A vehicle makes it easier for people to work and to conduct daily business such as doctor's visits and shopping. Ready access to transportation can also make it simpler to get involved in schools, religious organizations and other forms of civic life.

In 2016-20, 9% of Lancaster County households did not have a vehicle, a similar rate as in 2000. This is slightly below the state rate of 11% and slightly above the national rate of 8%. In the City of Lancaster, 18% of households lacked access to a vehicle. This is down from 24% in 2000.

Except for Berks and Dauphin counties, with a similar 9% rate, surrounding counties were all below Lancaster's rate, with Cumberland at 5%, Lebanon and York all at 6%, and Chester at 4%.

The multiyear figures are from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. The bureau combined five years of responses to the survey to provide estimates for smaller geographic areas and increase the precision of its estimates. The survey provides data on characteristics of the population that used to be collected only during the decennial census. Data for this indicator are expected to be released annually in December.