Lancaster County, Virginia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Lancaster County is located in Virginia with a total population of 10,876. It is the 112th most populous county out of 133 in Virginia.

Age Demographics

The median age in Lancaster County is 59.1 years. This is 52% higher than the state median of 38.8 years. Only 14.7% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 18.3% 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 County is $67,169. This is 26% lower than the state median of $90,974. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 14% lower. The poverty rate stands at 13.1%. This is 32% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 10.0%. This is 133% higher than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $307,600. Housing costs are 15% lower than the state median of $360,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x. 79.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 19% higher than the state average of 67.2%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Lancaster County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 67.3% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 27.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 10.7%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 6.8%.

Education

37.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 10% lower than the state rate of 41.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.0%. Notably, 15.7% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.