Population563,159 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
Farmland Traditions and a Distinctive County City
Lancaster County, PennsylvaniaLancaster County brings together its namesake city, agricultural townships, and Amish communities with roots in colonial-era migration. Its local identity includes Pennsylvania German traditions and a long farming history. Townships such as Strasburg, Conestoga, and Ephrata help show the breadth of the county beyond its visitor image. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 563,159 residents in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on July 1, 2025.
Lancaster County at a Glance
Population563,159 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatLancaster
Largest Municipality (2025 estimate)Lancaster city
Established1729
ZIP Code LookupUSPS address lookup
Total Area, Including Water983.835 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Roads & Traffic511PA travel updates
Telephone Area CodesPUC area-code map
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover Lancaster County
Lancaster County
Lancaster County was organized from Chester County in 1729 as Pennsylvania’s fourth county. Its name recalls Lancaster in England, associated with early settler John Wright. Religious migration helped shape the region, including Amish arrivals whose communities remain part of its identity. Agriculture developed as another enduring thread. The county’s history should therefore be understood through both its city and its rural communities, without reducing a diverse living population to a single visitor image or tradition.
Lancaster city provides an urban center within a county of boroughs, townships, and agricultural landscapes. Places associated with Strasburg, Ephrata, and the Conestoga area add distinct local reference points. Amish communities are part of everyday county life, so visits should respect private property and residents’ choices about photography. Exploring several communities gives a fuller picture than relying on a single image of Pennsylvania Dutch Country or treating the entire county as a tourist attraction.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
Lancaster County brings together its namesake city, agricultural townships, and Amish communities with roots in colonial-era migration. Its local identity includes Pennsylvania German traditions and a long farming history.
Community History
Lancaster County was organized from Chester County in 1729 as Pennsylvania’s fourth county. Its name recalls Lancaster in England, associated with early settler John Wright.
Around the County
Lancaster city provides an urban center within a county of boroughs, townships, and agricultural landscapes. Places associated with Strasburg, Ephrata, and the Conestoga area add distinct local reference points.
Living communities give the farmland its enduring local character.
A Closer Look
Lancaster County
Places and perspectives from Lancaster County
Lancaster County Wire
Lancaster County & Pennsylvania News
Includes Pennsylvania statewide reporting; stories may cover other counties.Photo CreditsSpotlight PA — Pennsylvania Statewide
Top EPA official’s visits to Pa., other swing states ahead of midterms raise ethics concerns
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is visiting battleground districts and states in the runup to the midterm elections. Are…
Read the Story Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Lancaster County
Stories from every corner of Lancaster County.
Top EPA official’s visits to Pa., other swing states ahead of midterms raise ethics concerns
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is visiting battleground districts and states in the runup to the midterm elections. Are…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Erie gunman who killed family controlled their movements, finances: police
A Pennsylvania man who fatally shot eight others, including seven family members, before killing himself had exercised strict…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Rep. Perry’s Trump ties targeted by Dems in closely watched Pa. swing district race
The president’s declining popularity could be a liability for Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, a Trump loyalist who…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Reading could pull up to $24M from reserves to balance its next 2 budgets
Reading may use $24 million in reserves to cover budget gaps over two years, raising fears the city…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
The legislature didn’t act on skill games by the Pa. Supreme Court’s deadline. What happens now?
Top lawmakers said they wanted to act before the court-imposed deadline but didn’t, leading some members to mount…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the Right Local Connection
Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.
Government
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Schools
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
Adamstown El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 256 West Main Street, Adamstown, PA 19501. 717-484-1601.
Park El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-04. 50 S 6th St, Columbia, PA 17512. 717-684-9780.
Brownstown El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 51 School Lane, Brownstown, PA 17508. 717-656-6021.
Donegal Intermediate School – Elementary; grades 03-06. 1177 River Road, Marietta, PA 17547. 717-426-1561.
Brecknock El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-06. 361 School Rd, Denver, PA 17517. 717-445-8600.
Bainbridge El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-02. 416 N. Second Street, Bainbridge, PA 17502. 717-426-4203.
Akron El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-04. 125 S 11th St, Akron, PA 17501. 717-859-0400.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital – Acute Care Hospitals. 169 Martin Avenue, Ephrata, PA 17522. 717-733-0311.
Lancaster General Hospital – Acute Care Hospitals. 555 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602. 717-544-5511.
Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center – Acute Care Hospitals. 2160 State Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. 223-287-9000.
Upmc Lititz – Acute Care Hospitals. 1500 Highlands Drive, Lititz, PA 17543. 717-625-2000.
Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital – Psychiatric. 333 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603. 717-740-4100.
Public Safety
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Emergency Services
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
State Parks
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Trails
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Utilities
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Libraries
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Adamstown Area Library – 110 W. Main St., Adamstown, PA 19501. 717-484-4200.
Moores Memorial Library – 9 West Slokom Avenue, Christiana, PA 17509. 610-593-6683.
Columbia Public Library – 24 South Sixth St, Columbia, PA 17512. 717-684-2255.
Elizabethtown Public Library – 10 South Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. 717-367-7467.
Ephrata Public Library – 550 South Reading Rd, Ephrata, PA 17522. 717-738-9291.
Pequea Valley Public Library – 31 Center Street, Intercourse, PA 17534. 717-768-3160.
Lancaster Public Library – 151 North Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603. 717-394-2651.
Courts
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
DMV
Pennsylvania — Find a Location
Pennsylvania — Title and Registration
Pennsylvania — Licenses & Photo IDs
Transportation
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Plan Your Lancaster County Visit
Find places to go, compare activities and make the most of your time here.
Local Questions
Lancaster County: Places, Plans & Practical Answers
Start with these 11 answers, then find 5 more planning questions below the discovery lists.
No. Central Market is a market with scheduled market days, while Southern Market is a food-hall destination. Choose Central Market for food shopping and vendor browsing, or compare Southern Market's dining vendors for a group meal.
Hands-on House Children's Museum: Choose play-based exhibits designed for younger children near Lancaster. Dutch Wonderland: Plan a seasonal family amusement-park day; purchase appropriate admission and check ride requirements.
Chickies Rock County Park: Walk to a Susquehanna River overlook; the trail and cliff edges require care. Northwest Lancaster County River Trail: Walk or cycle a section along the Susquehanna River, choosing your distance from the trail map.
Chickies Rock County Park: Walk to a Susquehanna River overlook; the trail and cliff edges require care. Northwest Lancaster County River Trail: Walk or cycle a section along the Susquehanna River, choosing your distance from the trail map. Free access does not include purchases, rentals or separately ticketed activities.
Annie Bailey's Irish Public House: Choose an Irish-pub meal in downtown Lancaster. Southern Market: Choose among food vendors when members of your group want different meals.
Lancaster Central Market: Browse fresh food and specialty stalls on market days in downtown Lancaster. Aaron's Books: Browse an independent bookstore in Lititz.
Marie & Z Boutique: Explore women's clothing and styling options in Lancaster County. Pebbles & Lace Boutique: Look for boutique clothing and gifts during a Lititz visit.
Lancaster County brings together its namesake city, agricultural townships, and Amish communities with roots in colonial-era migration. Its local identity includes Pennsylvania German traditions and a long farming history. Use the local museums and historic sites above to explore that story in more detail.
Adamstown Area Library – 110 W. Main St., Adamstown, PA 19501. 717-484-4200. Moores Memorial Library – 9 West Slokom Avenue, Christiana, PA 17509. 610-593-6683. These contacts come from the supplied local-library directory; call for current opening hours, children’s programs and visitor services.
Adamstown El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 256 West Main Street, Adamstown, PA 19501. 717-484-1601. Park El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-04. 50 S 6th St, Columbia, PA 17512. 717-684-9780. These are selected contacts from the supplied school directory. Contact the school or district to confirm attendance boundaries and enrollment; a nearby school is not necessarily the assigned school.
Lancaster is the county seat recorded in the supplied Lancaster County information. Use the Government tab in local resources to locate the department you need; offices may have different addresses and appointment arrangements.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make Time for a Local DiscoveryExplore places to eat, shop and spend time in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Follow each link for current visiting details.
Kids’ Fun
- Hands-on House Children's Museum — Choose play-based exhibits designed for younger children near Lancaster.
- Dutch Wonderland — Plan a seasonal family amusement-park day; purchase appropriate admission and check ride requirements.
Restaurants
- Annie Bailey's Irish Public House — Choose an Irish-pub meal in downtown Lancaster.
- Southern Market — Choose among food vendors when members of your group want different meals.
Shopping & Retail
- Lancaster Central Market — Browse fresh food and specialty stalls on market days in downtown Lancaster.
- Aaron's Books — Browse an independent bookstore in Lititz.
Clothing & Boutiques
- Marie & Z Boutique — Explore women's clothing and styling options in Lancaster County.
- Pebbles & Lace Boutique — Look for boutique clothing and gifts during a Lititz visit.
Outdoor Fun
- Chickies Rock County Park — Walk to a Susquehanna River overlook; the trail and cliff edges require care.
- Northwest Lancaster County River Trail — Walk or cycle a section along the Susquehanna River, choosing your distance from the trail map.
Free Things to Do
- Chickies Rock County Park — Walk to a Susquehanna River overlook; the trail and cliff edges require care.
- Northwest Lancaster County River Trail — Walk or cycle a section along the Susquehanna River, choosing your distance from the trail map.
Businesses in This County Guide
More Lancaster County Questions
How could I build a short Lancaster County outing from these places?
One possible plan is Hands-on House Children's Museum, a meal at Annie Bailey's Irish Public House, and a browse at Lancaster Central Market. These are separate stops; map their addresses and check opening times before deciding whether all three fit your day.
How can I keep a Lancaster County day trip inexpensive?
Start with Chickies Rock County Park and Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and bring a picnic where permitted. Budget separately for museum or amusement tickets, restaurant meals, parking where charged, rentals and purchases. Check the linked destination’s current fees instead of assuming every activity on its grounds is free.
Where should I check the forecast before visiting Chickies Rock County Park?
Use the county weather section above for the forecast. For Chickies Rock County Park, also open the destination’s notices for trail, road or facility closures. A county forecast does not confirm that an individual trail or activity is operating.
What should I confirm before making a special trip to Marie & Z Boutique?
Use Marie & Z Boutique to confirm the physical-store address, current opening days and whether the item or fitting you need is available. Some shops list online stock, multiple locations or appointment services, so contact the store about a specific visit.
Where can I find the businesses featured in this Lancaster County guide?
The “Businesses in This County Guide” section links to Willow Valley Hardware. Open a business page for its contact details. A business featured in this guide may serve the county from another location; confirm its address and service area directly.
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.