For those who do not own a home, rent is a necessary expense. The higher a family's rental expenses, the less they have to spend on their other needs. However, higher median rental values can also be indicative of a better home and community.

In 2019-23, the median monthly rent in Lancaster County was $1,300, slightly higher than the $1,200 statewide median and below the $1,400 national median. Median monthly rent in Lancaster County increased by 13% since 2009-13, higher than the state increase of 9% and in line with a national increase of 14% during the same time period. The City of Lancaster, with a median monthly rent of $1,200, increased 20% since 2009-13.

Lancaster County had the highest increase in median rent during this time period, followed by Lebanon and Chester with 12% and 11% increases respectively. The remaining counties increased between 5% and 7%. All but one surrounding county have median rents in the $1,000-$1,300 range: Chester County is the outlier, with a median rent of $1,700.

Data are presented in 2023 dollars. Multi-year 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. Figures for the region and surrounding counties were calculated by aggregating county medians based on each county's share of the region s population. Data for this indicator are expected to be released in the fourth quarter.