Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of the state, shares its borders with Chester, Berks, Lebanon, and York counties. This county is an integral part of the picturesque Susquehanna Valley and boasts a population of approximately 556,000 individuals, as reported in the 2020 census. Lancaster, the county seat and largest city, lends its name to this historic region, paying homage to the birthplace of early settler John Wright in Lancashire, England.
Lancaster County is celebrated for its rich cultural tapestry, diverse demographics, and contributions to economic and technological advancements. Nevertheless, it grapples with pronounced disparities in income, poverty rates, unemployment, and educational attainment across its various neighborhoods. Some localities confront the hardships of reduced income, heightened poverty, elevated unemployment figures, lower educational attainment levels, and restricted access to healthcare and social services.
In this article, we will delve into five of the county’s most economically challenged neighborhoods, drawing from data derived from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) estimates spanning 2017 to 2021. We’ll employ several key indicators to assess the poverty landscape:
1. Columbia
Situated in western Lancaster County, close to Wrightsville and Marietta, Columbia, though urban, encompasses a predominantly White populace with a diverse mix of Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. Its population hovers around 10,000 residents. Regrettably, Columbia faces economic hardships as indicated by ACS data, including:
- A median household income of $41,000, marking a 45% shortfall compared to the county and national medians.
- A poverty rate of 23%, more than double the county average and one-and-a-half times the national average.
- An unemployment rate of 9%, surpassing both county and national figures.
- An educational attainment rate of 81%, indicating that approximately 80% of adults have completed high school or higher education.
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2. Ephrata
Located in the northeastern part of Lancaster County, near Akron and Denver, Ephrata offers a suburban setting with a predominantly White population, alongside Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. Its population stands at roughly 13,000 individuals. However, Ephrata grapples with notable economic challenges, including:
- A median household income of $46,000, representing a 39% dip compared to the county and a 40% decrease relative to the national median.
- A poverty rate of 19%, more than twice the county average and one-and-a-half times the national average.
- An unemployment rate of 8%, surpassing both county and national averages.
- An educational attainment rate of 83%, indicating that about 80% of adults have completed high school or higher education.
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3. Lancaster City
Serving as the county seat and the largest city in Lancaster County, Lancaster City is a diverse urban area encompassing White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American populations. It boasts a population of around 58,000 residents. Nonetheless, Lancaster City grapples with significant economic hardships, including:
- A median household income of $47,000, representing a 37% drop compared to the county and a 39% decrease relative to the national median.
- A poverty rate of 19%, more than twice the county average and one-and-a-half times the national average.
- An unemployment rate of 7%, surpassing both county and national figures.
- An educational attainment rate of 84%, indicating that about 80% of adults have completed high school or higher education.
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4. Elizabethtown
Nestled in the southwestern part of Lancaster County, near Mount Joy and Rheems, Elizabethtown boasts a suburban ambiance and a predominantly White population, alongside some Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. Approximately 11,000 residents call this place home, yet it grapples with economic challenges, including:
- A median household income of $49,000, marking a 35% dip compared to the county and a 37% decrease relative to the national median.
- A poverty rate of 18%, more than twice the county average and one-and-a-half times the national average.
- An unemployment rate of 7%, surpassing both county and national averages.
- An educational attainment rate of 85%, indicating that about 80% of adults have completed high school or higher education.
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5. Quarryville
Situated in the southeastern part of Lancaster County, near New Providence and Kirkwood, Quarryville offers a rural atmosphere and features a predominantly White population, complemented by some Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. It is home to roughly 2,000 residents who face economic challenges, including:
- A median household income of $50,000, representing a 33% decline compared to the county and a 36% decrease relative to the national median.
- A poverty rate of 17%, more than twice the county average and one-and-a-half times the national average.
- An unemployment rate of 6%, surpassing both county and national figures.
- An educational attainment rate of 86%, indicating that about 80% of adults have completed high school or higher education.
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Conclusion
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, graces the south-central region of the state, nestled within the embrace of the Susquehanna Valley. Its unique blend of cultures, rich history, and contributions to innovation and technology are undeniable. However, the county’s neighborhoods face distinct disparities in income, poverty, unemployment, and education.
Communities such as Columbia, Ephrata, Lancaster City, Elizabethtown, and Quarryville grapple with the challenges of diminished income, heightened poverty levels, increased unemployment, lower educational attainment, and limited access to healthcare and social services. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts from various stakeholders to enhance the well-being and quality of life for all residents.