What to know when moving to Lancaster, KY
TL;DR: Lancaster at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 20.2% of residents rent, and the median household income is $62,324.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $785, making it affordable compared to many areas.
- The Reality Check:
- 15% of residents live below the poverty line, indicating some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 0.7% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for the median rent of $785 a month when planning your move.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
In Lancaster, Kentucky, you will find a small-town atmosphere with a median household income of $62,324. The education level is relatively low, with only 19.3% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The rental market is modest, as 20.2% of the population rents their homes, which might appeal to those looking for budget-friendly options.
Probably not your spot if you prefer urban amenities, as only 0.7% of residents use public transit, suggesting a car-dependent lifestyle.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $785, while the median owner-occupied home value is $194,100.
- 19.3% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating educational opportunities may be limited.
- The poverty rate stands at 15%, reflecting economic challenges within the community.
- Only 20.2% of residents are renters, suggesting a predominantly owner-occupied housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Kentucky, the crime rates show a mixed picture, with property crime and violent crime rates both lower than the national average.
- Violent crime: 198.5 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national rate of 325.3, a decrease of 11% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,212 per 100,000 residents, down 19.5% since 2022, and lower than the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dramatically decreased by 63.8% since 2022, now at 2.7 per 100,000 residents.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Kentucky).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education in the area includes:
- 1 postsecondary institution located in nearby Danville, Kentucky.
- Centre College, a regional school, offers higher education opportunities.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES.
Weather & Getting Outside
Garrard County experiences about 41 rainy days each year, totaling approximately 19.2 inches of precipitation. This includes 10 rainy days in spring and 15 in fall, with winter bringing an additional 12 days of rain.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Millennium Park - 4.6 stars, 1,072 reviews
- High Bridge Park - 4.7 stars, 515 reviews
- Camp Nelson National Monument - 4.7 stars, 448 reviews
- Constitution Square Historic Site - 4.7 stars, 305 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Garrard County is relatively stable, with significant employment numbers.
- Unemployment rate: 3.1% as of December 2025.
- Employment figures show 8,132 individuals employed in the county.
- The total labor force consists of 8,394 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.