What to know when moving to Lancaster, CA
TL;DR: Lancaster at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A ZIP with 63.5% renters and a median household income of $58,891.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 6 postsecondary institutions, including Antelope Valley Community College.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 19.6%, economic challenges exist for many residents.
- Commute:
- Only 1.3% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,513 in monthly rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Lancaster has a population of about 42,290, and the community is characterized by a significant renter demographic, with 63.5% of residents renting their homes. The median household income sits at $58,891, but a notable 19.6% of the population lives below the poverty line. With only 1.3% relying on public transit, residents typically depend on cars for commuting.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a strong public transit system or a lower poverty rate.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,513, which might be a bit high for those coming from lower-cost areas.
- Median home values are around $339,900, suggesting that buying a home could require a significant investment.
- 17.5% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, indicating a lower level of higher education compared to many other areas.
- With a poverty rate of 19.6%, financial challenges are present within the community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the state annual rate for violent crime is 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national rate of 325.3. Property crime is also a concern, with a state annual rate of 1,764 per 100,000, exceeding the national rate of 1,546.9 by 14%.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3, down 17.4% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9, down 26.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Residents have access to 6 postsecondary institutions in the area, providing various educational opportunities.
- Antelope Valley Community College District
- Career Care Institute
- High Desert Medical College
- Lancaster Beauty School
- San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster
- University of Antelope Valley
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES.
Weather & Getting Outside
Lancaster experiences approximately 18.8 inches of precipitation annually, with about 32 rainy days each year. Most of the rain falls in winter, contributing to 11 inches and 14 rainy days during that season.
- Apollo Community Regional Park - 4.6 stars (2,164 reviews)
- Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park - 4.5 stars (1,527 reviews)
- Marie Kerr Park - 4.6 stars (1,239 reviews)
- Prime Desert Woodland Preserve - 4.7 stars (1,118 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, the labor force consists of about 5,148,903 individuals, with an employment count of 4,889,561 and an unemployment rate of 5.0% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2025).
- Employed: 4,889,561.
- Labor force: 5,148,903.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.