South Lancaster, Massachusetts Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, South Lancaster, Massachusetts had a total population of 2,177, the 181st largest community in Massachusetts, with a median household income of $109,173, which is 5% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 1.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 1.3% — among the lowest in Massachusetts.
- Unemployment rate of 8.9% is notably above the national average.
South Lancaster Quick Facts
How South Lancaster Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,991 | 2,177 | +9.3% |
| Median household income | $104,745 | $109,173 | +4.2% |
| Median home value | $370,200 | $421,400 | +13.8% |
How South Lancaster Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 53 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
South Lancaster Rankings in Massachusetts
Explore Massachusetts Rankings
Other Cities in Worcester County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester | 207,055 | $70,102 | 19.6% | $374,400 |
| Leominster | 43,909 | $83,816 | 9.2% | $380,400 |
| Fitchburg | 41,798 | $73,040 | 15.6% | $336,400 |
| Milford | 27,731 | $93,310 | 8.4% | $464,700 |
| Gardner | 21,148 | $67,518 | 13.7% | $301,600 |
| Southbridge Town | 17,928 | $66,287 | 15.3% | $294,800 |
| Webster | 12,228 | $63,837 | 16.0% | $333,100 |
| Athol | 8,801 | $67,394 | 21.0% | $248,700 |
| Clinton | 7,658 | $79,516 | 9.2% | $375,600 |
| Whitinsville | 7,115 | $96,145 | 10.3% | $449,600 |
Cities Similar to South Lancaster
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanscom AFB | 2,110 | $104,688 | N/A | 34.7% | 0.0% |
| Lunenburg | 2,057 | $109,662 | $494,800 | 50.0% | 1.5% |
| Fiskdale | 2,311 | $112,400 | $409,300 | 50.8% | 7.7% |
| Brewster | 1,994 | $113,214 | $858,100 | 59.7% | 4.0% |
| Dennis | 2,424 | $109,882 | $944,500 | 56.5% | 4.3% |
Population Overview
South Lancaster is a small community located in Massachusetts, within Worcester County. The total population is 2,177. It ranks as the 181st most populous out of 248 Census-designated places in Massachusetts.
Age Demographics
The median age in South Lancaster is 39.7 years. This is about the same as the state median of 40.0 years. With 30.5% of the population under 18, South Lancaster has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in South Lancaster is $109,173. This is 5% higher than the state median of $103,960. It is also 35% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 1.3%. This is 87% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 8.9%. This is 72% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $421,400. Housing costs are 25% lower than the state median of $562,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x. 74.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 19% higher than the state average of 62.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in South Lancaster is White (non-Hispanic), making up 74.3% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 20.6%. The Black or African American population (1.3%) is well below the state average of 6.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (20.6% vs 13.3%).
Education
52.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 11% higher than the state rate of 47.3%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 96.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for South Lancaster, Massachusetts is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Massachusetts state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 248 Census-designated places in Massachusetts. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of South Lancaster, Massachusetts?
South Lancaster, Massachusetts has a population of 2,177 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in South Lancaster, MA?
The median household income in South Lancaster is $109,173, which is 35% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in South Lancaster, MA?
The poverty rate in South Lancaster is 1.3%. This means approximately 28 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of South Lancaster, Massachusetts?
South Lancaster's population is 74.3% White, 1.3% Black, 20.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in South Lancaster, MA?
The median home value in South Lancaster is $421,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
How educated is South Lancaster, Massachusetts?
52.3% of adults (25+) in South Lancaster hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.