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 2017-21, the median monthly rent in Lancaster County was $1,114, higher than the $1,013 statewide median and below the $1,163 national median. Median monthly rent in Lancaster County increased by 20% since 2000, in line with state and national increases of 17% and 19%, respectively. The City of Lancaster, with a median monthly rent of $995, has also increased 25% since 2000.

Most surrounding counties increased by similar amounts over this period: Chester by 18%, Lebanon by 21% and York by 19%. Berks, Cumberland and Dauphin were the exceptions, increasing by only 11%. 13% and 12%, respectively. All but one surrounding county have median rents in the $900-$1,200 range: Chester County is the outlier, with a median rent of $1,445.

Data are presented in 2021 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.