Lancaster and North Antelope Valley in California, are two distinct areas each with their unique characteristics. Comparing them in terms of crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education and more can offer valuable insights to those considering a move or just looking for a new place to visit. While nearby, these two areas provide a contrasting experience that can cater to a variety of interests and lifestyles.
Lancaster, CA has a slightly higher crime rate than the national average, making safety a concern for residents and tourists. However, the city is making strides in improving this area. North Antelope Valley, a part of the larger Palmdale-area, has a similar crime rate. Both places require a level of awareness, but contain neighborhoods safer than others. It's also worthy to note that both Lancaster and North Antelope Valley have dedicated law enforcement groups working to ensure the safety of their residents and visitors.
Cost of Living
Cost of living is more affordable in both Lancaster and North Antelope Valley compared to the California average. However, Lancaster has a slightly more affordable cost of living, making it a more feasible option for those on a budget. This affordability extends to sectors like housing and groceries.
Income Tax
Personal income tax in California ranges from 1% to 13.3%, depending on income. These rates apply uniformly across the state, so both Lancaster and North Antelope Valley residents would have the same income tax rates.
Property Tax
The typical homeowner in both Lancaster and North Antelope Valley pays slightly less than the California average in property taxes. This is due to their property values being lower than the state median.
Sales Tax
The city sales tax in Lancaster is 10.25% whereas in North Antelope Valley, being part of the larger Palmdale area, the rate is also 10.25%. Both rates are above the national average but fairly standard for California cities.
Income
Type
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
Estimated median household income
$64,242
$75,701
Estimated per capita income
$26,470
$31,896
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
129.8
137.8
If you make $50,000 in Lancaster, you will have to make $53,082 in North Antelope Valley to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both Lancaster and North Antelope Valley are located in the western Mojave Desert, characterized by arid conditions and unique desert vegetation. Lancaster is more flat while North Antelope Valley features more variable terrain.
Geographical information
Type
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
Land area
94 sq. miles
829.8 sq. miles
Population density
1,810.1 people per sq. mile
185.6 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Lancaster, CA North Antelope Valley, CA
Education
Both Lancaster and North Antelope Valley are served by the Antelope Valley Union High School District. They boast a lower student to teacher ratio compared to the national average. In Lancaster, one can find campuses of higher learning institutions like Antelope Valley College and University of Antelope Valley.
While the economies of Lancaster and North Antelope Valley are tied to the larger Antelope Valley economy, there are some notable differences. Lancaster has a more diversified economy with sectors like healthcare, education, retail, and aerospace having a strong presence. North Antelope Valley has a slightly higher unemployment rate than Lancaster and its economy depends more on sectors such as retail and manufacturing.
Biggest Employers
The largest employers in Lancaster include Antelope Valley Hospital, Antelope Valley Union High School District, and BYD Company. In North Antelope Valley, top employers include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Palmdale Regional Medical Center.
Weather
Lancaster and North Antelope Valley share similar weather patterns being in the same general geographical area. The climate here is characterized by hot summers and mild to cool winters, typical of a desert environment. Both locations see more sunny days per year compared to other US cities. Those more comfortable with warm weather would find either area appealing.
Weather and climate
Type
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
Temperature - Average
61.3°F
61°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
61.2%
61.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
17.6%
16.2%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
64.6%
64.8%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
47%
48.7%
Precipitation - Yearly average
7.5 in
7.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
28.8%
28.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21.4%
21.8%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
84.8%
84.9%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
63.4%
63.1%
Wind speed - Average
4.3 mph
3.7 mph
Average climate in Lancaster, California
Average climate in North Antelope Valley, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
Year
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
2018
95
95
0.21
0.21
8.7
8.7
39.8
39.8
25.4
25.4
7.3
7.3
2017
89
89
0.26
0.26
7.8
7.8
38.3
38.3
25.4
25.4
7.4
7.4
2016
91
93
0.25
0.25
8.1
8.1
40.2
40.2
25.0
25.0
7.7
7.7
2015
104
104
0.27
0.27
6.7
6.7
41.5
41.5
18.4
18.5
N/A
N/A
2014
90
95
0.16
0.16
8.2
8.2
38.7
38.7
22.7
22.7
N/A
N/A
2013
96
103
0.20
0.20
8.0
8.0
39.4
39.4
22.5
22.6
N/A
N/A
2012
89
89
0.28
0.28
8.9
8.9
40.5
40.5
29.5
29.5
N/A
N/A
2011
97
97
0.27
0.27
11.7
11.7
41.9
41.9
19.7
19.7
N/A
N/A
2010
93
93
0.16
0.16
11.7
11.7
41.8
41.8
19.0
19.0
N/A
N/A
2009
103
103
0.15
0.15
12.7
12.7
40.9
40.9
20.6
20.6
N/A
N/A
2008
98
98
0.17
0.17
13.2
13.2
37.7
37.7
26.5
26.5
N/A
N/A
2007
97
97
0.20
0.20
14.5
14.5
37.5
37.5
23.8
23.8
N/A
N/A
2006
95
95
0.24
0.24
14.9
14.9
35.6
35.6
23.6
23.6
N/A
N/A
2005
102
102
0.23
0.23
15.4
15.3
36.4
36.4
22.2
22.2
N/A
N/A
2004
109
109
0.25
0.25
14.5
14.4
39.1
39.1
24.8
24.8
N/A
N/A
2003
112
113
0.27
0.27
15.0
14.9
38.1
38.1
26.4
26.4
N/A
N/A
2002
113
113
0.30
0.30
15.7
15.6
38.5
38.5
28.8
28.8
N/A
N/A
2001
103
103
0.39
0.39
15.8
15.7
37.8
37.8
25.9
25.9
N/A
N/A
2000
109
112
0.52
0.52
15.6
15.5
37.2
37.2
26.6
26.6
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
11%
10.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,695.2%
7,706.8%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
57%
57%
Transportation
Lancaster and North Antelope Valley are well connected by road and public transport. Lancaster's express bus services and Metrolink train service connect it to downtown LA, while Palmdale is likewise serviced. Both areas have good road connectivity, with easy access to state highways and interstates.
Transport
Type
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
159
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
Bicycle
0.3%
0.4%
Bus
0.7%
1.2%
Carpooled
11.6%
18.3%
Car alone
84.9%
73.9%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.4%
Railroad
0.5%
0.4%
Walked
1.2%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
Average
25.9 min
33.7 min
Real Estate
Housing prices are lower in Lancaster and North Antelope Valley compared to the California median. Lancaster offers a range of property types from townhouses to family homes while North Antelope offers similar choices, with some rural-type properties on its fringes.
Neighborhoods
Both Lancaster and North Antelope Valley have a diverse range of neighborhoods from more urban downtowns to more rural outskirts. Lancaster offers neighborhoods like Quartz Hill, known for its family-friendly vibe and high-ranking schools. North Antelope Valley includes neighborhoods like Sun Village, known for its more rural feel.
Houses and residents
Type
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
Houses
53,460
53,670
Average household size (people)
3.2
3.1
Houses occupied
51,333 (96%)
48,942 (91.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
29,878 (58.2%)
31,213 (63.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
21,455 (41.8%)
17,729 (36.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,086
$1,354
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$485,841
$1,138,428
Estimated median house or condo value
$377,200
$352,639
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.5
4.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
5.9
Renting percentage
39.6%
37.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
568.7
64.7
Household income disparities
46.3%
43.3%
Housing units without a mortgage
0 (0%)
3,829 (14.4%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
591 (2.8%)
55 (0.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
21,098 (100%)
22,735 (85.6%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
0 (0%)
1,147 (4.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
678 (3.2%)
3,833 (14.4%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
2,428
3,653
State government workers
3,166
2,596
Unpaid family workers
241
223
Industries and Occupations
In Lancaster, the largest industries include Educational Services, Healthcare & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade, while in North Antelope Valley, Retail Trade, Healthcare & Social Assistance, and Manufacturing dominate. The highest paying industries in Lancaster include Utilities, Public Administration, and Wholesale Trade.
Health Care
Both locations offer solid healthcare options. Lancaster features the Antelope Valley Hospital, a full-service, comprehensive healthcare facility, while North Antelope Valley is served by the Palmdale Regional Medical Center. Both hospitals offer a wide range of medical services.
Infrastructure
Lancaster takes pride in its well-maintained infrastructure. The city has made investments in solar energy and smart design, culminating in it becoming a net-zero city. North Antelope Valley also features significant infrastructure investments, particularly in transport with a focus on improving freeway access and public transportation.
Infrastructure
Type
Lancaster
North Antelope Valley
TV stations
3
3
Culture and Food
Lancaster is known for its annual California Poppy Festival and the Lancaster Performing Arts Center. The city has a good mix of local and international cuisine. North Antelope Valley doesn't have as many cultural events but does fall under the larger Palmdale area's cultural landscape, which offers art galleries and several dining options.
Sports Teams
Lancaster is home to the Lancaster JetHawks, a minor league baseball team while North Antelope Valley doesn't host any major sports teams but falls under the Los Angeles sports market.
Lancaster, CA
North Antelope Valley, CA
