Small city in Dallas County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro

Living in Lancaster, TX

F

191st of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 2 of 100
178th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

We give Lancaster an F. It ranks 191st of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on home ownership and internet access, and trails on getting around and health.

  • Getting around scores low (8 of 100)
  • Health scores low (11 of 100)
Downtown Lancaster, Texas
Photo: Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
40,526-1.8% since 2020
Median rent
$1,70421% higher than Texas
Median home value
$246,30013% lower than Texas
Household income
$68,302Median
Average commute
29 minOne way
Violent crime
345Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Lancaster

Lancaster sits about 14 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 40,526 people lived here in 2025, down 1.8% from 2020. It is spread out.

Local spots people know include Cedardale Park, Lion Club Park and Meadowcreek Park.

The median age is 35.7, 41% of households have children, 68% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $68,302 a year (13% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Lancaster

No clear standouts in our data.

Cons of living in Lancaster

  • Weaker school ratings. Only 42% of the 12 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
  • Higher rent. Median rent is $1,704, 21% higher than the Texas median.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of heat waves and hail as very high here.

Who Lancaster suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 42% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 11% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 7% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 13% lower than the Texas median, with 96 restaurants and 8 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 3% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 17% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 11% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 1% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 91% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,704 is 21% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 4% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,704 is 21% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 2% for people on a budget.

Lancaster report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Lancaster with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade D+

    Median rent $1,704, homes cost 3.6x income.

    24 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D

    Median household income $68,302, 7.2% unemployed.

    21 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade D

    12 rated campuses, 42% rated A or B.

    21 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade D

    345 violent crimes per 100k, 2,099 property crimes per 100k.

    23 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade D+

    9 grocery stores, 96 restaurants, 20 parks mapped in town.

    29 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade F

    Average commute 29 min, 8.9% work from home.

    8 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D

    25% have a bachelor’s degree.

    23 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade D-

    17% of adults uninsured.

    11 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade B-

    68% of homes owner-occupied.

    62 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade C-

    91% of homes have broadband.

    34 of 100 vs US cities

Where Lancaster stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 68%6 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • Vacant homes: 4.6%5 points lower than Texas (9.4%)
  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 17%2 points lower than Texas (20%)

Worse than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 69%17 points higher than Texas (52%)
  • Median rent: $1,70421% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 25%9 points lower than Texas (34%)

Cost of living in Lancaster

Lancaster renters pay a median of $1,704 a month, 21% higher than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $68,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 69% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,536 for a one-bedroom, $1,807 for a two-bedroom and $2,275 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $246,300, 13% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,348 before tax, or $1,671 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Lancaster pays $3,869 a year, 9% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for Lancaster

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in LancasterStudio$1,4911 bedroom$1,5362 bedrooms$1,8073 bedrooms$2,2754 bedrooms$2,892
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Dallas, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent21% higher than Texas$1,704$1,403$1,413
Median home value13% lower than Texas$246,300$283,800$332,700
Home value to incomeAbout the same as Texas3.6x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent17 points higher than Texas69%52%51%
Median property tax per year9% lower than Texas$3,869$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them6 points higher than Texas68%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199119921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,671
Mortgage payment
$1,348
Property tax
$322
Median rent, for comparison
$1,704

Based on a $246,300 home in Lancaster, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Lancaster safe?

In 2025, Lancaster Police Department reported 140 violent crimes and 853 property crimes. That works out to 345 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 11% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,099 property crimes per 100,000, about the same as the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 40% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Lancaster by yearTexas34520212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
345
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
2,099
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Lancaster by yearTexas2,09920212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Lancaster Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Lancaster

Lancaster has 12 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 42% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Lancaster ISD.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
21
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
75
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • BWest Main ElementaryElementary, Lancaster ISD88 of 100
  • BHouston ElementaryElementary, Lancaster ISD86 of 100
  • BBelt Line ElementaryElementary, Lancaster ISD84 of 100
  • BG W Carver 6th Grade STEM Learning CenterMiddle, Lancaster ISD84 of 100
  • BRosa Parks/Millbrook ElementaryElementary, Lancaster ISD83 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Lancaster

We grade 7 areas inside Lancaster. The top three are Saddlebrook Estates (D+), Northwest Lancaster (D) and Beltline Ashmoore (D). Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Lancaster neighborhoods your way

    What matters to you?

    Move a slider and the list re-ranks right away.

    Most
    A lot
    Most
    A lot
    A lot
    A lot
    Some
    A lot
    Some
    A little

    The grade is our overall grade. Fit shows how well each one matches your sliders, from 0 to 100, against the others in this list.

    7 Lancaster neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1D+Saddlebrook Estates4,300 people, median rent $1,680, home $245,000100fit
    2. 2DNorthwest Lancaster8,752 people, median rent $1,340, home $276,00083fit
    3. 3DBeltline Ashmoore4,294 people, median rent $2,630, home $289,00067fit
    4. 4D-Southwest Lancaster1,720 people, median rent $1,940, home $267,00050fit
    5. 5D-Central Lancaster10,736 people, median rent $1,660, home $197,00033fit
    6. 6FMillbrook East8,679 people, median rent $1,880, home $230,00017fit
    7. 7FEast Lancaster3,195 people, median rent $1,380, home $176,0000fit
    All 7 Lancaster neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Lancaster

    Everyday places mapped inside Lancaster, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Cedardale Park, Lion Club Park, Meadowcreek Park.

    The average one-way commute is 29 minutes, 8% longer than the Texas average. 9% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

    Downtown Dallas is about 14 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Lancaster work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $68,302, income per person is $31,689, unemployment is 7.2% and 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    9
    Pharmacies
    4
    Restaurants
    96
    Cafes
    8
    Bars
    2
    Parks
    20
    Gyms
    3
    Hospitals and urgent care
    3
    Childcare
    7
    Libraries
    1

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income13% lower than Texas$68,302$78,476$80,734
    Income per person22% lower than Texas$31,689$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate2 points higher than Texas7.2%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line1 points higher than Texas15%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher9 points lower than Texas25%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higherAbout the same as Texas86%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance2 points lower than Texas17%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internetAbout the same as Texas91%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute8% higher than Texas29 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home5 points lower than Texas8.9%14%15%
    Workers who work from home8.9%
    Workers who take transit0.2%
    Workers who walk0.4%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in Lancaster

    Under 1828%
    18 to 3421%
    35 to 6439%
    65 and over12%

    Median age 35.7 years. 41% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White7.9%
    Hispanic or Latino24%
    Black64%
    Asian0.9%
    Other or more than one race2.6%

    Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

    Weather in Lancaster

    Lancaster has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 36°F. There are about 106 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 41 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Lancaster30°50°70°90°58J62F69M77A84M92J96J96A90S80O67N59DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Ferris, 8 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is moderate, hurricane risk is low, tornado risk is high and hail risk is very high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

    • River floodingModerate
    • HurricanesLow
    • TornadoesHigh
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • WildfiresHigh
    • Winter stormsModerate
    • Strong windLow

    Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

    Places near Lancaster

    Nearby, Bear Creek Ranch gets a C, Hutchins gets an F and Wilmer gets an F. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. CBear Creek RanchTown, 1,604 people3 mi
    2. FHutchinsTown, 7,496 people5 mi
    3. FWilmerTown, 6,391 people5 mi
    4. CRed OakSmall city, 17,077 people5 mi
    5. DDeSotoCity, 56,211 people6 mi
    6. D-Glenn HeightsSmall city, 18,096 people6 mi

    Lancaster in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

    How it ranks among 181 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+Flower Mound78,389 people26 mito downtown
    2. 2A+Trophy Club13,733 people29 mito downtown
    3. 3A+University Park25,155 people4 mito downtown
    4. 175FKemp1,302 people40 mito downtown
    5. 176FElmo1,379 people36 mito downtown
    6. 177FTerrell20,366 people28 mito downtown
    7. 178FLancaster40,820 people14 mito downtown
    8. 179FSansom Park5,392 people37 mito downtown
    9. 180FHeartland10,607 people20 mito downtown
    10. 181FHutchins7,496 people11 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

    Living in Lancaster: common questions

    Is Lancaster, TX a good place to live?

    We give Lancaster an F. It ranks 191st of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on home ownership and internet access, and trails on getting around and health.

    How much does it cost to live in Lancaster?

    Renters in Lancaster pay a median of $1,704 a month, 21% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $246,300, 13% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.6x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $1,671, including property tax.

    Is Lancaster safe?

    In 2025, Lancaster Police Department reported 345 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 11% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,099 per 100,000, about the same as the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Lancaster?

    We found 12 rated public school campuses inside Lancaster. 42% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 21 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Lancaster?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Lancaster are Saddlebrook Estates, Northwest Lancaster and Beltline Ashmoore. We score 7 areas in the city.

    Does Lancaster flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Lancaster as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, heat waves, hail and wildfires. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in Lancaster?

    Summers in Lancaster peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 36°F. Expect around 106 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 41 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Lancaster?

    The average one-way commute is 29 min, 8% higher than the Texas average. About 8.9% of workers work from home. It is about 14 miles from downtown Dallas.

    Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.