Lancaster city, Kentucky Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Lancaster city, Kentucky has a total population of 3,960, the 102nd largest city in Kentucky, with a median household income of $45,795, which is 27% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 25.1%.
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (25.1%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Unemployment rate of 15.3% is notably above the national average.
Lancaster city Quick Facts
How Lancaster city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 31 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Lancaster city Rankings in Kentucky
Explore Kentucky Rankings
Cities Similar to Lancaster city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crittenden city | 4,058 | $51,336 | $168,300 | 10.4% | 11.0% |
| Farley CDP | 4,402 | $45,676 | $82,400 | 11.4% | 31.9% |
| Carrollton city | 3,894 | $58,788 | $122,400 | 2.1% | 12.1% |
| Southgate city | 3,680 | $55,469 | $175,700 | 32.4% | 20.3% |
| Stanford city | 3,662 | $55,000 | $154,000 | 15.9% | 12.2% |
Population Overview
Lancaster city is a small community located in Kentucky. The total population is 3,960. It ranks as the 102nd most populous out of 552 cities and towns in Kentucky.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lancaster city is 33.4 years. This is 15% lower than the state median of 39.1 years. 11.4% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Lancaster city is $45,795. This is 27% lower than the state median of $62,417. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 42% lower. The poverty rate stands at 25.1%. This is 56% higher than the state poverty rate of 16.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 15.3%. This is 216% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $134,700. Housing costs are 30% lower than the state median of $192,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Lancaster city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 51.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 25% lower than the state average of 68.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Lancaster city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 83.1% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 8.1%.
Education
12.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 53% lower than the state rate of 27.0%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 81.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lancaster city, Kentucky is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Kentucky state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 552 Census-designated places in Kentucky. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lancaster city, Kentucky?
Lancaster city, Kentucky has a population of 3,960 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lancaster city, KY?
The median household income in Lancaster city is $45,795, which is 42% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Lancaster city, KY?
The poverty rate in Lancaster city is 25.1%. This means approximately 953 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lancaster city, Kentucky?
Lancaster city's population is 83.1% White, 8.1% Black, 4.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lancaster city, KY?
The median home value in Lancaster city is $134,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Lancaster city, Kentucky?
12.7% of adults (25+) in Lancaster city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.