South Lancaster is a small town of 1,642 in Massachusetts, with a median household income of $101,250
and a 19.0% unemployment rate.
Its cost of living index is 94 (US average = 100), which is
6% below the national average.
Strengths:
South Lancaster stands out for an affordable cost of living, solid school ratings (A), a well-educated population.
Trade-offs:
Potential downsides include longer commutes, an elevated unemployment rate. Whether South Lancaster is right for you depends on your priorities — the full breakdown is below.
All South Lancaster city data on this page comes from official government sources —
the US Census Bureau, FBI, NCES, BEA, and NOAA — updated annually.
Cost of Living
Index: 94.4
South Lancaster's overall cost of living index is 94.4,
where 100 represents the US national average.
Living in South Lancaster costs roughly 6% less than the average American city.
Metric
South Lancaster, MA
National Avg
Median Home Value
$339,500
$244,900
Median Monthly Rent
$379
$1,163
Homeownership Rate
70.0%
65.9%
Median Household Income
$101,250
$74,755
Crime & Safety
Very Safe
South Lancaster's violent crime rate is 121.6 per 100,000 residents
— 68% lower than the national average of ~380 per 100,000.
Violent Crime
121.6 /100k
Property Crime
303.1 /100k
Vertical marker = national average. Source: FBI UCR Program.
Schools & Education
South Lancaster is served primarily by Nashoba.
The student-to-teacher ratio is 12.1:1
(better than the national average of ~16:1).
Metric
South Lancaster, MA
National Avg
School District
Nashoba
—
Elementary Schools
3
—
Middle Schools
2
—
High Schools
1
—
Student/Teacher Ratio
12.1:1
16:1
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
62.8%
35.4%
High School Diploma or Higher
92.8%
91.1%
Weather & Climate
South Lancaster sees average highs of 34.2°F in January
and 83.4°F in July,
with 48.8 inches of annual precipitation
and 72.9 inches of snow per year.
South Lancaster's cost of living index is 94, where 100 is the national average.
That makes South Lancaster roughly 6% less expensive than a typical US city — a meaningful affordability advantage.
The median home price is $339,500 and median rent is $379/month.
South Lancaster's violent crime rate is 121.6 per 100,000 residents — the national average is ~380 per 100,000. Property crime is 303.1 per 100,000 (national avg ~2,100). Data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
Public schools in South Lancaster are operated by Nashoba.
The district has 3 elementary, 2 middle, and 1 high schools.
The student-to-teacher ratio is 12.1:1. 62.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
South Lancaster, MA has a population of 1,642, a median household income of $101,250, and an unemployment rate of 19.0%.
It offers below-average costs of living, which stretches take-home pay further than in most American cities. Whether it's right for you depends on your priorities — use the compare tool above to stack it against another city you're considering.
South Lancaster averages 34.2°F in January and 83.4°F in July. Annual rainfall is 48.8 inches
with about 72.9 inches of snow per year.
Based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991–2020).
South Lancaster, MA is covered by 2 ZIP codes: 01523, 01561.
The population of South Lancaster, Massachusetts is 1,642 with a median age of 39.0. Source: US Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
Key numbers for living in South Lancaster: cost of living index 94 (100 = US average), median home $339,500, median household income $101,250, crime index 25 (100 = US average, lower is safer), schools rated A. Whether these are benefits or drawbacks depends on where you're coming from — compare South Lancaster side by side with your current city to see the trade-offs.
