Lancaster
Data updated
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- Prosperity59
- Schools71
- Safety58
- Lifestyle76
- Market79
- Affordability80
- Commute61
- Growth66
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Lancaster
Snapshot
✓ Pros
- Affordable cost of living – Great value for first-time buyers and families
- Less congestion and noise than larger nearby cities
- Easy access to major highways – I-35E and nearby routes support commuting
- Established neighborhoods offer larger lots and mature trees in many areas
✗ Cons
- Limited nightlife & dining
- School quality varies – Research specific zones carefully
- Fewer shopping & healthcare options
- Public transit is limited – A car is typically necessary
Demographics
Population
Mobility & Migration
Age Distribution
Households
Education Level
Connectivity & Remote Work
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Real Estate
💡 Market Insights
Home Prices
Market Trends
Market Health
Market Insights
Typical Home
Property Mix
Common Features
Costs & Ownership
Investment Indicators
Lifestyle
Explore Lancaster on Google Maps
Lifestyle Scores
Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles)
Getting Around
Averaged across Lancaster, weighted by where people live. #49 of 84 cities. Most errands need a car here.
Local life in Lancaster
Lancaster's Historic Town Square sits at the center of the old town, with the city's market events listed at 100 W. Main St.
Day-to-day Lancaster1,6,7,8,12,14,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,28,29,30,31,36,37,39,41,42
- 1Historic Town Square
- 2Hug BBQ
- 3La Calle Doce
- 4Kyotobrew
- 5Curio Kitchen + Market
- 6The Lovin' Oven Bakery
- 7Gelü Italian Ice
- 8Hickory House
- 9Hunnicutt's Cafe
- 10Walmart Supercenter
- 11Walmart Neighborhood Market
- 12CVS Pharmacy
- 13Walgreens
- 14Crescent Medical Center Lancaster
- 15Lancaster Community Park & Recreation Center
- 16Bear Creek Nature Park
- 17City Hall
- 18Lancaster Veterans Memorial Library
- 19Visitor's Center & State Auxiliary Museum
- 20Fire Station 1
- 21Fire Station 4 (under construction)
- 22Police Department
- 23Lancaster High School / STEM Early College
- 24Obama 9th Grade Campus
- 25Elsie Robertson Lancaster STEM Middle School
- 26G.W. Carver 6th Grade Center
- 27Lancaster ISD Administration
- 28Dallas College Cedar Valley Campus
30 most-used places. ZIP codes for the library and Community Park are inferred from the parkway's location and should be checked; the six elementary schools are listed in the schools section, not mapped. Off the map (farther out): Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Cedar Hill State Park.
Lancaster's year, month by month5,7,15,17,18
| Month | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| January | MLK Jr. Parade and Battle of the Bands | Citywide |
| April | Historic Lancaster Theatre reopening shows (2026); 2nd Saturday on the Square | Historic Town Square |
| June | Best Southwest Juneteenth Festival | Community Park, Helen Giddings Amphitheater |
| July | 4th of July picnic and fireworks | Not specified |
| August | Back-to-School Parade and Fair | Not specified |
| September | Fall Fiesta (2nd Saturday market); Warbirds on Parade | Town Square; Lancaster Regional Airport |
| October | Haunted Hayride; OktoberFest; 2nd Saturday on the Square | Bear Creek Nature Park; Town Square |
| December | Christmas Parade and Festival; tree lighting; 2nd Saturday | Dallas Ave. to the square, Heritage Park; City Hall |
Juneteenth (2026), theater (2026), Fall Fiesta (2025) and the Christmas parade (2021) are dated city or news items. Other rows come from an undated chamber events guide; confirm that each event still runs.
Drive times from Lancaster's town square44
- Methodist Charlton Medical Center9.8 mi16 min
- Downtown Dallas17.1 mi24 min
- Downtown Waxahachie18.6 mi26 min
- Cedar Hill State Park18.3 mi28 min
- Dallas Medical District20.2 mi28 min
- Dallas Love Field22.7 mi34 min
- Las Colinas27.5 mi36 min
- Arlington Entertainment District27.8 mi38 min
- DFW Airport36.0 mi49 min
- Downtown Fort Worth40.6 mi50 min
Realust calculation with the OSRM open routing engine from 32.5921, -96.7561. Free-flow times; weekday rush hour adds time.
What's in town vs. nearby8,14,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,36,37,39,43,44
| Need | In Lancaster | Nearest outside town |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Walmart Supercenter (150 N. I-35E); Walmart Neighborhood Market (350 N. Bluegrove Rd.) | Other grocers not covered |
| Pharmacy | CVS, Walgreens, and both Walmarts | - |
| Hospital / ER | Crescent Medical Center Lancaster, 2600 W. Pleasant Run Rd. (84 beds, ER; confirm current status) | Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Dallas (Level III trauma), ~16 min |
| Library | Veterans Memorial Library, 1600 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. | - |
| Recreation center | 1700 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. (indoor water park, gym) | - |
| Large lake / state park | Community Park pond (6 acres) | Cedar Hill State Park on Joe Pool Lake, ~28 min |
| College | Dallas College Cedar Valley Campus | - |
| Commercial airport | Lancaster Regional (general aviation only) | Love Field ~34 min; DFW ~49 min |
| Fire | Lancaster Fire Department (career), 3 stations + Station 4 under construction | - |
Store listings checked Oct 2026; restaurant list from D Magazine (Sept 2025).
Read the full local life guide
Downtown: a rebuilt square with food, coffee and a reopened theater
Lancaster's Historic Town Square sits at the center of the old town, with the city's market events listed at 100 W. Main St. An F4 tornado tore through the square in 1994. Since 2023 the city has put money into reviving it, and new food and drink tenants have filled many storefronts.
A September 2025 D Magazine guide listed these on the square: Hug BBQ (133 Historic Town Square), La Calle Doce (161), a Lancaster branch of the Oak Cliff Mexican restaurant, Kyotobrew coffee and tea (121), Curio Kitchen + Market (129), Gelü Italian Ice (149), Just Juice (147) and The Lovin' Oven Bakery (181), which dates to 1969. BOBA Licious is nearby at 140 E. First St.
The Historic Lancaster Theatre on the square reopened in April 2026 after years of disuse, with a month of shows, film weekends and comedy. The Visitor's Center (103 N. Dallas Ave.) and the State Auxiliary Museum (101 N. Dallas Ave.) are in the 1911 Interurban Building, a short walk away.
Events cluster at Community Park and the square
Lancaster Community Park, 1700 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., hosts the largest event. That is the Best Southwest Juneteenth Festival, held at the Helen Giddings Amphitheater. The June 2026 edition ran from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with free admission and national headliners.
The Christmas parade is long-running; in 2021 the city held its 66th. The route runs from Beverly D. Humphrey Tiger Stadium down Dallas Avenue to the square, followed by a festival at Heritage Park. The tree lighting has been held at City Hall. The square hosts seasonal 2nd Saturday markets, such as the September 2025 Fall Fiesta.
An undated chamber guide adds an MLK Day parade, July 4th fireworks, an airport warbird show and a Haunted Hayride at Bear Creek Nature Park. Check current dates with the city.
Parks, trails and lakes
The Parks Division manages more than 600 acres. The center of the system is 170-acre Lancaster Community Park. It has a 6-acre pond with a fishing pier, the amphitheater, lighted youth football and soccer fields, a youth ballpark with a 500-seat covered grandstand, picnic pavilions, a large playground and walking trails. The park also holds the Recreation Center (indoor water park, gym) and the library.
Bear Creek Nature Park (1000 Bear Creek Rd., about 189 acres) has two ponds, a fishing pier, campsites, a butterfly garden, an outdoor classroom, and walking and equestrian trails. Other city parks include City Park and the Cedardale Athletic Complex, plus small neighborhood parks: Meadow Creek, Dewberry, Rocky Crest, Verona, Stanford and Kids Square. The Pleasant Run Hike and Bike Trail is 2.4 miles. Country View Golf Club is a public 18-hole, par-70 course. A MUD-funded park and trails in Bear Creek Ranch are due in early 2027.
For bigger water, Cedar Hill State Park on 7,500-acre Joe Pool Lake is about 28 minutes west. It has about 350 developed campsites, a swimming beach and the DORBA mountain-bike trail.
Errands and health care: most needs are in town
Lancaster has two Walmarts. A Supercenter is at 150 N. Interstate 35E, and a Neighborhood Market is at 350 N. Bluegrove Rd. Both open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and both have pharmacies. CVS (1225 N. Bluegrove Rd.) and Walgreens (1507 W. Pleasant Run Rd.) are also in town. We did not confirm other full-size grocers inside city limits.
Crescent Medical Center Lancaster (now listed as Crescent Regional Hospital), 2600 W. Pleasant Run Rd., is an 84-bed acute-care hospital with an emergency room. The figures we found for it are dated, so confirm current services. Methodist Charlton Medical Center (3500 W. Wheatland Rd., Dallas), a Level III trauma center, is about 16 minutes away. City Hall is at 211 N. Henry St. The Veterans Memorial Library is at 1600 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. and has a genealogy center.
Schools
Lancaster ISD serves most of the city. It runs six PK-5 elementaries, the G.W. Carver 6th Grade STEM Learning Center, Elsie Robertson Lancaster STEM Middle School (7-8), the Barack and Michelle Obama 9th Grade Campus, and Lancaster High School and STEM Early College at 200 E. Wintergreen Rd. The district earned a B (80) in TEA's 2026 ratings, up from a C (75). In May 2026 voters approved all four bond propositions. The largest was $322 million for roofs, HVAC, security and other upgrades. Under the bond plan, 6th grade will later move to the middle school and 9th grade to the high school.
Some edges of the city are zoned to Dallas ISD or Ferris ISD, so check the district for each address. Dallas College's Cedar Valley Campus (3030 N. Dallas Ave.), about 300 acres, is in town.
Getting around and public safety
I-35E forms the city's west edge, I-20 crosses the north side and I-45 is about five miles east. Dallas Avenue (SH 342), Pleasant Run Road, Belt Line Road and Houston School Road carry local traffic. Off-peak, downtown Dallas is about 24 minutes away, the Medical District 28, Love Field 34, Las Colinas 36, DFW Airport 49 and downtown Fort Worth 50. Lancaster is not a DART member city. Lancaster Regional Airport, city-owned with a 6,500-foot runway, serves general aviation about 2 miles south of town.
The Lancaster Fire Department is a career department. NERIS lists stations at 1650 N. Dallas Ave., 3132 N. Houston School Rd. and 1960 W. Belt Line Rd. A $13 million Fire Station 4 at 343 E. Belt Line Rd. began construction in July 2026, with completion set for January 2028. Lancaster Police Patrol works two shifts and has a K-9 unit.
Not confirmed yet
- 2026 TEA campus-level ratings for Lancaster ISD.
- Current status of Crescent Medical Center Lancaster / Crescent Regional Hospital (beds, ER hours); our profile data dates to 2019.
- Who provides ambulance service (city fire department or contract).
- ISO fire protection rating.
- Current police headquarters address and sworn headcount (DiscoverPolicing data appears dated).
- Acreage and addresses for City Park, Cedardale Athletic Complex, Heritage Park and the neighborhood parks.
- Total trail miles across the park system.
- Whether a full-size grocer besides Walmart (e.g., Aldi, Kroger, Fiesta) operates inside city limits.
- Current 2026-27 dates for the July 4th, Christmas parade, OktoberFest and other chamber-guide events.
- Construction schedule for the May 2026 LISD bond projects and the timing of the 6th/9th grade moves.
- Street addresses for the Historic Lancaster Theatre, Country View Golf Club and JD Hall Learning Center.
Questions people ask
Is there a hospital in Lancaster, TX?
Yes. Crescent Medical Center Lancaster (now listed as Crescent Regional Hospital), 2600 W. Pleasant Run Rd., is an 84-bed acute-care hospital with an emergency room. Our figures for it are dated, so confirm current services. The nearest trauma center we found is Methodist Charlton Medical Center in southwest Dallas, about 16 minutes away.
How far is Lancaster from downtown Dallas?
About 17 miles, or roughly 24 minutes off-peak via I-35E. Rush hour adds time.
How far is Lancaster from DFW Airport and Love Field?
Love Field is about 34 minutes and DFW Airport about 49 minutes off-peak. Lancaster Regional Airport in town handles only general aviation.
What school district serves Lancaster, TX?
Lancaster ISD covers most of the city. It received a B (80) in TEA's 2026 ratings. Small areas are zoned to Dallas ISD or Ferris ISD, so check by address.
Where do people in Lancaster buy groceries?
Lancaster has a Walmart Supercenter on I-35E and a Walmart Neighborhood Market on N. Bluegrove Rd. Both have pharmacies. CVS and Walgreens are also in town.
What is there to do on the Lancaster town square?
The square has barbecue, Mexican food, coffee, a bakery, Italian ice, a juice bar and a gourmet market. The Historic Lancaster Theatre reopened there in April 2026. The square also hosts seasonal 2nd Saturday markets.
What parks does Lancaster have?
The largest is the 170-acre Lancaster Community Park. It has a fishing pond, an amphitheater, ballfields, a recreation center with an indoor water park, and the library. Bear Creek Nature Park (about 189 acres) has camping and equestrian trails. The city also has a 2.4-mile hike and bike trail and a public golf course.
Does Lancaster have DART service?
Lancaster is not a DART member city. Most trips take a car.
Sources (44) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- D Magazine, The best restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries in Lancaster (Sept 2025)
- PaperCity, Curio Kitchen + Market coming to Lancaster's square (Dec 2023)
- Focus Daily News, Revitalization of downtown Lancaster's square (Feb 2024)
- KERA, Historic Lancaster Theatre reopens (Apr 2026)
- Focus Daily News, Historic Lancaster Theatre hosts reopening events (Apr 2026)
- City of Lancaster, Attractions
- City of Lancaster, 2nd Saturday Lancaster Market / Fall Fiesta (Sept 2025)
- City of Lancaster, community information page (parks, facilities; undated)
- City of Lancaster, Parks
- Wikipedia, Lancaster, Texas
- TDLR TABS2025009794, Bear Creek Lancaster open space improvements (Lancaster MUD No. 1)
- MapQuest, Bear Creek Nature Park listing
- City of Lancaster, Country View Golf Club
- Texas Parks & Wildlife, Cedar Hill State Park
- Hoodline, Lancaster Juneteenth festival (June 2026)
- City of Lancaster media advisory, Best Southwest Juneteenth Celebration (May 2022)
- City of Lancaster media advisory, Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting (Dec 2021)
- Lancaster Chamber of Commerce events guide via TourTexas (undated)
- City of Lancaster calendar advisory, library/rec center/senior center (Aug 2013)
- Walmart Supercenter #471, Lancaster
- Walmart Neighborhood Market #7224, Lancaster
- CVS store locator, Lancaster TX
- Walgreens store #5558
- HealthcareComps, Crescent Medical Center Lancaster (updated 2019)
- Methodist Health System, Methodist Charlton emergency & trauma
- Lancaster ISD, About LISD
- Lancaster ISD, 2026 District Accountability rating (Aug 2026)
- SchoolDigger, Lancaster ISD elementary schools
- SchoolDigger, Lancaster ISD middle schools
- SchoolDigger, Lancaster ISD high schools
- Lancaster ISD, About Barack and Michelle Obama 9th Grade Campus
- Lancaster ISD, About Lancaster STEM Early College High School
- Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer, Lancaster ISD
- Lancaster ISD Bond 2026 site
- Lancaster ISD, May 2026 Bond Election Quick Facts (PDF)
- Dallas College, Cedar Valley Campus
- NERIS (FSRI), Lancaster Fire Department stations
- NERIS (FSRI), Lancaster Fire Department FD48113602
- TDLR TABS2026016666, Lancaster Fire Station 4
- TDLR EABPRJA9801065, Lancaster Fire Station No. 2 addition
- City of Lancaster Police, Patrol Division
- DiscoverPolicing, Lancaster Police Department (TX)
- AirNav, Lancaster Regional Airport (KLNC)
- OSRM open routing engine (Realust drive-time calculation, Oct 2026)
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Education
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🎯 College Readiness (Class of 2023)
Transportation
Mobility Scores
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Distance To
⚡ EV Charging
Drive to major employers from Lancaster
Rush-hour drive times from the center of Lancaster, weekday at 8:00 AM.
| Workplace | 8 AM rush | No traffic | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown DallasDallas | 37 min | 25 min | 18 mi |
| Baylor University Medical CenterDallas | 40 min | 28 min | 18.3 mi |
| AT&TDowntown Dallas | 41 min | 28 min | 18.7 mi |
| Uptown DallasDallas | 42 min | 27 min | 19 mi |
| Arlington Entertainment DistrictArlington | 43 min | 36 min | 28.7 mi |
| UT Southwestern / Medical DistrictDallas | 44 min | 27 min | 21.6 mi |
| American AirlinesFort Worth | 48 min | 36 min | 32 mi |
| Dallas Love FieldDallas | 50 min | 33 min | 23.9 mi |
Show all 36 workplaces
| Workplace | 8 AM rush | No traffic | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest AirlinesLove Field | 50 min | 33 min | 25 mi |
| Las Colinas Urban CenterIrving | 51 min | 32 min | 27.9 mi |
| Kimberly-ClarkIrving | 53 min | 34 min | 28.6 mi |
| SMUUniversity Park | 53 min | 33 min | 22 mi |
| McKessonLas Colinas | 54 min | 35 min | 30.6 mi |
| Galleria / LBJDallas | 56 min | 35 min | 29 mi |
| Downtown Fort WorthFort Worth | 58 min | 46 min | 40.9 mi |
| Texas InstrumentsDallas | 59 min | 36 min | 27 mi |
| DFW AirportDFW | 63 min | 43 min | 37.8 mi |
| Telecom CorridorRichardson | 63 min | 40 min | 32.5 mi |
| State Farm CityLineRichardson | 65 min | 42 min | 33.9 mi |
| Legacy WestPlano | 66 min | 43 min | 38.7 mi |
| Lockheed MartinFort Worth | 66 min | 54 min | 49.9 mi |
| Fidelity InvestmentsWestlake | 67 min | 49 min | 46.7 mi |
| Charles SchwabWestlake | 67 min | 49 min | 47.7 mi |
| Tyler TechnologiesPlano | 67 min | 45 min | 39.4 mi |
| JPMorgan Chase Legacy WestPlano | 68 min | 44 min | 39.3 mi |
| Medical City PlanoPlano | 68 min | 46 min | 39.2 mi |
| Toyota North America HQPlano | 68 min | 46 min | 40.4 mi |
| Capital OnePlano | 69 min | 46 min | 41.3 mi |
| The StarFrisco | 69 min | 46 min | 41.8 mi |
| UT DallasRichardson | 69 min | 46 min | 33.6 mi |
| Keurig Dr PepperFrisco | 70 min | 47 min | 41.4 mi |
| Frito-Lay / PepsiCoPlano | 70 min | 46 min | 39.9 mi |
| AllianceTexasFort Worth | 77 min | 59 min | 55.5 mi |
| University of North TexasDenton | 81 min | 61 min | 56.2 mi |
| RaytheonMcKinney | 82 min | 58 min | 50.2 mi |
| Texas Woman's UniversityDenton | 82 min | 63 min | 56.1 mi |
Source: Google Routes forecast, updated October 2026. Find where to live near your work →
Cost of Living
Cost Index (100 = National Average)
Monthly Utilities
Everyday Costs
Taxes
Hidden costs in Lancaster
A home inside Lancaster city limits pays five taxing units. For 2025 the rates are Lancaster ISD at 1.2244, the city at 0.5995, Dallas County at 0.2155, Parkland Hospital at 0.2120 and Dallas College at 0.1066, all per $100 of value.
Where a typical Lancaster homestead tax bill goes (2025)1,17
- City of Lancaster$1,477/yr
- Lancaster ISD$1,302/yr
- Dallas County$425/yr
- Parkland Hospital$418/yr
- Dallas College$210/yr
Homestead at $246,300 (ACS median value), owner under 65, no MUD or PID. Lancaster MUD #1 would add $2,338; a PID at $0.13 would add up to $320.
Base 2025 tax rate: Lancaster vs. nearby Dallas County cities1
- DeSoto (DeSoto ISD)2.44%
- Lancaster (Lancaster ISD)2.36%
- Cedar Hill (Cedar Hill ISD)2.30%
- Duncanville (Duncanville ISD)2.24%
- Dallas (Dallas ISD)2.23%
- Hutchins (Dallas ISD)2.18%
- Wilmer (Dallas ISD)2.00%
All rates from the DCAD 2025 sheet. Each city is paired with the ISD named in the label (Realust assumption; some addresses fall in other ISDs). Excludes MUDs and PIDs. Lancaster ISD has no optional homestead; Dallas ISD adds a 10% optional homestead and Dallas a 20% one, so effective bills differ more than the base rate shows.
Monthly cost beyond the mortgage (sourced parts only)1,17,18,21
- Property tax (homestead, no MUD/PID)$319/mo
- Electric (1,000 kWh, 12-mo fixed)$141/mo
- Sewer (6,000 gal)$95/mo
- Water (6,000 gal)$47/mo
- Trash + admin fee$20/mo
- Stormwater$10.5/mo
Partial. Excludes insurance, internet, natural gas and HOA/PID dues, which were not sourced or vary by subdivision.
Utility providers in Lancaster18,19,20,21,22
| Service | Provider | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Oncor wires; choose a retail provider | Lowest 12-mo fixed ~ $141 at 1,000 kWh (Oct. 28, 2026) | Oncor delivery $4.06/mo + 6.87¢/kWh passed through |
| Water | City of Lancaster | $25.65 base + $3.59/1,000 gal (first 15,000) | Deposit $110 owner / $170 renter |
| Sewer | City of Lancaster | $20.74 base + $12.35/1,000 gal | Volume set from average of three lowest bills |
| Trash & recycling | City bill (collector not named) | $17.31 + $2.69 admin | Weekly; 95-gal carts |
| Stormwater | City of Lancaster | $10.50/mo | $5.25 for 62+ or disabled |
| Natural gas | Not confirmed | ||
| Internet | AT&T Fiber (95%), Hotwire fiber (57%), Spectrum (99%), 5G home, Starlink | Not sourced | FCC data via broadbandmap.com |
Read the full hidden costs guide
The tax bill is the biggest hidden cost
A home inside Lancaster city limits pays five taxing units. For 2025 the rates are Lancaster ISD at 1.2244, the city at 0.5995, Dallas County at 0.2155, Parkland Hospital at 0.2120 and Dallas College at 0.1066, all per $100 of value. Together that is about 2.36% before exemptions.
Exemptions cut that a lot. Lancaster ISD takes $140,000 off a homestead's value after voters raised the state exemption in November 2025. Dallas County, Parkland and Dallas College each take 20%. The city has no general homestead exemption, so city tax applies to full value. Owners 65 and older get $30,000 off from the city, $60,000 from the ISD plus a school tax ceiling, and $100,000 each from the county, Parkland and the college.
At the ACS median home value of $246,300, the 2025 bill comes to about $3,830 a year, or $319 a month, an effective rate near 1.56%. The city's share is the largest line on that bill, slightly ahead of the school district. The same house as a rental with no exemptions would owe about $5,810.
A county tax vote is on the November ballot
Dallas County adopted a 2026 rate of 0.24865, up from 0.2155. It is above the voter-approval rate, so voters decide on Nov. 3, 2026. If they approve, the county line on a $246,300 homestead rises about $65 a year. If they reject it, the rate falls back to the voter-approval rate. The 2026 rates for the city, Lancaster ISD, Parkland and Dallas College were not confirmed in this review.
Check for a MUD or PID before you buy
Lancaster MUD #1 levies 0.9494 per $100 with no general homestead exemption. On a $246,300 home that adds about $2,340 a year, or $195 a month. Its voters were asked in May 2025 to approve up to $133 million in road bonds.
The city also runs several public improvement districts, including Millbrook East, Lancaster Mills, Meadowview, Pleasant Run Estates, Lancaster Boardwalk, Beltline Ashmoore and Glendover Estates. They pay for landscaping, fences, entry signs, lighting and small parks. Council resets each rate every year. Millbrook East's was capped at $0.13 per $100 for 2024/25, which is up to about $320 a year on a median-value home. Ask for the seller's MUD and PID disclosure.
The city utility bill
The city bills water, sewer, trash and stormwater together. Water costs $25.65 a month plus $3.59 per 1,000 gallons for the first 15,000 gallons. Sewer costs $20.74 plus $12.35 per 1,000 gallons, with residential volume set from the average of your three lowest bills in the past year.
Trash and recycling run $17.31 plus a $2.69 administrative fee. The stormwater fee is $10.50. At 6,000 gallons a month, the whole bill comes to about $173. Owners 62 and older get $7.50 off water, $7.50 off sewer and half off stormwater. New accounts pay a $110 deposit for owners and $170 for renters.
Electric, internet and getting around
Oncor delivers power in Lancaster, so you pick a retail electricity plan. On Oct. 28, 2026 the lowest 12-month fixed plan listed for ZIP 75146 was about $141 at 1,000 kWh. Prices change often, so compare plans before you move in.
AT&T Fiber reaches about 95% of locations and Hotwire fiber about 57%, according to FCC data. Spectrum cable covers nearly all of the city, and several 5G home and satellite options are available.
The average Lancaster worker's commute is about 29 minutes. The city sits within three miles of I-20, I-35E and I-45.
Not confirmed yet
- What does homeowners insurance typically cost for a $250,000 home in Lancaster?
- What share of city parcels sits in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area?
- What does internet cost from AT&T Fiber, Hotwire and Spectrum at Lancaster addresses?
- What are typical HOA dues in Rolling Meadows, Millbrook and other newer subdivisions?
- What are the city's water and sewer impact fees for a new single-family home?
- What are typical drive times and toll costs to downtown Dallas, Las Colinas and DFW Airport?
Questions people ask
What is the property tax rate in Lancaster, TX?
For 2025, about 2.36% before exemptions inside city limits: city 0.5995, Lancaster ISD 1.2244, Dallas County 0.2155, Parkland 0.2120 and Dallas College 0.1066 per $100. Lancaster MUD #1 adds 0.9494, and city PIDs add their own assessment.
How much are property taxes on a $250,000 home in Lancaster?
On a $246,300 homestead with an owner under 65, about $3,830 a year ($319 a month) at 2025 rates with no MUD or PID. Inside Lancaster MUD #1, about $6,170. As a rental with no exemptions, about $5,810.
Does Lancaster have a homestead exemption?
The city has no general homestead exemption. It gives $30,000 to owners 65 and older and to disabled owners. Lancaster ISD exempts $140,000, and Dallas County, Parkland and Dallas College each exempt 20%.
How much is the water bill in Lancaster, TX?
Water is $25.65 a month plus $3.59 per 1,000 gallons, and sewer is $20.74 plus $12.35 per 1,000 gallons. With trash ($20) and stormwater ($10.50), a home using 6,000 gallons pays about $173 a month.
What deposit does Lancaster charge for utilities?
$110 for homeowners and $170 for renters, each including a $10 activation fee.
Can I choose my electricity provider in Lancaster?
Yes. Oncor delivers the power, and you pick a retail plan. The lowest 12-month fixed plan listed for 75146 on Oct. 28, 2026 was about $141 at 1,000 kWh.
Is there fiber internet in Lancaster, TX?
Yes. FCC data shows AT&T Fiber at about 95% of locations and Hotwire fiber at about 57%. Spectrum cable covers nearly all of the city.
Sources (28) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Dallas Central Appraisal District, 2025 Tax Rates and Exemptions
- City of Lancaster, Adopted Budget FY2025-26
- City of Lancaster, Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Increase (2025)
- Dallas County, Notice of Adopted TY2026 Tax Rate Increase Final Vote
- Dallas County, Court Order 2026-0878 (Tax Rate Adoption)
- Dallas County, Court Order 2026-0879 (Tax Rate Election)
- Dallas County, 2026 Notice of Tax Rates
- Dallas College, Notice of Adopted Tax Rate
- Texas Tribune, Voters OK property tax breaks for Texas homeowners, businesses (Nov. 4, 2025)
- Lancaster ISD, VATRE page
- Lancaster ISD, Bond 2026
- Lancaster ISD, Voters Approve $376 Million Bond Package
- Lancaster MUD No. 1, Order Calling Road Bond Election (Feb. 11, 2025)
- City of Lancaster, Public Improvement District (PID) Info
- Focus Daily News, Public hearing notice: Millbrook East PID (Aug. 21, 2024)
- Focus Daily News, Public hearing notice: Lancaster Mills PID (Aug. 21, 2024)
- Census Reporter, Lancaster, TX profile (ACS 2024 5-year)
- City of Lancaster, Master Fee Schedule 2026-2027
- City of Lancaster, Utility Bill Rates
- City of Lancaster, Regular Trash & Recycling Collection
- ElectricRates.org, Oncor plans for ZIP 75146 (Oct. 28, 2026)
- BroadbandMap.com, Lancaster TX internet providers (FCC BDC data)
- Bloomfield Homes, Rolling Meadows (Lancaster)
- Home listing, Tribute at Mills Branch (Dustin Pitts)
- Neighborhoods.com, Tribute at Mills Branch
- YourCityResource, Lancaster city TX housing (Census ACS)
- City of Lancaster, Community Profile
- City of Lancaster, Floodplain FAQs
What’s coming
Public projects that will change daily life in Lancaster: new jobs, roads, schools and places to go. Every project links to its source.
Lancaster data center campuses
Lancaster approved zoning for Projects Labrador and Orange, up to 13 data center buildings on 530+ acres; Labrador could go live by 2030.
Why it matters: Large tax base boost for the city and ISD; some new jobs.
Citywide
Lancaster ISD $376M bond
Voters approved a $376M bond on May 2, 2026, funding a new CTE Center at Lancaster High, campus upgrades, an indoor practice facility and stadium work.
Why it matters: A new career-tech center and upgraded campuses with no tax rate hike.
Citywide
Dallas County homelessness tax vote
County Prop A would raise the tax rate to $0.24865 per $100 from $0.2155 to fund homelessness reduction, incl. mental health treatment, support services and encampment resolution.
Why it matters: Higher county tax bill for Dallas County homeowners if it passes.
Also in Dallas · Irving · Garland · Grand Prairie · Mesquite · Carrollton · Richardson · Rowlett · DeSoto · Cedar Hill · Coppell · Duncanville · Farmers Branch · Sachse · Balch Springs · University Park · Seagoville · Glenn Heights · Addison · Highland Park · Hutchins · Wilmer · Sunnyvale · Cockrell Hill · Combine
Citywide
Stack DFW02 data center campus
Stack Infrastructure's 193-acre, 500 MW campus on E. Belt Line Road could total 1.76M sq ft in five buildings. The first building is set to finish Mar 2027; a second runs Mar 2027–Dec 2028.
Why it matters: Construction traffic on E. Belt Line Rd; adds a large new tax base.
QTS DFW2 data center campus
QTS is developing a data center campus on the Mason Road site near Wilmer. A state filing for a $290M, 363,500-sq-ft building at 1341 Sunrise Rd lists construction from Sept 2026 to Dec 2027.
Why it matters: Construction traffic near Sunrise Rd and Mason Rd through 2027.
Also in Wilmer
Yondr Lancaster data center campus
Yondr Group secured a 163-acre site in Lancaster for a 550 MW hyperscale data center campus, with groundbreaking expected in 2026.
Why it matters: One of the largest power users proposed in southern Dallas County; Texas paused state data center permits in Sept 2026 pending grid and water audits, which could push timing.
Skybox PowerCampus Dallas
Skybox Datacenters, with Bandera Ventures and Principal Asset Management, is building a 300 MW, 1-million-sq-ft, three-building campus in Lancaster. The first 270,900-sq-ft building's shell was filed for Mar 2025 to May 2026, and its fit-out for Mar 2026 to Apr 2027.
Why it matters: Adds major tax base and about 120 permanent jobs at full build-out, along with a private on-site substation and years of construction traffic in south Lancaster.
IAC Pleasant Run warehouses
IAC Properties is building two speculative warehouses in Lancaster: 457,646 sq ft at 1740 N. Jefferson St. and 269,434 sq ft at 511 E. Pleasant Run Rd., on about 53 acres. Work began in December 2025.
Why it matters: More distribution jobs in Lancaster's I-35E/I-45 logistics belt, and more truck traffic on Pleasant Run Rd.
We track publicly announced projects from official and local news sources. Plans and dates change; dates are targets, not promises. Map locations are approximate. Projects don't affect the Realust Score. Know of a project we're missing? Tell us.
Growth story in Lancaster
Lancaster was laid out in 1852 and incorporated in 1886. A rail depot opened in 1888, but the town stayed near 1,100 to 1,200 residents until 1940.
Lancaster population, 1990-20251,2
1990-2020: decennial Census counts. NCTCOG's Jan 2026 estimate (42,511) uses a different method and is left out of this chart.
New housing units permitted by the City of Lancaster4,5
Census Building Permits Survey; all single-family. 2026 is January-September only. Homes built outside city limits are not counted.
Lancaster ISD enrollment (NCES)12
NCES Common Core of Data. State data reported by Texas Tribune show 6,434 students in 2026; not charted because it comes from a different source. No district projection was found.
New-home communities in and around Lancaster19,20,21,22,23
| Community | Developer | Builder | Planned size | Status | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boardwalk | n/p | D.R. Horton | n/p | Selling | 1421 Boardwalk Ave, 75134 |
| Rolling Meadows | n/p | Bloomfield Homes | n/p | Closeout | Ocean Dr near I-35E / W Belt Line Rd, 75146 |
| Bear Creek Ranch | Centurion American | D.R. Horton | n/p | Sold out | Outside city limits (Bear Creek Ranch CDP), 75146 |
| Pleasant Run Estates | Megatel Homes | Megatel Homes | 116 lots | Sold out | Ellis County side of the Lancaster area |
n/p = not published. No large master-planned community inside the city was confirmed.
Where new homes and jobs are going18,19,20,26,27,28,30
- 1Boardwalk (D.R. Horton)
- 2Walmart fulfillment center
- 3Walmart perishable distribution center
- 4Planned industrial site (water/sewer CIP Development 1)
- 5Planned industrial sites (CIP Developments 2-3)
- 6Lancaster High School
Bear Creek Ranch and Pleasant Run Estates have no published street address. The CIP memo lists Development 1 as both 1201 and 1301 E Beltline Rd.
Largest employers in Lancaster (2024 ACFR)1
- Walmart2,125 employees
- Lancaster ISD915 employees
- DSV450 employees
- Wayfair401 employees
- ThredUp400 employees
- Crescent Medical Center362 employees
- Niagara Bottling350 employees
- City of Lancaster299 employees
- Oak Creek Homes / American Homestar295 employees
- Cedar Valley College280 employees
City of Lancaster 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, as reproduced on Wikipedia.
Read the full growth story guide
From frontier post to postwar suburb
Lancaster was laid out in 1852 and incorporated in 1886. A rail depot opened in 1888, but the town stayed near 1,100 to 1,200 residents until 1940.
Growth came after World War II. The Census counted 2,632 people in 1950, 7,501 in 1960 and 14,807 in 1980. Cedar Valley College opened in 1977. An F4 tornado in 1994 heavily damaged the town square, which was later rebuilt.
Population: built out and holding steady
The city grew from 22,117 in 1990 to 25,894 in 2000 and 36,361 in 2010. That 2000s jump was its biggest recent run. The 2020 Census counted 41,275.
Since then, the two main estimates disagree slightly. The Census Bureau puts Lancaster at 40,526 in July 2025, a little below 2020. NCTCOG puts it at 42,511 in January 2026, up 117 in a year. Both point the same way: Lancaster is a mature suburb, not a boomtown. We found no published city or NCTCOG projection for future population.
Housing: few new homes, older stock
Census permit data show the city permitted 815 homes from 2015 to 2019, peaking at 222 in 2019. From 2020 to 2025 it permitted 367, and only 23 in 2025. Through September 2026 it had permitted 59. Every unit was a single-family house; no apartment permits were reported.
The ACS counts about 15,458 housing units in 2020-2024, and 68% of occupied homes are owner-occupied. New-home choices are limited. D.R. Horton is selling at Boardwalk near I-20, and Bloomfield is closing out Rolling Meadows off Ocean Drive. Bear Creek Ranch and Pleasant Run Estates are sold out and sit outside city limits, so check the city, school district and tax rates for any specific address.
Jobs: the real growth story
Lancaster's growth is in warehouses and jobs more than rooftops. It sits between I-20, I-35E and I-45, and the Park 20/35 logistics park dates from 2006. Walmart opened a 1.5 million sq ft fulfillment center on Belt Line Road in 2023 and a 730,000 sq ft perishable center on Pleasant Run Road in 2024. Best Buy took an 800,000 sq ft building in Wintergreen Industrial Park.
The city's 2024 financial report lists Walmart as the top employer with 2,125 workers, followed by Lancaster ISD, DSV, Wayfair and ThredUp. A 2024 engineering memo for the city estimates $28.3 million in water and $13.7 million in wastewater work to serve industrial land in the southeast, near the Southern Dallas County Inland Port. TxDOT's Loop 9 project, south of the city, adds a new east-west route between I-35E and I-45.
Schools: fewer students, new bond
Most of the city is in Lancaster ISD, but some streets are in Dallas ISD or Ferris ISD. Lancaster ISD had 6,434 students in 2026, down 12.2% since 2016 by state data. Federal counts show 7,032 in 2022-23 and 6,818 in 2024-25.
Voters passed a $125.9 million bond in 2015 for two new elementaries and a new middle school. In May 2026 they passed all four parts of a $376 million bond, mostly for roofs, HVAC, security and a career center. The district said the bond would not raise the tax rate.
Prices and incomes
ACS data show the median owner-estimated home value rose from $101,400 in 2011-2015 to $136,700 in 2015-2019 and $246,300 in 2020-2024. Median household income rose more slowly, from $49,240 to $57,259 to $68,302 over the same periods. These are five-year averages in nominal dollars with sizable margins of error.
Not confirmed yet
- Does the city or NCTCOG publish a population projection for Lancaster? The 2021 Water and Wastewater Master Plan likely holds one.
- Are any new master-planned communities or apartment projects approved inside city limits?
- What does the Rolling Meadows PID add to annual costs?
- Will Lancaster ISD enrollment keep falling, and is there a demographic study?
- When will Dallas Water Utilities add supply for the southeast industrial area?
Questions people ask
What is the population of Lancaster, Texas?
The Census Bureau estimated 40,526 on July 1, 2025. NCTCOG estimated 42,511 on Jan 1, 2026. The 2020 Census counted 41,275.
Is Lancaster, TX growing?
Its population has been about flat since 2020. Growth is mainly in jobs: large Walmart, Best Buy and other distribution centers opened in 2023-2024.
How many new homes are being built in Lancaster?
Few. The city permitted 367 homes from 2020 to 2025 and 59 from January to September 2026, all single-family, per the Census Building Permits Survey.
Where are new homes in Lancaster?
D.R. Horton's Boardwalk (1421 Boardwalk Ave) is selling, and Bloomfield's Rolling Meadows is in closeout. Bear Creek Ranch and Pleasant Run Estates are sold out and lie outside city limits.
What school district serves Lancaster?
Mostly Lancaster ISD, but parts of the city are in Dallas ISD or Ferris ISD. Check the address.
Did the Lancaster ISD bond pass?
Yes. On May 2, 2026, all four propositions of the $376 million bond passed, per the district's unofficial results.
Who are the biggest employers in Lancaster?
Walmart (2,125), Lancaster ISD (915), DSV (450), Wayfair (401) and ThredUp (400), per the city's 2024 financial report.
How much have home values risen in Lancaster?
The ACS median home value went from $136,700 in 2015-2019 to $246,300 in 2020-2024.
Sources (33) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Lancaster, Texas (Wikipedia; historical census table, history, 2024 ACFR top employers)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 city and town population estimates, Texas (sub-est2025_48.csv)
- NCTCOG, 2026 Population Estimates publication (Jan 1, 2026)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, annual place files, South Region (soYYYYa.txt, 2010-2025), Lancaster FIPS place 41212
- U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, South Region place file, year-to-date through Sept 2026 (so2609y.txt)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2020-2024 table-based summary file (B25077, B19013, B25001, B25003), Lancaster city
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2017-2021, 2018-2022 and 2019-2023 table-based summary files
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2015-2019 sequence-based summary file, Texas
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2011-2015 sequence-based summary file, Texas
- Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer, Lancaster ISD (2026 enrollment)
- Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer, Lancaster ISD campuses
- PlainSchools, Lancaster ISD (NCES Common Core of Data enrollment 2022-23 to 2024-25)
- Lancaster ISD, Lancaster ISD Bond 2026
- Lancaster ISD, 2026 bond election results (unofficial), May 4, 2026
- Lancaster ISD, May 2026 Bond Election Quick Facts
- Lancaster ISD, Bond Office (2015 bond)
- Dallas Morning News, Lancaster ISD calls for $125.9 million bond election (Apr 16, 2015)
- Lancaster Independent School District (Wikipedia)
- D.R. Horton, Boardwalk, Lancaster
- Bloomfield Homes, Rolling Meadows, Lancaster
- Centurion American, Bear Creek Ranch
- PR Newswire, Megatel Homes to build approximately $30M development (Feb 26, 2021)
- Jome, new homes in Lancaster, TX (listing status, Oct 2026)
- TxDOT, Loop 9 Segment B (I-35E to I-45)
- Ellis County Press, Loop 9 Phase 1 set to be completed in 2025 (undated)
- Trade and Industry Development, Walmart opens high-tech fulfillment center near Dallas (Oct 20, 2023)
- Trade and Industry Development, Walmart celebrates grand opening of perishable distribution center in Lancaster (Jul 2024)
- Dallas Morning News, Best Buy plans massive Lancaster shipping hub (Aug 23, 2023)
- City of Lancaster, Community Profile
- Freese and Nichols for City of Lancaster, Water and Wastewater CIP Update technical memo (May 24, 2024)
- City of Lancaster, Water and Wastewater Master Plan page
- City of Lancaster, 2016 Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 1 Executive Summary
- City of Lancaster, 2016 Comprehensive Plan (chapter index)