages

Despite high incomes, Lancaster's Cost Score of 64.7 is the lowest here, with median home values of $279,400 and median rent of $1,289—the steepest in this group. Housing affordability has eroded significantly, offsetting the income advantage.

For well-earning families willing to stretch

Lancaster County suits higher-income households and professionals seeking strong job markets and community amenities, but only if housing costs are manageable on their salary. If you earn above $80,000 and can stomach premium home prices, the county's economic vitality justifies the trade-off.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax62.6Cost64.7SafetyComing SoonHealth70.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome38Risk5WaterComing Soon
🏛62.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Lancaster County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bethel Census Area
Alaska
58.5
Median income: $70,616
Clayton County
Georgia
58.5
Median income: $58,507
Grundy County
Illinois
58.5
Median income: $93,060
Deaf Smith County
Texas
58.5
Median income: $54,114
Jim Hogg County
Texas
58.5
Median income: $42,230

Deep Dives

Lancaster County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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