2023 Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The following statistics highlight Lancaster County, Pennsylvania population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 555,151
- Median Age (Total)
- 39.1 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 38.0 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 40.4 years
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Age Distribution Comparison with Pennsylvania 2023
Compare Lancaster County, Pennsylvania age demographics with Pennsylvania to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 39.1 yrs | 41.2 yrs | -2.1 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 6.26% | 5.05% | +1.2pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 17.00% | 15.02% | +2.0pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 8.74% | 9.09% | -0.3pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 23.02% | 24.64% | -1.6pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 19.20% | 20.38% | -1.2pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 73.77 | 67.94 | +5.8 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 73.77
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 40.41 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 33.36 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 34.82
- Diversity Tier
- low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Lancaster County, Pennsylvania racial and ethnic demographics with Pennsylvania to understand regional diversity patterns.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Diversity
34.82
lowPennsylvania Diversity
46.10
moderateRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 79.79% | 71.87% | +7.9pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 11.27% | 9.42% | +1.8pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 3.41% | 10.13% | -6.7pp |
| Two or More Races | 2.66% | 3.84% | -1.2pp |
| Asian Alone | 2.34% | 4.14% | -1.8pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.47% | 0.50% | -0.0pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.05% | 0.07% | -0.0pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.01% | 0.02% | -0.0pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 34.82 | 46.10 | -11.28 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $83,703 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 210,536
Income Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Lancaster County, Pennsylvania household income with Pennsylvania to understand regional economic patterns.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
$83,703
Pennsylvania
$77,545
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 8.04% | 11.33% | -3.3pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 8.91% | 10.33% | -1.4pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 10.23% | 10.64% | -0.4pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 17.35% | 16.12% | +1.2pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 35.29% | 30.34% | +4.9pp |
| $150,000 or more | 20.17% | 21.24% | -1.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Pennsylvania.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $279,400
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 147,259 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Lancaster County, Pennsylvania property values with Pennsylvania to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
$279,400
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 2.07% | 2.99% | -0.9pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 1.77% | 2.28% | -0.5pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 2.76% | 7.34% | -4.6pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 16.83% | 19.46% | -2.6pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 65.00% | 50.42% | +14.6pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 10.61% | 16.49% | -5.9pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.95% | 1.03% | -0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Pennsylvania.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 87.15%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 30.98%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 377,538
Education Level Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Lancaster County, Pennsylvania educational attainment with Pennsylvania to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
30.98%
Bachelor's+ in Pennsylvania
36.37%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 12.85% | 7.65% | +5.2pp |
| HS Graduate | 34.46% | 32.41% | +2.1pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 21.72% | 23.58% | -1.9pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 19.69% | 21.31% | -1.6pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 11.28% | 15.06% | -3.8pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 87.15% | 92.35% | -5.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Pennsylvania.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 11.0%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 60,623
- Total Civilian Population
- 548,738
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Lancaster County, Pennsylvania health insurance coverage with Pennsylvania to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
11.0%
Uninsured in Pennsylvania
5.8%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 15.1% | 15.7% | 5.4% | 5.4% |
| 18-34 years | 16.1% | 14.2% | 11.8% | 8.7% |
| 35-64 years | 11.1% | 9.5% | 7.5% | 5.6% |
| 65+ years | 2.1% | 2.1% | 0.5% | 0.5% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 97.9% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 19,182 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 11,931
Citizenship Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Lancaster County, Pennsylvania citizenship and nativity with Pennsylvania to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
97.9%
Citizenship in Pennsylvania
96.4%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 91.4% | 89.8% | +1.6pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 2.2% | 1.1% | +1.1pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.8% | 0.7% | +0.1pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 3.5% | 4.7% | -1.2pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 2.1% | 3.6% | -1.5pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 97.9% | 96.4% | +1.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Pennsylvania.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 83.3%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.8%
- Work From Home Rate
- 10.3%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 274,831
Transportation Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Lancaster County, Pennsylvania commuting patterns with Pennsylvania to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
83.3%
Drove in Pennsylvania
76.6%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 83.3% | 76.6% | +6.7pp |
| Public transportation | 0.8% | 4.2% | -3.4pp |
| Bicycle | 0.7% | 0.5% | +0.2pp |
| Walked | 3.5% | 3.4% | +0.1pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.4% | 1.5% | -0.1pp |
| Worked from home | 10.3% | 13.8% | -3.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Pennsylvania.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 280,073
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Lancaster County, Pennsylvania employment patterns with Pennsylvania to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
3.9% (M) / 4.4% (F)
Government Employment in Pennsylvania
5.2% (M) / 6.6% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 41.2% F: 31.1% | M: 38.8% F: 31.0% | M: +2.4pp F: +0.1pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 3.9% F: 8.5% | M: 4.5% F: 8.7% | M: -0.6pp F: -0.2pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 3.9% F: 4.4% | M: 5.2% F: 6.6% | M: -1.3pp F: -2.2pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 4.6% F: 2.2% | M: 3.2% F: 1.9% | M: +1.4pp F: +0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Pennsylvania.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 24,963
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
8,307 veterans (33.3%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Lancaster County, Pennsylvania veteran demographics with Pennsylvania to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
24,963
Total Veterans in Pennsylvania
656,112
- Lancaster County, Pennsylvania: Vietnam Era Only (33.3%)
- Pennsylvania: Vietnam Era Only (34.7%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 33.3% (8,307) | 34.7% (227,624) | -1.4pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 15.4% (3,833) | 15.8% (103,891) | -0.4pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 13.1% (3,266) | 13.3% (87,467) | -0.2pp |
| Gulf War Only | 12.5% (3,130) | 12.2% (79,946) | +0.3pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 10.5% (2,630) | 8.7% (57,158) | +1.8pp |
| Korean War Only | 6.8% (1,689) | 6.3% (41,621) | +0.5pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 4.0% (1,009) | 5.1% (33,644) | -1.1pp |
| WWII Only | 2.0% (510) | 1.7% (10,943) | +0.3pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 1.5% (367) | 1.0% (6,725) | +0.5pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.3% (82) | 0.3% (1,753) | 0.0pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.3% (71) | 0.3% (2,162) | 0.0pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.2% (39) | 0.3% (1,814) | -0.1pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.1% (30) | 0.1% (901) | 0.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The following data categorizes families in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 5.6% (8,133 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 26.8% (38,967 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 67.6% (98,136 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Lancaster County, Pennsylvania poverty levels with Pennsylvania to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
5.6%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Pennsylvania
7.8%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 5.6% (8,133) | 7.8% (260,065) | -2.2pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 26.8% (38,967) | 26.2% (873,927) | +0.6pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 67.6% (98,136) | 65.9% (2,195,823) | +1.7pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 2.6% | 3.4% | -0.8pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 1.1% | 1.9% | -0.8pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 1.9% | 2.5% | -0.6pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 1.9% | 2.7% | -0.8pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 2.5% | 3.0% | -0.5pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 2.7% | 3.0% | -0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Pennsylvania.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 18,433 (8.76% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 8,208 (44.53% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 210,536
SNAP Participation Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Lancaster County, Pennsylvania SNAP participation with Pennsylvania to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
8.76%
18,433 householdsSNAP Participation in Pennsylvania
15.12%
810,783 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 16.86% (3,108) | 8.76% (1,614) | 13.06% (105,914) | 9.27% (75,145) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 5.13% (946) | 3.22% (594) | 4.50% (36,515) | 3.16% (25,618) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 22.39% (4,128) | 8.43% (1,554) | 20.69% (167,713) | 9.49% (76,928) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.14% (26) | 35.06% (6,463) | 0.66% (5,363) | 39.17% (317,587) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 18,433 (8.76% of households) | 810,783 (15.12% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.