Lancaster, CA Census Data
The 31st largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Lancaster is the 31st largest city in California by population and ranks 155th of 188 for median household income. With 170,013 residents, its poverty rate of 15.5% ranks among the higher rates in California. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
170,013
49.5% male · 50.5% female
Median Age
34.2
4.5 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$76,083
$2,455 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
20.1%
14.9% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 82.0%
Poverty Rate
15.5%
3.1% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 4.3%
Broadband Access
94.8%
5.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$409,100
Median rent: $1,696 · 58% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.1%
Labor force participation: 50.8%
Per Capita Income
$46,545
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.9%
Disability rate: 11.9%
How Lancaster Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 31st of 188 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 155th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 157th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 149th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 171st of 188 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Lancaster, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lancaster, CA?
The population of Lancaster, CA is 170,013 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 34.2 years.
What is the median household income in Lancaster?
The median household income in Lancaster, CA is $76,083, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $46,545.
What is the poverty rate in Lancaster?
The poverty rate in Lancaster, CA is 15.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 4.3% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Lancaster residents have a college degree?
20.1% of adults (25+) in Lancaster hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 82.0% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster, CA is $409,100. Median rent is $1,696 per month, with 58% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Lancaster?
Lancaster's population is 35.5% White, 21.4% Black, 45.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 4.0% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Lancaster rank among California cities?
Lancaster is the 31st largest city in California by population, the 155th highest for median household income, the 157th lowest for poverty rate, the 149th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Lancaster?
The unemployment rate in Lancaster, CA is 7.1%, with a labor force participation rate of 50.8%. Per capita income is $46,545.
Cities Similar to Lancaster
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.