RANK #231 / 996 · POP 553,202 · PA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.9%
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, often evokes images of Amish buggies traversing scenic farmlands, a distinctive cultural element that draws many visitors. Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, the county is approximately 90 minutes from Philadelphia and Baltimore, and about two hours from Washington, D.C., with Amtrak service connecting to major East Coast cities. The community blends rural charm with urban amenities, particularly in Lancaster City, which features a historic Central Market, one of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the U.S. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore numerous hiking and biking trails, covered bridges, and water activities on the Susquehanna River.
Life in Lancaster County offers a mix of lifestyles, from walkable towns like Lititz and Strasburg to more rural settings. Public schools in the county are generally well-regarded, with districts like Manheim Township and Hempfield. The local economy is diverse, with growth in sectors such as education, healthcare, and professional services. While agriculture remains a significant part of the county's identity, there is also ongoing investment in manufacturing and data centers, contributing to a varied economic landscape.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.7x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
CoreWeave AI Data Center Campus (216 Greenfield Road & 1375 Harrisburg Pike)
CoreWeave, Chirisa Technology Parks, Machine Investment Group
|
$6,000M | Under Construction |
|
GSK Marietta Facility Expansion
GSK
|
$821M | Under Construction |
|
Lancaster County Capital Improvement Plan
Lancaster County
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lancaster County has a Boom Town Index score of 77/100, ranking #231 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.0% and a median household income of $81,458, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Lancaster County is $263,600 with median rent at $1,221/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.309, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.0%. Home values changed +4.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.25% of Lancaster County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.