A DRIVE AROUND TOWN
An Antelope Valley driving film
This recorded regional tour includes both Lancaster and Palmdale. It is a look at Antelope Valley roads, not a city-only route or a live traffic feed.
Watch on YouTube ↗
Relocation guide
Moving to Lancaster
What it costs, what the weather is like, schools, outdoors and the honest pros and cons, from public data.
Population
170,013
Median age 34.2
Median household income
$76,083
Median rent
$1,696/mo
Median home value
$409,100
Schools
50
9 districts
Summer high / winter low
98° / 30°
Pros
- Mild weather in April, May, October, with highs between 65°F and 85°F.
- 38 national forests, lakes and recreation areas within reach.
Cons
- Sales tax is 11.75%, among the higher rates in the country.
- Hot summers: August highs average 98°F.
Pros and cons come from comparisons with US medians and the city’s 30-year weather normals; they leave out things numbers can’t capture.
Plan your move
Where in Lancaster?
Lancaster spans 3 zip codes. Median home values range from $336,200 to $484,900 by zip.
Compare zip codesThinking about a nearby city too?
Life in Lancaster
See Lancaster
LOCAL FOOD · YOUTUBE SHORT
Have you had Monster donuts in Lancaster, Ca?
A food Short shared by HOAG1.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
Is Lancaster a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. Mild weather in April, May, October, with highs between 65°F and 85°F. 38 national forests, lakes and recreation areas within reach. On the other hand: Sales tax is 11.75%, among the higher rates in the country. Hot summers: August highs average 98°F.
How much do I need to earn to live in Lancaster?
The median household earns $76,083. Rent at the median ($1,696/month) is about 27% of that; a common rule of thumb is to keep rent under 30% of income, which means earning about $67,840 a year.
How many schools are in Lancaster?
50 public and private schools across 9 districts. See the schools page for each school’s grades and contact details.
What is the weather like in Lancaster?
Highs average 98°F in August and lows 30°F in December. The most comfortable months are April, May, October.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates; NOAA climate normals; NCES schools; OpenStreetMap parks; Recreation.gov.