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Lancaster County

#9 in Best Counties to Live in Pennsylvania
  • A-
    Overall Grade
  • County in Pennsylvania
  • 129 reviews
    A-
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Public Schools
      A-
    2. Crime & Safety
      B-
    3. Housing
      C+
    4. Nightlife
      A-
    5. Good for Families
      A-
    6. Diversity
      B
    7. Jobs
      B
    8. Weather
      C+
    9. Cost of Living
      C
    10. Health & Fitness
      A
    11. Outdoor Activities
      A
    12. Commute
      B+
    View Full Report Card
    Lancaster County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of 536,494. Lancaster County is one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. Living in Lancaster County offers residents a suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Lancaster County there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Lancaster County and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Lancaster County are highly rated.
    Population
    536,494

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $193,200
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $957
    National
    $949
    Area Feel
    Suburban
    Rent vs. Own
    • Rent
      32%
    • Own
      68%
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    Lancaster County Rankings

    Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.

    Crime & Safety

    Crime & Safety
    B-
    Based on violent and property crime rates.
    Violent Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Assault
      154.2
      282.7
    • Murder
      2.1
      6.1
    • Rape
      44.2
      40.7
    • Robbery
      58.3
      135.5
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      175.7
      500.1
    • Theft
      1,298.6
      2,042.8
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      61.8
      284

    Residents

    Diversity
    B
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Age
    • <10 years
      14%
    • 10-17 years
      10%
    • 18-24 years
      9%
    • 25-34 years
      13%
    • 35-44 years
      11%
    • 45-54 years
      13%
    • 55-64 years
      13%
    • 65+ years
      17%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      10%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      17%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      22%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      37%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      15%
      13%

    Working in Lancaster County

    Jobs
    B
    Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
    Median Household Income
    $61,492
    National
    $55,322
    Search for Jobs in Lancaster County
    • Public Schools
    • Private Schools
    • Colleges

      Lancaster County Reviews

      129 reviews
      All Categories
      I was born and raised in Lancaster County and it really is one of the neatest places to live. Residents along with tourist visit many extraordinary places all over the county’s boarders. From First Friday’s, where many local artists and talents show off their work to the community all across Lancaster City, to all the incredible local restaurants with amazing service, and even the Fulton Theatre, which puts on amazing performances all year long. To Bird-in-Hand, Intercourse, and everything along Lincoln Highway to enjoy, such as The American Music Theatre, Sight and Sound Theatre, all the shopping (Tanger and Rockvale Outlets), and the Amish. Lancaster has so much to offer and show people and was recently rated as one of the top ten small cities to visit on Forbes List 2018. The only complaint would be all the farming, sometimes it gets pretty stinky, and the horse-and-buggies
      on the road can get in the way, but not
      too many major complaints about good ole Lanc PA!
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      I love it here in Lancaster! Amazing mix of a vibrant small city and gorgeous farm land. I've had the opportunity to travel outside the state and country, and I have seen some astounding places. But I always come home to Lancaster thinking, "this place is special." From the arts scene, craft breweries, coffee roasters and music in the city, to the Amish and Mennonite heritage in the country, not to mention shopping district and Sight and Sound theater, Lancaster has something for everyone.
      I was born and raised in Lancaster County. I am very happy with the area and my public school education. In the summer, local produce is the absolute best! We get to experience all four seasons to the fullest extent. We are driving distance to Philadelphia, Washington DC, New York City, and lots of beaches.