Facts about Lancaster County

** Lancaster Co. Cooperative Extension 2004 Annual Report

Agricultural Production
Lancaster County has long been known as the Garden Spot of America. Its many productive farms keeps the county as one of the top 15 agricultural production counties in the United States. This is due to its diverse and intensified agriculture, its rich soils, favorable climates and its close proximity to a large market. The main agricultural enterprises are dairy, egg production, chickens, hogs and beef cattle. Major crops produced in the county is corn, alfalfa, soybeans and vegetables.

Population
The population of the county is 456,414 people. This population is composed of 95.1 percent White, 5.1 percent Hispanic, 3.1 percent Afro American, 1.6 percent Asian and 0.1 percent American Indian. In the past 20 years, the county’s population has risen about 60,000 people a decade. It is Pennsylvania’s second fastest growing county. In 1990, the federal census identified the county as one of Pennsylvania’s 25 most urban counties.

Land Use
Lancaster County is 946 square miles or 616,960 acres. There are currently 6,015 farms in the county farming 421,000 acres. The average size farm in the county is 70 acres. These farms produce products worth over $960 million. Currently over 360 farms are preserved representing over 32,000 acres.

Religious Traditions
Lancaster County has a strong religious tradition. There are approximately 580 churches and synagogues in the county representing 46 faith denominations. In 1997, there were approximately 20,000 members of the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonites.

Key Focus Areas
The six key focus areas for the future identified by the citizens of the county are:
1. Protecting and preserving our natural and cultural heritage.
2. Revitalizing our urban communities.
3. Developing livable communities.
4. Creating a sustainable economy.
5. Celebrating, investing in and mobilizing the talents of our human resources.
6. Promoting strong leadership, awareness, responsibility and involvement in community issues.

Weather
Average annual temperature is 53 degrees. Average July temperature is 78 degrees while average January temperature is 32 degrees. Average length of growing season is 160 days. Average annual precipitation is 42 inches. Average annual snowfall is 7.5 inches.

County Statistics

Need some stats for your county? Check out these resources.

Government information site on demographics, economics, and educational information:
http://govinfo.library.orst.edu/

US Census Bureau
United States Department of Commerce

USDA Home Page:
http://www.usda.gov/
http://www.nass.usda.gov/pa/